Chincoteague Island, VA—July 9, 2021: The Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1954 by a group of island businessmen who saw a need for an organized support group of business leaders. In the first few months of its operation, one of the largest projects undertaken was the printing of the Chincoteague Beacon, a local newspaper which is still in circulation today (but not printed by the Chamber).
The chamber is a non-profit, volunteer, membership organization serving as the leading spokesman and representative for the businesses on Chincoteague Island. It unites businesses, improving both business and economic development on the island and plays
a vital role in Town issues and state legislature that could adversely or positively impact our businesses and our livelihood.
The chamber office is conveniently located on the way to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and is open year-round to assist the traveling public in finding your location and learning more about the islands and our wonderful people who live and work here. The chamber became a Certified Visitor Center in 2008 by the Virginia Tourism Corporation and is classified as a Destination Marketing Organization.
The Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce is affiliated with the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, the Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, the Eastern Shore of Virginia Tourism Commission, the Virginia Tourism Corporation and the Virginia Restaurant Lodging and Travel Association. Partnerships with other regional chambers, NASA, Virginia Space Flight Academy, Wallops Island Regional Alliance, Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Assateague Island National Seashore, and other agencies enhances the chamber's ability to provide the best resources for members and visitors. The chamber is governed by an 11 member board composed of a diverse group of business leaders from a variety of industry sectors.
The Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce leads the business community in COVID-19 recovery by distributing critical resource information to the business community, creating “Shop Local” campaigns, marketing the area to targeted drive markets encouraging road trips and experiential vacations, and offering educational opportunities to further strengthen and enhance business resiliency. Become a member of the chamber team and take full advantage of these exciting opportunities. A $100 first-time start up membership investment in the future of your business will reap huge benefits.
- Member referrals year-round via office, phone, emails, website and social media
- Presence on chamber website and interactive iMap with unlimited content, photos and contact information
- Chamber website is optimized for maximum effectiveness and responsive across all platforms
- Member Badge: Backlink from your website to chamber website—offers enhanced listing to you
- Opportunity to advertise in chamber Visitor Guide--print, digital GoGuide
- Regular updates from chamber staff via newsletter, letters and emails to membership
- Brochure or business card space in chamber office
- Sponsorship opportunities at Chamber fundraisers and events
- Targeted Group Tour marketing via direct mailing to leads generated from Bus and Travel Shows
- Sponsorship opportunities in community projects
- Collaboration with film, TV, and travel writers from around the globe
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Banner Ad opportunities on chamber website (www.chincoteaguechamber.com/advertising)
- Seasonal & Special Event availability surveys for accommodations and boats as needed
- Opportunity to serve on Chamber committees
- Networking Opportunities - Business Before/During/After Hours, Lunch & Learns, Luncheons, Open Houses, Ribbon Cuttings
- Active Board of Directors meeting monthly
- Annual Outstanding Citizen & Business Person of the Year Awards
- Affiliation with regional, state, and national tourism organizations
- Partnership with regional towns, government agencies, and business resource branches
- Presence on 5 social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube
Your membership investment is for calendar year 2022, however if you join now, you will receive benefits for the remainder of 2021. Immediate placement on the chamber website,
chincoteaguechamber.com; brochure placement in the chamber office; and referrals from office staff are just a few.
If you are not currently a member of the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce team, you are missing out on fantastic opportunities to grow your business. Join by October 1 to receive a complimentary bag filled with Chamber swag and a special treat and be entered into a drawing for two tickets to the Chincoteague Oyster Festival scheduled for October 9.
All new memberships received by October 1 are guaranteed placement in the 2022 Chincoteague Island Visitor's Guide & Membership Directory and digital interactive GoGuide. Take full advantage of your new membership benefits and be promoted in the official marketing fulfillment piece of Chincoteague Island which will provide inspiration and planning tools to eager travelers next year.
Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce 6733 Maddox Boulevard Chincoteague, VA 23336
www.chincoteaguechamber.com
757.336.6161
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