I’m proud to share the outstanding results of our first-ever Grow
Campaign. This campaign exceeded financial expectations and ignited
new engagement, growth, and momentum for our Chamber and its
members.
Our Chamber community raised an incredible $102,175 beyond our initial
$75,000 goal. This support came from 93 businesses, including 42 first
time sponsors and 35 new members. Even more impressive: 150 unique
sales were made during the campaign, and several of our programs and
events sold out of sponsorships, a strong signal that our members believe
in our work.
When we started this effort, the board had three primary goals for the
Grow Campaign:
- Stimulate meaningful member engagement
- Create a consistent, transparent pricing platform for Chamber products
- Ensure revenue diversification and long-term sustainability
Each of these goals was exceeded. However, the most exciting progress
was in Goal 1: Member Engagement. Thirty-four business community
volunteers gave their time and talent to engage with this effort, grow their
network, and assist in building a stronger, more connected economy.
With the help of these incredible volunteers, more than one-third of
chamber members supported the campaign and will enjoy the benefits
of exposure, connection, and growth. We witnessed our first example
of this increased engagement at this year’s Legislative Breakfast with a
record-breaking 142 attendees, a powerful example of how our members
are leaning into Chamber programs more than ever. We anticipate our
attendance will continue to grow throughout the year!
This was a genuine team effort. I’m incredibly proud of our Chamber
staff, Allison Schultz and Lindsay Shepherd, whose attention to detail
and leadership throughout the campaign brought energy, creativity, and
stability to the entire process. Their work allowed our volunteers to shine
and our members to feel valued and supported.
As we look ahead to 2025, the Chamber is committed to delivering
even more value through innovative programming, deeper outreach,
and expanded services that reflect your needs. With your continued
involvement, we will build on this momentum and ensure the Chamber
remains a vital partner in your business success.
Thank you for your trust, enthusiasm, and belief in the power of collaboration.
Committed to Growth, Gina Suydam
