REFERRAL PREFERENCE: When inquiries come to the Chamber office, a member business is the first, and in some cases, the only business referred.
AFTER5 NETWORKING: Each month a different member business presents the opportunity for fellow and prospective members to gather together in an informal social setting to form new business and personal contacts while highlighting their own business. Download the After5 Agreement
WEB: WOMEN ENGAGED IN BUSINESS is our Chamber's Professional Women in Business Progarm. Women in the workforce meet the 1st Wednesday of the month to enhance and better work, personal and social lives. Networking, idea sharing, round table issues and learning from each other are main focus points. Business presentations and speakers are also part of the program.
MONTHLY BOARD MEETINGS: Held the 4th Monday of each month in Borough Council Chambers at 13-15 E High St. Meetings begin at 8:05am and end at 9:30am. Check our calendar for any date changes. There is usually no meeting held in July or December.
REPRESENTATION ON LEGISLATIVE ISSUES: Chamber members have their needs represented through the Chamber and collective voice representation in front of our local lawmakers.
CHAMBER SPONSORED BUSINESS EXPO: Held annually in October in the Manheim Central High School Gymnasium during Farm Show Week, an opportunity to showcase your business and services to well over 1,500 visitors in a professional setting. Check our Expo page for current info.
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING BREAKFAST: Held annaully, members hear, meet and interact with local legislative and business leaders representing our interests. Our 2010 breakfast was held in October at the newly refurbished Train Station and hosted Geoff Graybill updating progresses of the 250th Anniversary Celebration of Manheim in 2012. Invitations to the event are sent to members in late summer.
BREAKFAST MEETINGS AND NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES: Opportunities throughout the year, sometimes with legistators and community leaders and sometimes with a member business. A message, speaker or business representation to members - various venues.
COMMITTEE INVOLVEMENT: As a member you have the opportunity to serve on a committee of your interest. Grow community, business, chamber and yourself and expose your creative expertise.
SIMILAR INTEREST GROUPS: Establish connection between professional groups. Service, hospitality, industrial, artistic, technical, and financial among other related organizations, together can learn ways to promote business through meeting and sharing similar topics, successes and frustrations.
COMMITTEES FORMING NOW:
PR and Event Team: Plans any major events of interest, continues to promote After5 Networking Events and looks at new ways to promote the interests of our members.
Membership and Benefit Team: This committee brainstorms ways to increase membership, improve benefits to members, and keep member interests at the forefront of chamber activities.
EDUCATION AND SEMINARS: The Chamber traditionally offers seminars to members on various topics. Previous seminars have covered customer service, hiring, interviewing and marketing topics. Seminars are being considered at this time
EXPO Committee Use your talent to help plan and executive our annaul show that takes place in October during Farm Show Week.
BI-MONTHLY NEWSLETTER: Offer your business and technical talents to help the "News and Views" be sent to members and community interests. Current event listing and coverage, topics of interest, business and professional updates and opportunities for members.
ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES: * "Spotlight on Business" newsletter article
* Newsletter insert
* Business Bulletin Board and Business in the News Newsletter Articles
*Website Business Listing-Your business is listed at www.manheimchamber.com on the member directory page with your website linked to the Chamber's site.
*Coming: Website advertising opportunities
*Member Business Directory in the planning, also providing advertising opportunities
* Local newspaper advertisments through the Chamber-two new opportunities!
ANNUAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY: The Chamber has provided an Annual Business Directory to area residents and businesses in the past. The Directory is currently in revision and will soon be available in a brand new format and serve as exposure and advertising for members. It will be distributed through newspaper, available at key business locations, become part of relocation packages and another avenue for advertisement. All current Chamber members are listed in the directory and will also include area and community information. Make sure the chamber has your current information at all times.
HEALTHCARE INSURANCE THROUGH PCI:
Pennsylvania Chamber Insurance, Inc., the insurance subsidiary of the PA Chamber, is the largest healthcare buying coalition in Pennsylvania and the only place where small to midsize companies can enjoy the same health care benefits as a Fortune 500 company.
With more than 5,000 employers and 70,000 participants, PCI Insurance is Highmark Blue Shield's Small Business Employee Benefit Solution. The PCI insurance programs offer the flexibility of choice and a complete menu of benefit selections: multiple Highmark Blue Shield health options, dental, vision, life and disability, in addition to simplified administration and a Section 125 tax-savings plan. We have one of the best companies available working with us.
For more information about the PCI benefit solutions, please call PCI Insurance at 800.755.3021 or visit www.pciinsurance.com
REDUCE AND MANAGE ENERGY EXPENSES WITH APPI
Manheim Area Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Affiliated Power Purchasers International (APPI) to provide the Powerful Solutions Program, an exclusive member benefit that assists members in managing and reducing their energy expenses. APPI navigates the maze of energy deregulation by negotiating favorable “real-time” pricing and contract terms and conditions with competitive energy suppliers across the country. APPI provides energy procurement services with minimal time commitment and no upfront cost.
Details of APPI’s Energy Procurement Process:
Discuss Member’s current status, develop a procurement strategy and a plan of action
Retrieve, analyze, and review account information and usage data
Formulate an electronic Request For Proposal (“RFP”)
Submit RFPs to qualified competitive energy suppliers
Utilize an online reverse auction platform, where applicable
Process responses from suppliers to the RFPs and review responses with Member
Process all documents and implement the Member’s energy service with the new supplier
Provide ongoing consulting and account service to Member for the duration of the term of the agreement
Monitor energy markets, suppliers, and prices and review information with Member
APPI’s mission and operating model are based on one premise: providing superior, independent consulting services that manage and decrease energy expenses. Visit APPI on the web at www.appienergy.com.
