FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Membership is open to all area businesses, non-profit organizations, and individuals who have a genuine interest in the betterment of Parkville.

The membership fee charged by the Parkville Chamber of Commerce is among the lowest in the state. Your dues pay the salary for a part-time executive director; expenses of running the office (postage, office supplies, insurance, telephone, internet, etc.); and promotional and marketing materials. During 2005 the Chamber moved our office into the Parkville railroad depot and dues for 2005 and 2006 have also been utilized for furniture, accessories, and signage.

With only 24 hours in a day, it is indeed a challenge to manage both our professional and personal lives. But how we schedule and manage our days is our choice. Opportunities are presented to you as a Chamber member, but it is up to you to take full advantage of them. Networking opportunities are available in the morning, after work, and occasionally (committee meetings) over lunch. And remember, attending events is not the only way to utilize your membership. Put an announcement about your business on the web site or utilize the Chamber mailing list. We want your participation and welcome any ideas you have.

Visibility leads to credibility, which leads to profitability. Sure, we believe in having a good time. Business is about relationships and people like to do business with people they know and like. And attending events, shaking some new hands, and getting to know people, will help you achieve this. Why should business be all work and no play?

All members are encouarged but pressured to become involved. We have five standing committees: Membership, Social, Fundraising, Communications/Promotions, and Railroad Museum. Contact the Chamber office to learn more.

That's the very reason for joining the Chamber now---as a new business you need all the visibility and promotion you can get. It's critical to get the word out. Membership allows you to be plugged into the community and kept informed of the goings-on in the business community. As a new business owner, not joining the Chamber because it is viewed as an "expense" rather than an "investment", may be a mistake. A thriving business cannot be built without investing in some basic essentials.

Unfortunately, the flip side of location can be cost---of which the Chamber has no control. You're fortunate to have a storefront downtown as it clearly a coveted, prime location. However, the brochures, web site, telephone calls, etc. utilized by the Chamber to promote and educate your business community, have a cost as well. The Chamber works to bring business to you; we need your support to enable the Chamber to continue to support you.

We follow our mission statement. At this time we are developing a volunteer program, the Pathfinders, to assist with various activities and events. Our executive recently completed a six week training program and is working with the Chamber Board to implement the many great ideas learned.

That's the very reason for joining the Chamber now---as a new business you need all the visibility and promotion you can get. It's critical to get the word out. Membership allows you to be plugged into the community and keep informed of the goings-on in the business community. As a new business owner, not joining the Chamber because it is viewed as an "expense" rather than an "investment”, may be a mistake. A thriving business cannot be built without investing in some basic essentials.

Excellent question. Parkville Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Parkville share several common goals. We encourage Chamber membership because the Chamber supports all of Parkville, not just the downtown area. Your financial support as a member enables us to better support the downtown area. The Chamber office receives hundreds of telephone calls each month and many of these pertain to downtown Parkville issues and questions. Our website is an excellent resource for Chamber members to display information about their business and also provides advertising opportunities at a very reasonable cost.