Become a Member of the Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce

Join us and enjoy the benefits of being a member of a Five-Star Accredited Chamber.

The Ocala / Marion County Chamber of Commerce is an accredited membership organization dedicated to business and by business. We are participating as an active voice in a dynamic community.

• See Chamber Overview
• Join now! Contact Jillienne Allgauer, at (352) 629-8051 ext. 224

Click the following links to learn more about the benefits of being a Chamber Member.

Membership listings: All Chamber members receive two complimentary listings in the Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce’s annual membership directory. Listings are presented in both a white pages format (arranged alphabetically), and a yellow pages format (listed by industry category). This publication is distributed to all Chamber members and is included as part of the official relocation package for individuals and corporations requesting information on relocating to the Ocala/Marion County area. The directory is also provided to those who visit the Chamber’s Visitor Center.

Member businesses receive a complimentary listing in the Chamber’s online Business Directory on the Chamber’s website, www.ocalacc.com. Member listings through www.ocalacc.com expose their member businesses to as many as 450,000 unique visitors per year! Included with each member listing at no charge is a hyperlink to the member’s website (if provided), a contact e-mail link and a map link to the member’s business provided by Yahoo! Maps. The online Business Directory is searchable by business name or category.

Exclusive access to advertising, marketing, networking and sponsorship opportunities: As a Chamber member, your business is eligible for valuable opportunities to market and advertise your business. Our marketing opportunities are available only to Chamber members and include low-cost advertising in various Chamber publications and online, affordable sponsorship opportunities to create visibility for your business and many opportunities to network your business.

BENEFIT: Increased Business

Priority Vendor status: Your Chamber does business with our members, and, as a member, you are part of our network of potential resources. When the Chamber needs a product or service, a Request for Bids is drafted and all members in the appropriate industry receive an invitation to bid on the project. Only if no member bids are received does the Chamber look outside of its membership for products/services. Be sure that we have your email, fax number and correct industry category to ensure that you receive your invitations to bid on future Chamber projects.

Referrals: As an integral community information hub, the Chamber receives many inquiries for business referrals each week. Your membership ensures that you are included in our database of businesses that are referred to call-in and walk-in visitors. Chamber team members refer only Chamber member businesses as preferred businesses to the hundreds of visitors each year who stop in or call to request Marion County area information. Each year your Chamber staff handles more than 36,000 incoming telephone calls, more than 5,000 written inquiries about Ocala and Marion County, and more than 14,000 personal visits by tourists and visitors.

BENEFIT: Recognition, credibility & influence

Development of a positive business reputation: In consumers’ minds, membership in the Chamber lends integrity and credibility to your business.

Membership recognition: Show off your support for our community by prominently displaying your Chamber membership certificate (complimentary display frame provided) and membership decal. These recognition items also serve to help members patronize fellow Chamber member businesses.

Newsletter recognition: New, renewing and referring members are recognized monthly in the Chamber’s Insight newsletter, which is posted monthly on the Chamber’s website.

Bilingual business recognition: The Chamber is proud to serve in such a truly unique and diverse community. Recognition is available for member businesses who have bilingual representatives available to your customers. If you do have bilingual staff members, and did not indicate so on your membership application, contact the Membership Relation Specialist, Amy Plant or at 629.8051, ext. 221 so that this fact can be noted in our system.

Platform to address business issues with state and local government officials: Your Chamber membership earns you a place among nearly 1,800 other Chamber members. This network is a powerful tool for addressing political and government issues facing the local business community. The Chamber serves as a contact for its members who wish to bring business issues to the attention of state and local government leaders. Business issues are studied and addressed by several Chamber committees, including the Business Services committee, Environmental committee and the Government Affairs committee. For more information on the Chamber’s government initiatives and programs, contact the Chamber’s VP of Business Development & Public Affairs, Evelio Silvera, at 629.8051, ext. 102.

BENEFIT: Savings & discounts

Affinity programs: Through strategic partnerships with various companies, the Chamber is able to offer exclusive savings opportunities on various products and services. Available affinity programs include discounted health insurance through VISTA HealthPlans, other insurance through AllState Insurance, job postings with NationJob and complimentary membership in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. For more information on these and other affinity programs, contact the Chamber’s Business Services department at 629.8051, and keep an eye on Chamber communications for new program announcements.

Member-to-Member discounts: The Chamber is your source for exclusive and valuable Member-to-Member saving opportunities! Many of our members have agreed to offer discunts to fellow Chamber Members.  To add your discount opportunity to your online directory listing, contact our VP of Business Development & Public Affairs, Evelio Silvera, at 629.8051, ext. 102.

BENEFIT: Awareness through regular communications

Weekly e-newsletter: Receive free news on Chamber events, programs and services through your complimentary subscription to the Chamber’s weekly email newsletter, “@thechamber.” Be sure to provide the Chamber with a valid e-mail address to ensure that you receive these communications.

Insight Newsletter: The Chamber’s periodic newsletter e-mailed to members and made available on the Chamber’s web site. The e-newsletter features post-event information and photographs, articles of interest to members, member business announcements, committee news, awards, current business, agri-business, government and tourism issues.

BENEFIT: Development & growth through training & education

Professional education & development opportunities: Throughout the year, the Chamber presents seminars on relevant topics. Seminars focus on current trends, new laws and regulations affecting business. During the past, members have attended seminars on Education, Healthcare, Governmental Issues, Drugs in the Workplace, Violence in the Workplace, Workers’ Compensation and many other issues. Watch the Chamber website and regular communications for the latest information on upcoming seminars.

Leadership training: The Chamber has organized several leadership programs, which are available for adults, youth, and senior citizens. The purpose of these programs is to familiarize potential community leaders with all aspects of Marion County. Experts in areas ranging from government to industry to cultural events serve as instructors for the annual leadership programs. To receive more information on any of our leadership programs, contact Miranda Riley, Director of Membership Programs, at 629.8051, ext. 106.

BENEFIT: Expansion through exclusive networking & involvement opportunities

Business After Hours: Network with hundreds of other member business professionals at the Chamber’s monthly Business After Hours event. Admission is free for Chamber members, and gives you access to many of the area’s most influential business people. For more information, watch your mail for your monthly invitation and keep an eye on our website.

Toast & Topics: The “Toast & Topics” breakfast series is a bi-monthly networking opportunity allowing attendees to learn how to resolve business issues and to network over breakfast. The event is open to the public, features door prizes and breakfast and provides attendees with the opportunity to share their short “commercial” in an effort to grow new and improve existing business relationships. Each session features short talks on current business issues affecting our community.

New Member Reception & Orientation: New and current members are invited to make new business contacts and meet the Chamber team as they learn about the benefits of membership and the opportunities for involvement. Orientation is held monthly. Watch your mail and email for notice of upcoming New Member Orientations.

Committees: The Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce has over one dozen committees and task forces organized to address Chamber and community issues and events. Members are encouraged to serve on a committee or task force to study issues impacting our community and to recommend positions on those issues.

BENEFIT: Efficiency through convenient access to professional services & resources

Certificates of Origin: A Certificate of Origin is a government document necessary for the shipment of goods out of the United States. The Chamber can validate these necessary forms for member businesses. These Certificates of Origin are available at no charge to business members who wish to export.

Notary Public: The Chamber provides complimentary Notary Public services for members. Simply stop by the Chamber office with the documents to be notarized and photo identification to take advantage of this free service.

Ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings & special events: The Chamber offers event support for member events such as grand openings, ribbon-cuttings, groundbreakings, anniversary celebrations, and other special events. This support is free for Chamber members and includes an event planning kit, Chamber representation at event (along with ceremonial scissors, ribbon, or shovels as necessary), and promotion of the event on the Chamber Ground Breakings & Ribbon Cuttings web page and newsletter.  For more information, contact Miranda Riley, Director of Membership Programs, at 629.8051, ext. 106. to request your complimentary Member Event Planning Package.

Membership mailing labels: Direct mail is a simple, low-cost option for marketing your business. As a Chamber member, you are eligible to purchase a set of mailing labels for the entire Chamber membership. This database of more than 1,800 local business contacts is a valuable tool to reach your fellow members. A full set of member mailing labels is available for $100 plus tax. To order a set of mailing labels, contact the Chamber at 629.8051 or email amy@ocalacc.com.

Clubs and organizations listing: The Chamber maintains a current list of all Marion County clubs and organizations. This list includes the name and address of the president of the club. This is an excellent tool for Chamber members to use for publicity efforts, to arrange speaking engagements, and to gain personal involvement in community activities. There is a $5.00 fee for this publication.

Relocation Subscription Service: The Chamber of Commerce Relocation Service (CCRS) is available to members at a yearly subscription cost, providing the names and addresses of potential new residents. The CCRS list is mailed once a month and contain an average of 50 names and addresses. Call the Chamber at 629.8051 to subscribe. Subscription cost: $120.00, plus tax per year.

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