The Southwest Michigan First Chamber supports the mission of Southwest Michigan First, not only in its support of economic prosperity for all, but also through strengthening our existing small business community. A strong small business presence is a proven key attractor for new businesses and a reason why families, existing companies and their employees want to stay here.
Whether you employ three or thousands, the Southwest Michigan First Chamber is here to support and connect your business to the resources in our community. We serve members of every size. We invite you to join us in this mission today!
Why Join the Chamber?
When you join the Southwest Michigan First Chamber, you are helping us foster a pro-business environment, build strong businesses and communities and enhance the quality of life in southwest Michigan. Plus, did you know that when consumers know that a small business is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 44% more likely to think favorably of it and 63% more likely to purchase goods or services from the company in the future? (Source)
The Chamber saves you time and money, in addition to these other benefits, including:
- Increased Visibility – You’ll receive a “Proud Member of the Southwest Michigan First Chamber” decal to display on your website or your front door. Plus, you’ll be listed in a searchable directory along with hundreds of other businesses.
- Increased Access – We help you get connected to the people and resources you need to further your business.
- Advocacy – We work with elected officials, from the State to your neighborhood, to make sure your voice gets heard and considered.
- Networking – Attend our Chamber events to meet new people, generate ideas and be in the know about what’s going on in our community.
- Low-Cost Advertising – From sponsorship opportunities to our weekly email newsletter that goes to nearly 14,000 engaged partners, we get people involved in supporting your business.
- Business Service Provider Discounts – Your membership pays for itself when you take advantage of discounts on business services and most types of insurance, including healthcare, worker’s compensation and auto.
- Training and Education – We provide monthly programs to help you do business better, often at little to no cost for members. Plus, with our team of experts and consultants, we offer complimentary one-on-one consultations that fit your schedule.
2023 Membership Benefits and Tiers
Individual/Affiliate Membership – $100
Available for additional locations of the same brand/company, or for individual representatives of a member company
- Access to Business Support Services
- Access to local, State, and Federal advocacy*
- Complimentary Registration to Select Events
- Discounted/Member Pricing for Select Events
- Complimentary Conference Room Use (Southwest Michigan First offices – subject to availability)
- Proud Member Decal (cling and/or digital)
- Access to Member Discounts
Chamber Promoter Level Member – $250
Perfect for smaller revenue businesses, non-profits, or for first year companies
- Access to Business Support Services
- Access to local, State and Federal advocacy*
- Complimentary Registration to Select Events
- Discounted/Member Pricing for Select Events
- Receive Member-Only Email Blast
- Complimentary Conference Room Use (Southwest Michigan First offices – subject to availability)
- Proud Member Decal (cling and/or digital)
- Access to Member Discounts
- Ability to Offer Member Discounts
- Business listing in the Chamber Member Digital Directory
Chamber Leader Level Member – $500
Ready to get engaged and grow your business with the Chamber? Start here!
- Everything you’d receive with the Chamber Promoter Level Membership, plus:
- Eligible for Chamber Ambassador or Advisory Role
- Discounted cost for Certificates of Origin
- Complimentary Celebratory Events (ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings, major announcements, etc.)
Chamber Champion Level Member – $1,000
Companies ready to increase their profile and level of community engagement
- Everything you’d receive with the Chamber Leader Level Membership, plus:
- Complimentary feature article in First & 42 newsletter and website
- Ability to Submit Unlimited Job Postings on First & 42 newsletter and website
- Discounted and Preferred booking priority for the Catalyst Event Center (Warner Building, downtown Kalamazoo)
- Up to 3 affiliate memberships included
- Priority Sponsorship Opportunities
- Priority Event Registration
- Complimentary Sponsorship of (1) Chamber Catch-Up E-blast
Chamber Catalyst Level Member – $2,500
You fully support the mission of the Chamber and its role in economic and community development in Kalamazoo County. This is an investment in our entrepreneurial, small and mid-size business community.
- Everything you’d receive with the Chamber Champion Level Membership, plus:
- Up to 10 affiliate memberships included
- Featured interview on the Southwest Michigan First Chamber podcast ($300 value)
- Complimentary Chamber Event hosted in your business (Connect, Townhall, Update, etc) ($1,000 value)
- Complimentary Chamber Event level Sponsorship (up to $1,500 value)
