Chamber Information

A voluntary organization, the Grove Area Chamber of Commerce is comprised of approximately 400 businesses and individuals who have joined together to promote the community’s civic and commercial progress.

The caliber of work that is done by the Chamber is directly related to the area’s economic well-being, which is why the business economy and future growth of the area have been greatly impacted by the Grove Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber’s two primary functions are to:

• Act as a spokesperson for the business and professional community, and translate into action the group thinking of its members; and
• Provide specific services that can be effectively rendered by an organization, both to its members and the community as a whole.

Organization of the Chamber

Membership- The Chamber members are its stockholders. Their opinions and needs serve as the input for developing goals, objectives, and action plans of the Chamber.

Board of Directors- The Board of Directors is the policymaking body of the Chamber. Its members represent the business, professional and individual leadership of the community. The board consists of 15 elected members and two members appointed by the chairman of the board. Each year, five board members are elected to serve three-year terms, and the two appointees by the chairman serve one year terms.

Executive Committee- The Executive Committee consists of four members who also serve as board of directors. The executive committee slate consists of chairman of the board, chairman-elect, immediate past chair and the secretary/treasurer. The president serves as a non-voting member of the executive committee.

Divisions- The Chamber operates under a division concept. It is organized into four divisions - Administration, Business Development, Community Development and Membership Development. Each division has selected committees that fall within their area of interest.

Committees- A committee system is the most effective means of harnessing the energies and abilities of member volunteers. A committee’s responsibility is to carry out the goals and objectives set forth through the Chamber’s Annual Plan of Action.

Staff- The administration of the Chamber is governed by the president who is responsible for successful implementation and coordination of programs, services and activities approved by the board of directors.

Financing

The Grove Area Chamber of Commerce is funded by investment of its members and special funding from programs and events. The maintenance of an adequate level of support from businesses and individuals of the community is essential to finance the efforts of the Chamber that are vital to community growth and development.

The Chamber’s member investments are designed as a fair share investment program. The investment levels include schedules by number of employees, financial investment levels, non-profit/associate investments, and individual/ retired individual investments.

The Grove Area Chamber of Commerce also has a Lead Investor Program that allows all members or prospective members to participate in helping underwrite the broadened scope of services provided by the Chamber. Members invest above their annual investment.

Other forms of funding include sponsorship of programs and special events, fees for special services, and advertising fees.

What’s it All About?

Investing in the Chamber is something everyone should do - that is, everyone who is interested in the development of the community, networking their business, and those who have an enlightened selfinterest. If you live, work, play or do business in the Grove area, then the economic viability and livability of your community should be of concern to you.

The Grove Area Chamber of Commerce:

• Is the voice of the business community working collectively for you by speaking loudly, clearly and regularly on behalf of business;
• Has economic impact with visitors, new residents and new businesses by being the spokesperson and a business partner who provides information about, and promotion of, the community. The Chamber is typically the first place a visitor, new resident, prospective new resident, or business prospect will visit;
• Provides community vision and leadership development. The Chamber charts a positive course for Grove’s future through numerous programs;
• Promotes tourism and business development;
• Is your connection between government and community entities;
• Creates the way for a healthy and profitable business climate; and
• Has a full-time staff of three, two part-time employees and a volunteer board to assist all members.

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