United Methodist Men

THE ST. JAMES BUSINESS CHAMBER

"Commerce. Community. Advocacy" The St. James Business Chamber (B.C.) is the vehicle for collective commercial outreach. Sponsored by the St. James United Methodist Men, the Chamber's purpose is to further community networking primarily through businesses owned and operated by St. James members, and businesses owners in the greater community. The B.C. develops relationships with businesses and local enterprises to reach a community audience by advancing the cause and interests of its member businesses while encouraging those same businesses’ participation in St. James programs and its "compassionate outreach" efforts. Through solid business links, the B.C. uses different vehicles to generate commercial awareness to the benefit of its member businesses and representatives, and use those same links to reciprocate support to churchgoers and the community at-large.

This business ministry achieves its mission of two-way community advocacy through a variety of means. It directs The St. James Business Directory: a listing of business and service providers within and around St. James community that will make the congregation and community aware of existing business opportunities. The B.C. also develops novel programs, functions, and workshops to maintain strong links with business owners, merchants, vendors, and agents; and to promote these businesses and encourage them to in-turn become community servants.

COMMUNITY ADVOCACY

Businesses affiliated with the St. James Business Chamber are representatives of the community-at-large, much like residents, neighborhood associations, and other civic organizations. Often times, owners and operators of local businesses and agencies share a certain familiarity with the community in which they do business. These businesses are familiar with the area’s profile, demographics, dynamics, tastes, and lifestyles. Similarly, they also have a pulse on individual clients and customers who stroll in and out of local shops, do business with agencies, or use the service of firms, practices, or professionals. As a result, local businesses have a rich and often profound relationship with the community clientele.

All of these attributes make businesses in the community a strong constituency for the two-way advocacy that the Chamber espouses. In one current, the B.C. uses its platform to promote the businesses of its members and generate outlets and opportunities that they can use to promote their enterprise. Conversely, Chamber businesses and representatives act as a channel through which the church can develop stronger links in the community and fulfill its mission and pursuits.

BUSINESS CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP

Every business, agency, partnership, and merchant owned or operated by members of St. James United Methodist Church is encouraged to become a member of the Business Chamber. Chamber membership is also open to businesses in the general community who share the values of the B.C. and of St. James U.M.C. The broad collection of the distinct businesses in this consortium work to develop effective means for intramural networking. The coalition also serve as a powerful conduit for the community outreach that can result in more exposure opportunities and client leads for member businesses, and a greater audience through which the church can be a more effective community benefactor.

Annual business dues for Chamber members are $50. Membership in the B.C. provides several benefits and opportunities.

CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

Membership in the Business Chamber has many advantages:

Feature in The St. James Business Directory – Individuals often place a premium on products and services offered by those of the same faith; and more so, believers in the same church. (see below for Business Directory details)
Chamber Events: Member organizations get discounts to Chamber events, business showcases, and are featured on select print materials.
Sponsor a Program: Member businesses have an opportunity to organize and sponsor socioeconomic programs and seminars. Among some: workshops on tax preparation, green initiatives, employment, asset management, etc.
Business Community Council: A seat on this council gives organizations a voice in meetings that serve to advance both the business interests of Chamber members as well as causes for community betterment.
Promotional Recognition: Recognition in Chamber events and yearend United Methodist Men’s Annual Review Publication.

In return for these benefits, member businesses partner with the Business Chamber to promote the community outreach efforts of St. James U.M.C. through their channels and cultivate better community relations and support.

About The Business Directory: The St. James Business Directory is an online business registry that works to connect the St. James community's businesses by providing a directory of firms, services, enterprises, agencies, and missions owned or operated by members of the St. James community or by community organizations. The directory is indexed online by industry and interest, and is accompanied by ads and promotional offers from various business owners.

A feature in the business directory provides several benefits:

Visibility at highly trafficked St. James UMC website.
Ability to include an ad or promotional offer of any size and change ads seasonally during chamber membership
Free design consultation on ad or promotional offer
Available 24/7 and updated regularly with the latest roster.

We hope that your business considers membership in the St. James Business Chamber and benefit from the networking potential this commercial coalition offers. Businesses are valuable community entities and your enterprise will be an effective champion of causes for the advancement of many. Join the Chamber today and start connecting with your community base. Join the Business Chamber Today: Download Business Chamber Registration Form