Partner with the Ocala / Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership

Join the CEP and partner with us as we endeavor to improve our quality of life and build a strong base for economic development in Marion County.

The Ocala/Marion County Chamber and Economic Partnership (CEP) was formed with the goal of creating a one-stop approach to business retention, attraction and creation efforts. Moving Forward is our charge and it reflects our desire to be a unified voice and catalyst for the business community. By working together with our partners and community investors, we will continue to improve our quality of life and build a strong base for economic development in Marion County.

Join now! Email Felecia Prather or call (352) 629-8051

Click the following links to learn more about the benefits of being a CEP Partner

Partnership listings: All CEP partners receive two complimentary listings in the Ocala / Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership’s annual business 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 CEP partners 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 CEP's Relocation Center.

Partner businesses receive a complimentary listing in the CEP's online Business Directory on the CEP's website, www.OcalaCEP.com. These listings expose our partner businesses to as many as 450,000 unique visitors per year! Included with each partner listing, at no charge, is a hyperlink to the partner's website (if provided), a contact e-mail link and a map link to the partner'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 CEP partner, your business is eligible for valuable opportunities to market and advertise your business. Our marketing opportunities are available only to CEP members and include low-cost advertising in various CEP publications and online, affordable sponsorship opportunities to create visibility for your business and many opportunities to network your business.

BENEFIT: Increased Business

Referrals: As an integral community information hub, the CEP receives many inquiries for business referrals each week. Your partnership ensures that you are included in our database of businesses that are referred to call-in and walk-in visitors. CEP team members refer only CEP partners as preferred businesses to the hundreds of visitors each year who stop in or call to request Marion County area information. Each year your staff handles more than 36,000 incoming telephone calls, more than 1,000 written inquiries about Ocala and Marion County, and more than 5,000 personal visits by tourists and citizens.

BENEFIT: Recognition, Credibility & Influence

Development of a positive business reputation: In consumers’ minds, partnership in the CEP lends integrity and credibility to your business.  It shows consumers you are reputable, stable, and a community supporter. Click here to see the consumer preference study.

Partnership recognition: Show off your support for our community by prominently displaying your CEP Proud Partner certificate and Proud Partner decal.  These recognition items also serve to help partners patronize fellow CEP businesses.

Newsletter recognition: New, renewing and referring partners are recognized monthly in the CEP's newsletter, which is posted on our website.

Bilingual business recognition: The CEP 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 application, contact the CEP so that this fact can be noted in our system.

Platform to address business issues with state and local government officials: CEP partnership earns you a place among nearly 1,400 other member businesses. This network is a powerful tool for addressing political and government issues facing the local business community.  The CEP serves as a contact for its members who wish to bring business issues to the attention of state and local government leaders.

BENEFIT: Savings & Discounts

Affinity programs: Through strategic partnerships with various companies, the CEP is able to offer exclusive savings opportunities on various products and services. Available affinity programs include discounted office supplies through the Office Depot ChamberPerks program and complimentary membership in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. For more information on these and other affinity programs, contact the CEP at 352.629.8051, and keep an eye on CEP communications for new program announcements.

Partner Perks...Partner-to-Partner discounts: The CEP is your source for exclusive and valuable saving opportunities! Many of our partners have agreed to offer discunts to fellow CEP partners.   Additionally, you may post your own HOT DEAL for other partners (and anyone who visits www.OcalaCEP.com) to see!  A great way to drive additional customers to your site!

BENEFIT: Awareness Through Communications

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

The Forward Focus monthly newsletter: The CEP’s periodic newsletter e-mailed to members and made available on our web site. The e-newsletter features post-event information and photographs, articles of interest to partners, committee news, current business, and government issues.

BENEFIT: Development & Growth Through Training & Education

Professional education & development opportunities: Throughout the year, the CEP presents seminars on relevant topics. Our TuesdayTalks: Business Advancement Series focuses on current trends, business basics and regulations affecting business.  During the past, partners have attended seminars on Education, Healthcare, Social Media Marketing, Workers’ Compensation and many other issues. Watch the CEP website and regular communications for the latest information on upcoming seminars.

Leadership training: The CEP has organized several leadership programs, which are available for adults (LOM), youth (LOMY) , emerging leaders (ELO) and experienced leaders (RPEG) . 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.

BENEFIT: Expansion Through Exclusive Networking Opportunities

Business After Hours: Network with hundreds of other business professionals at the CEP's monthly Business After Hours event. Admission is free for CEP partners 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.

New Partner Orientation: New and current partners are invited to make new business contacts and meet the CEP team as they learn about the benefits of partnership and the opportunities for involvement. Orientation is held monthly. Watch your mail and email for notice of upcoming Connection to Essentials of Partnership.

Committees: The Ocala / Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership has over one dozen committees and task forces organized to address CEP and community issues and events. Partners 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 CEP can validate these necessary forms for partner businesses. These Certificates of Origin are available at no charge to business partners who export.

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

Ribbon cuttings, ground breakings & special events: The CEP offers event support for partner events such as grand openings, ribbon-cuttings, groundbreakings, anniversary celebrations, and other special events. This support is free for CEP partners and includes an event planning kit, CEP representation at event (along with ceremonial scissors, ribbon, or shovels as necessary), and promotion of the event on the CEP Ground Breakings & Ribbon Cuttings web page and newsletter.  For more information, contact the CEP at 352.629.8051, to request your complimentary Partner Event Planning Package.

Partnership mailing labels: Direct mail is a simple, low-cost option for marketing your business. As a CEP partner, you are eligible to purchase a set of mailing labels for the entire CEP partnership. This database of more than 1,300 local business contacts is a valuable tool to reach your fellow partners. A full set of mailing labels is available for $100 plus tax.

Relocation Subscription Service: The Chamber & Economic Partnership Relocation Service (CEPRS) is available to partners at a yearly subscription cost, providing the names and addresses of potential new residents. The CEPRS list is mailed once a month and contain an average of 40 names and addresses. Call the CEP at 629.8051 to subscribe. Subscription cost: $120.00, plus tax per year.

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