What is the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce and what does it do?
Established in 1974, the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce is a 501 (c) 6 business organization made up of approximately 300 businesses and organizations of all sizes.
The Lakewood Chamber believes that when local businesses succeed, so does our community. Our mission is to provide opportunities for our members through education, marketing, networking, and advocacy to ensure that we have a strong local economy.
What area does the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce cover?
We are a regional Chamber that covers the Cities of Lakewood, DuPont, University Place, Parkland, Spanaway, Puyallup, Fife and Tacoma.
Is the Lakewood Chamber a city, state or federal government entity?
No. The Chamber is an independent, membership based, non-profit organization. We do have a contract for tourism services with the City of Lakewood to promote the city to travelers and meeting planners.
What is the structure of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce?
The policies and programs of the Chamber are determined by a volunteer Board of Directors. They, in turn, employ a paid President/CEO, whose responsibility is to organize and execute the Chamber’s programs and carry out its policies. The President has paid support staff to help.
Why would I need to join the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce?
The Chamber provides opportunities on a daily basis for you to grow your business or organization. We have over 85 events and programs annually and are always adding new and exciting options to our calendar of events. There are opportunities to fit every member’s needs, schedule and interests. For more information about our programs and events please click here. If you are interested in finding out more information about the Chamber, please contact our office at 253-582-9400 or chamber@lakewood-wa.com.
What specific benefits do members of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce receive?
Besides the immediate credibility for your business belonging to the Chamber, there are so many benefits, programs and activities that you get with your investment in the Chamber. Many of these benefits are absolutely free, including networking events, seminars as well as advertising/marketing click here for full benefits.
Who are members of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce?
Our members represent all types of businesses and industries both small and large. Examples of our members include financial services, retail, health care, lodging, education, and real estate services. Whether you just started your business or have been in business for decades, our staff is here to support you and provide you with the resources relevant to your business or organization.
What does it cost?
Membership dues correlate with the number of full time equivalent employees, as well as a tiered system where you can opt for the level of services you desire. Click here for dues information.
Can I attend functions and events as a non-member?
Prospective members are allowed to attend two events before deciding whether or not they’d like to join. We also have some events that are free and open to the public. If an event is open to the public, it will be indicated on the events calendar.
How can I be involved?
We have several committees made up of volunteer members. When you join one of our committees you deepen the network you form at mixers, seminars and other Chamber Events. It’s a great way to make a difference in the community, represent and increase your businesses’ visibility ~ and take advantage of all of the benefits that the Chamber has to offer! See our list of committees here.
How do I know if a business belongs to the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce?
You can look up all of our members at our website. We also have hard copies of our Membership Directory available in our office, as well as in digital format. They are free, available to the public and include a lot of great information about the Lakewood area. Click here for a digital copy.
Do you have Chamber members that are not based in Lakewood?
Yes! No matter where your business is located, if you conduct business in the greater Lakewood/South Sound region ~ or are looking to grow your business in the area, then you should become a member of the Lakewood Chamber. Our networking events, programs and services will help you increase your customer base, while our communications will keep you abreast of developments in the region that may affect your business.
Should I join if I don’t have the time to attend any events?
We know you’re busy running your business and understand you don’t have the luxury of closing shop to attend many outside activities. Regardless of whether you attend events, we serve as your “extra employee” to alert you to laws/regulatory issues that could impact your ability to do business, provide lots of free and low cost ways to advertise your business ~ and we promote and refer your business to residents and out of town visitors.
We do provide morning, afternoon and evening events to accommodate even the busiest of schedules. And, if you find any time of day tough, keep in mind that your employees are members of the Chamber too! Send one or several of your up-and-comers to a fun event as a perk. It’ll help build morale and an opportunity to groom your staff to the next level!
I’ve attended networking events before and people have been very “cliquey”. Is this how your events are?
No cliques here! Not only will our staff and Ambassadors strive to provide a welcoming atmosphere – our members do too! And with the addition of our Board of Directors, there will always be a friendly face at our events to introduce you to other members. We truly pride ourselves on the atmosphere of our events and many of our members (and potential members) have also commented about how welcomed they feel.
My business is doing well and I really don’t need the exposure. Why should I join?
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. If you’re not continuously looking for new opportunities and networks, your business will not grow. We’re here to assist you by offering you B2B and B2C opportunities. After all, who doesn’t want more business?
I was a member before and didn’t get anything out of it. What would make this time around different?
The Chamber continues to add many events and programs based on the interest and feedback of our members. Whether it’s a joint after hours, social media and human resource seminars, legislative updates and calls to action or connections with our military partners at JBLM, there really is something for everyone. Our focus is not on collecting business cards and “hard” selling. We offer many opportunities for “warm” introductions to establish long-term business relationships.
You get the most out of your membership if you take advantage of the benefits. The network you form and the exposure you receive is tremendous.
If I can’t attend events, then why should I join?
There are many other benefits you can take advantage of.
You probably don’t have time to research and lobby your local and state lawmakers about legislation that impacts your business. We notify you of specific issues that you should be aware of. Easy to follow directions, emails and even templates to use to write to your elected officials make all the difference in who they listen to. The Chamber also goes on record and testifies and sends correspondence advocating on behalf of our member businesses. Together we can make a difference.
- Digital & Print Directory: First and foremost, your business will be listed on the Chamber’s website that receives over 5,000 visitors a month. Our directory is open for anyone to see – no usernames or passwords required. You will also be in the digital directory.
- Referrals: The Chamber refers members first.
- Social Media Exposure: Contact the Chamber to share your marketing materials and event information via Social Media for free.
- Blog and Share your Information on the Chamber’s Website: Create a member profile and share your info on the Chamber website.
- Support: The Chamber has many business resource partners that they can refer you to. They will introduce you to other members that compliment your business.
Can I use the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce logo on my website and marketing material?
Yes, we encourage all of our members to use our logo and link it directly to our website. Email Scott Jonson and he will email it over to you.
I’m looking to start my own company. Should I join the Lakewood Chamber before I actually establish my business?
We love when new businesses join the Chamber! However, we recommend that you join us after your business is established. In the meantime, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with a SCORE Counselor for business mentoring aimed at start-ups and entrepreneurs. You can contact them at xxx-xxx-xxxx.
Who do I contact about:
- Joining the Chamber? Sue Boguszewski.
- Accounts payable or receivable? Scott Jonson.
- Attending an event? Scott Jonson.
- Sponsoring an event? Linda Smith.
- Getting involved on a committee? Linda Smith.
- Hosting a mixer or an event? Linda Smith.
- Hosting a ribbon cutting? Sue Boguszewski.
- Scheduling a seminar? Linda Smith.
- Receiving newcomer information? The Chamber has a wealth of information about the Greater Lakewood area. Use the menu tab at the top and look under Our Town or call us during business hours at 253-582-9400.
- Receiving tourist information? The Lakewood Chamber has a wealth of information about visiting Lakewood and beyond. Use the menu tab at the top and look under Tourist Information or call us at 253-582-9400.
- Website or Social Media? Linda Smith.
For additional questions, call our front desk at 253-582-9400 and our helpful staff will be happy to assist you.