Networking Businesses to Enhance Economic Opportunities”

            The Somerset County Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit corporation dedicated to promoting this region as a superior locale in which to live, work, vacation and conduct business.  Membership consists of all sizes of businesses representing agriculture, financial, health, manufacturing, media, retailing, service, and tourism.  Membership also includes various organizations such as service clubs, churches, elected officials, and individual associate members. The common thread is that all members share an interest in enhancing and improving the economy and quality of life in our region through networking opportunities.

Your Chamber membership entitles you to...

MEMBERSHIP SERVICES

Chamber Progress – Monthly newsletter keeping you informed on current business issues and Chamber activities.  Many local colleges and organizations conducting classes/seminars on business-related topics also utilize “Chamber Progress” to alert you to educational opportunities.  Chamber membership enables you to take advantage of a reasonably priced marketing opportunity to insert advertising in the Chamber newsletter.

e-Dispatch – our newest communication effort comes to you by email, twice a month, with up-to-date Chamber news and information.

Internet Website – Your company is listed alphabetically and by business category on the Chamber website at www.somersetcountychamber.com.  Links from your listing to your own homepage are FREE to all members.  New to Chamber Members: You may register on-line for Chamber Events, and place your order on-line for Chamber brochures and booklets. The website receives between 3,500 & 5,000 visits per month.

Micro-Revolving Loan Program - Chamber Members involved in tourism have access to a micro-revolving loan program that provides access to funds for small projects or to compliment a larger project.  Minimum loans are $2,000.00 and the maximum is $10,000.00.  The maximum participation of the loan fund is 50% of the total project.  To be eligible businesses must be members of the Somerset County Chamber of Commerce and the Laurel Highlands Visitor’s Bureau at the time of the application and remain members of both organizations for the term of the loan. The loan is administered through the Somerset County Economic Development Council on behalf of the Somerset County Commissioners.

A Conveniently Located Office and Information Center – Open Monday to Saturday and staffed with a full-time Executive Director, full-time Office Manager and other support staff.  The information center, operated in conjunction with the Laurel Highlands Visitor’s Bureau, is staffed by Chamber employees and RSVP volunteers and has hosted over 100,000 visitors since it opened.  As a member, your brochures and/or business cards can be displayed here.

Chamber Business Directory – Your business will be listed in this directory under the categories of your choice. The booklet is distributed to all Chamber members and county-wide to tourists, to new and long-time residents seeking a particular service, bank, or library, to businesses interested in locating to the county, and others. ONLY CHAMBER MEMBERS ARE INCLUDED. In this way we recommend only our members to the public.

Group Hospitalization Plan Through Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield – Available to you, if qualified, upon becoming a Chamber member.  Visit the Chamber Choice website at www.ccsc.net.

Guide to Somerset County – Tourism related Chamber member businesses are listed in this guide in categories like lodging, dining, recreation, attractions & historical sites, hiking, biking & outdoor recreation, specialty shopping, etc. This booklet is distributed from our office to visitor, in packets to those relocating to Somerset County , and to hotels, motels and restaurants for general distribution. The Laurel Highlands Visitor’s Bureau also distributes guides throughout Fayette, Westmoreland & Somerset Counties.

Small Business Development Center – A representative is available two Fridays each month to help with questions concerning starting a new business, preparing a business plan and improving or expanding an existing business.

CHAMBER  PROJECTS  MADE  POSSIBLE

THROUGH  MEMBER  INVOLVEMENT

College Fair                                                                              Progress Tours

County Brochures                                                                      Leadership Somerset County

Job Fair                                                                                                Legislative Seminars

Antique Show                                                                           Annual Awards Dinner

Membership Directory                                                               Monthly Networking Events

Annual Golf Outing                                                                    America ’s County BBQ

INFORMATION AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

Somerset County Chamber of Commerce Website with links to dozens of business-related websites

Somerset County Image Book

Somerset Area Criss-Cross Directory by Dickman, Inc.

Local Clubs and Organizations List

Worldwide Chamber of Commerce Directory

Somerset Borough/Somerset County/Pennsylvania Maps

Marketing Data

National Tollfree Directory

Monthly Calendar of Events

Brochures from over 400 businesses and attractions in the region

REPRESENTATION IN THESE ORGANIZATIONS

Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry

Laurel Highlands Visitor’s Bureau

Southern Alleghenies Planning & Development Commission

Southern Alleghenies Workforce Investment Board

Somerset Co. Technology Center Advisory Council

The United States Chamber of Commerce

Allegany College of Maryland Advisory Council

Southern Tier Education Council

Private Industry Council

Team PA Career Link

Continental One Alliance

Please join us in making Somerset County a place

where we can all be proud to live.

Remember, one voice may not be heard, but over 750 will!