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SEPTEMBER 2007Study Shows Chamber Membership Boosts Company’s Image A new national study reveals that membership in a local chamber of commerce can significantly boost a business’s image among consumers, as well as among other businesses. In a scientific survey of 2000 U.S. adults, The Schapiro Group, an Atlanta-based strategic consulting firm, found positive perceptions of chamber members in a number of areas, including overall favorability, consumer awareness and reputation, and likelihood of future patronage. The study, commissioned by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), IBM, Administaff, Small Business Network, Inc., and Market Street Services, showed that when respondents were told that a particular small business was a member of its local chamber, they were 44 percent more likely to rate it favorably than study respondents who were not told of the chamber affiliation. Respondents were also 63 percent more likely to want to purchase goods or services from a small business that is a chamber member. Did you know??? Private investment in the redevelopment of Silver Spring is up to $2 billion since revitalization began. The original $450 million in public investment continues to spur new private projects. Update on Silver Place Redevelopment The redevelopment of the Maryland National Park & Planning Commission’s headquarters, known as Silver Place is still in very preliminary stages, according to a recent letter from Planning Board Chair Royce Hanson. The letter, sent to community groups and stakeholders explained that the Planning Board has scheduled an executive session this week Thursday to consider a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will clarify the respective roles and responsibilities of the public and private partners, previously selected. Hanson’s letter emphasized that the MOU does not involve building size or design decisions and that no design has yet been selected. He said and that meetings will be scheduled with neighboring communities and stakeholders as the process moves forward to produce a design that can meet the needs of the Commission and achieve housing goals in a way that adds amenity to the site and is compatible with the neighboring communities. State Senator Rona Kramer to Lead Delegation State Senator Rona Kramer, representing the northernmost areas of greater Silver Spring through Burtonsville, was elected by her colleagues last week to lead the Montgomery County Senate delegation. Senator Kramer, also President and General Council of Kramer Enterprises, serves as on the Budget and Taxation Committee September Networking Breakfast to Feature “Speed Networking” Get ready to make more new business contacts than ever before in just one morning. Join the Chamber on Wednesday, September 12, for Silver Spring’s first ever “speed networking” event at the Taste of Jerusalem. Continental breakfast will be available between 7:30 a.m. and 7:50 a.m. only. “Speed networking” will begin promptly at 7:55 a.m. Bring a Guest to September’s After Hours at Provident Bank Mark your calendar and bring a guest to GSSCC’s Business After Hours from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 26 at Provident Bank (8730 Georgia Avenue). Members who bring a prospective member to GSSCC’s After-Hours during September and October will receive two free tickets to “Discover the Taste of Silver Spring,” providing their guest joins the Chamber before November 1, 2007. Registered guests of GSSCC members will be admitted free to the September or October “After Hours.” Call to RSVP by Monday, September 24. Silver Spring Jazz Festival – Saturday, September 8. Details at www.silverspringdowntown.com. Back |
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