The Makings of a good Chamber
With the New Year brings reflection with plans and goals for the year ahead. Last year the Chamber spent a great deal of time creating systems and processes for document storage, orientation notes, templates for events, new bylaws, new videos, and a new look that ties in our two responsibilities – supporting our businesses, and tourism. Our Shop Local campaigns remind us of how lucky we are to have so many goods and services close by. Your membership supports your business and those around you.
That’s nice – So where do I find a business around here?
The Western Wheel creates a phone book that lists businesses; Chamber members are bolded. www.visitbraggcreek.com which is the Chamber website, and has a business directory.
$$$ Your membership means people can find your business$$$
We all know about Social Media, and, whether we want to use it or not, it provides a powerful tool to market your business. Last year Bragg Creek and Area Chamber of Commerce spent $19,163 on marketing via YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Print, TV, and Radio advertising, along with our Shop Local, and Arts, Eats and Beats event. Instagram Ads: 3 separate videos. In total, 238,891 people saw the videos at least once; there were 505,216 impressions (Number of times the videos were on screen for the targeted audience) YouTube Ads: 3 separate videos. In total approximately 43900 viewed the videos; there were 86,500 impressions.
The most viewed age range is 45-64. We have a complete spreadsheet of demographics if you would like to have it, please email office@braggcreekchamber.com to receive.
Now we see who is coming here, from where, and demographics which is helpful for YOUR future marketing plans. In addition, the Chamber will host two events this year: Arts, Eats and Beats again in September, and this spring a yet to be named local business trade fair meet and greet. We would be happy for additional support from you to help with this. You do not have to be on the Board to contribute!
Memberships and money:
We rely on grants and funding from Tourism Alberta and Rocky View County for Chamber endeavours; and your membership fees. We are volunteers. Your contribution of $130.00 plus GST a year provides you a place on the wondrous web where people can find you.
Join our Newsletter:
This is free, and you don’t need to have a business to join, just sign up on our website www.visitbraggcreek.com.
What’s happening?
Remember to check our social events calendar! You will see that Bragg Creek Performing Arts is planning a dinner theatre and concert April 1. Their goal of supporting local business to bring the joy of music to our area is welcome! I have to say how much fun it has been going to the Snowbirds drop in every Thursday. What a great way to meet our Community! And good for Business too.
Our next Membership meeting is March 15, 7-830 PM, at The Post. We are not hosting a meeting in February rather want to run something by you this way, in order for us to plan next month.
Business fair and meet and greet:
Are you interested in these two ideas?
- A outside spring time, ‘meet and greet’ Business Fair and a meet your neighbour event.
- Having a booth at the Farmers Market this summer where you can be present and showcase your business. Different businesses would rotate each weekend.
We would advertise this to encourage folks to come and shop local.
Last year a volunteer created a ‘Welcome Basket’. Your business could be added to this to let newcomers to the area know about you. I’m sure you have noticed the many, many posts from locals seeking services and asking for recommendations on social media. Most of us like to buy from people we have met, or who are referred, so these ideas support your business growth. Would you like to participate? There is no cost.
I’d like to hear from you. I can be reached at 403-519-5998, or coach@sherriolsen.com.
The makings!
Ah, and now back to the makings of a good Chamber. Our website describes this as The Four Pillars which are: Community Promotion, Advocacy, Membership, and Economic Development.
Each Pillar provides a guide to light the path forward for this next year. We need your membership fees, and your boots on ground help to support our community and economy.
Shout out to:
Our new Directors! Thank you Brett Schonekess from Bragg Creek Distillers and Harmke de Bruin from Hooked on Bragg for joining the team. We look forward to working with you and learning from you.
To our continued volunteers:
Joanne Birbeck – the Chamber quite frankly would not exist without you. You take on all the jobs no one else will. From grant writing, figuring out computer programs to build maps and brochures, finding old documents, to any and all deemed tedious jobs, you raise your hand.
For all the many many volunteer hours that you do, thank you.
Ian Greenhalgh – our IT man, recruiter, and being a needed kitchen guy during Arts, Eats and
Beats. Keep inviting folks to the meetings Ian!
Sunil Mattu – our Governance guy who makes sure I remember to call a Motion!
Neil Maclaine – our long standing contributor for needed history, the man who can make us laugh during a meeting, and for taking on the big bylaw re-do last year.
Taylor Clarkson – our youngest demographic who is a business student, and cafe owner. She will be sending out a survey to you all soon.
Thank you to all for your dedication, effort and helpful spirit that makes Bragg Creek a great place to work and live.
Cheers!
Sherri Olsen
President
