Please Click Here to Our Membership Information Packet

Promoting Blue Water Area businesses by providing Advocacy, Education and Assistance.
Governance Committee
Timothy Lozen, Chair
Lozen, Kovar & Lozen, PC
William Miskell, Chair Elect
Change Your Mind
Bridget Sholtis, Treasurer
Dear Business Owner,
Port Huron Hospital
Chris Fulks, Officer
St. Joseph Mercy Hospital
Tamara Czarnecki
Fifth Third Bank
Aaron Hulett
Michigan Mutual
The name recognition of the Chamber of Commerce in any community
causes it to be the first agency called upon for information pertaining to
business, events and general community information.
Scott Shigley
RadioFirst
Thelma Castillo, Secretary
Blue Water Area Chamber
Directors
Kimberly Appel
McMorran Place
Steve Armstrong
Northstar Bank
Scott Bradley
Blue Water Secure Shredding
Since 1917, the Chamber of Commerce has provided encouragement
and promotion of trade, commerce and civic betterment throughout the
Blue Water area. Our mission is to advocate for our membership regarding federal, state and local issues that affect business and our quality of life, educate businesses to help them grow, and assist businesses through guidance, mentorship and programs focused on business
growth and development.
Laura Cottengim
St. Joseph Mercy Hospital
Scott Crawford
SCC Council on Aging, Inc.
Bobbie Fisher
Talmer Bank & Trust
Jim Hollenbeck
Blue Moon Abatement
Al Jones
Comfort Keepers Home Care
Trista Bourdeau Kolcz
Al Bourdeau Insurance Agency
Andrew Paul
Quality Computer Solutions
Today, our Chamber is comprised of almost 500 area businesses, 80
volunteers serving on various Chamber committees and a 22-member
Board of Directors representing a variety of industries in the Blue Water
Area. We are united with a common vision to work in partnership to
strengthen and enhance our business community and quality of life.
Please review the membership packet and don’t hesitate to contact us if
you have any questions. We look forwarding to adding your business to
our preferred business list!
Michael Turnbull
Stewart, Beauvais & Whipple
Maria Webb
Keller Williams Realty, LLC
Ernest Werth
You’re Partners in Business,
Blue Water Habitat for Humanity
Jay Wofford
Eastern Michigan Bank
Scott Worden
Worden Insurance
Staff
Thelma Castillo
President & CEO
Danielle L. Warren
Membership & Marketing Administrator
Thelma Castillo
President
Tim Lozen
Board of Directors Chair
Member Testimonials
“The Public Affairs Committee of the Chamber does an excellent job of communicating with the membership about business and political issues affecting us. The Chamber is a tireless advocate for issues affecting business in St. Clair County, especially those involving improving the business climate.”
- Ed Brooks, President
Huron Automatic Screw Co.; St. Clair Twp, MI

“Volunteering at the chamber has been a great way to meet and build relationships with local business
leaders. I also enjoy the opportunity to share best practices with other business professionals.”
- Dave Brandt

"The Chamber definitely has more to offer than a plaque on the wall and a name in a directory. Members can benefit through educational seminars, advocacy, assistance programs, networking, promotions,
advertising, collaboration, community information and politics. I highly recommend chamber membership
to any business."
- Chris Fulks, Controller
St. Joseph Mercy Port Huron; Port Huron, MI

"Joining the Chamber was the best networking decision, the best social move, the best financial investment, and by far the very best marketing move we’ve made. Chamber membership has given our business wide exposure and an unbelievable kick-start. The Chamber staff and all the members have welcomed us whole-heartedly. THANK YOU, Chamber!"
- William Miskell, Ph.D., Psychologist
Right Brain Engineering; Port Huron, MI

“Chambers are the connectors, conveners and change agents for communities. The chamber is a vital organization that networks businesses of all sizes and types, develops relationships with all the community
stakeholders including residents, government, and non-profits, and drives the vision for community and
economic growth.”
- Bob Thomas, CAE
Sr. Director of Operations, Michigan Chamber of Commerce
Executive Director, Michigan Chamber Foundation
Director, Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals

"We do not directly sell anything. Instead, we manufacture the product and then ship it to converting operations. We belong to the Chamber to support the community and so our employees know we are supporting the community in which they work and live. The Chamber is also a great resource when we are
trying to attract new hires to the Port Huron area."
- Rhonda Bacyinski

Membership Tiers
Professional Preferred
Not available for businesses with more than 50 employees
Includes Entrepreneur benefits plus:
“Supporting a sustainable business environment by
providing Advocacy, Education and Assistance”
Entrepreneur
Not available for businesses with more than 10 employees
 Certificate of Membership at each renewal
 New Member Orientation Luncheon; New Member Welcome Bag
 Online Business Directory listing: one category
 Subscription to weekly Chamber NewsBrief
 Exclusive Front Desk referrals and tracking reports
 Printed listing in annual Business Guide
 Free educational webinars, seminars, and Lunch & Learns
 Display brochures & business cards in Business Resource Center
 Free monthly Business After 5 social networking mixers
 Discounted member rates to Chamber events (when applicable)
 Free classified ad and job postings in NewsBrief
 Online member-to-member discount / coupon program
 Free BEAT business mentor and consultation services
 Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies and free “How to” planning guide
 Free use of Chamber conference room (wireless access)
 Opportunity to work with key business leaders on the Board
 Free posting access on Chamber social media pages
 Invitation to round table discussions with State Representatives
 Be heard through e-surveys on key business issues
 Access to all Chamber committees and groups:
 Public Affairs Committee (PAC): Advocacy
 Business Education / Leadership Committee (BEC): Staff Development
 Business Assistance Committee (BAC, BEAT): Mentorship
 Blue Water Ambassadors Committee (BWA): Welcome Wagon Outreach
 Annual Golf FUNdraising Committee: Golf Outing
 Member Networking Group: Referral Group
Member promotion on our free mobile website is
included! www.bluewaterchamber.com/mobile
Like us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/
BlueWaterChamber
Follow us on Twitter! twitter.com/BWChamber
Display the Proud
Member logo on all
marketing items,
website, social media
sites, and office window
Join the two-time award winning Blue Water Area Chamber of
Commerce and give your business a RAISE: Referrals,
Advocacy, Information, Support, and Exposure!
* Member benefits are subject to change.
 Certificate of Membership with frame at each renewal
 Marketing Package including:
 ⅛ page ad (or business card) in Current NewsBrief (single issue)
 Upgraded online directory listing
 Business Beat Sponsorship for one month (radio promotion)
 Special recognition in current NewsBrief upon joining or renewal
 Eligible for display advertising in lobby marquee
 Free processing for Certificates of Origin
Business Premier
Not available for businesses with more than 100 employees
Includes Professional Preferred benefits plus:
 Membership Plaque for Business Premier status
 Upgraded Marketing Package including:
 ¼ page ad in the current NewsBrief (single issue)
 Further online directory listing upgrade
 Online Business Directory listing: two categories
 Chamber representation at government meetings on local, state
and federal levels as needed for your business
 Be featured as the Business Spotlight in current NewsBrief and on
our website (upon submission of brief business bio)
 Includes two tickets to business education seminar of your choice
Corporate Platinum
Includes Business Premier benefits plus:
 Membership plaque for Corporate Platinum status
 Additional Marketing Package upgrade including:
 ½ page ad in the current NewsBrief (single issue)
 Enhanced Directory Listing in both online and printed directories
 Up to five category listings in all business directories
 Spotlight ad in chamber business information marquee
 One full table (8 attendees) to annual PAC event of your choice
Affinity Partners
Blue Water Area
Chamber of Commerce
512 McMorran Boulevard
Port Huron MI 48060
Phone: 810.985.7101
Fax: 810.985.7311
www.bluewaterchamber.com
[email protected]
Marketing Opportunities
Chamber members get exclusive access to marketing channels that help make their business
competitive in our region. Many of our marketing opportunities are available on an à la carte
basis. We recommend contacting the Chamber for help with selecting the marketing mix best
suited for your business.
Opportunities available to our members include:
Radio Marketing

President’s “Business Beat” Spotlight Sponsorship on 102.3 WGRT
Event Partner Marketing Possibilities





Partnership opportunities are available for a variety of events with an array of budgetfriendly price levels
Logo on all event communications for sponsors
Logo / banner on event website and in community calendar
Speaking opportunity at events and roundtable discussions
Apparel / other promotional items for large events
Web Marketing






Searchable Business Directory (on desktop & mobile sites)
Social Media Publicity
Member-to-Public and Member-to-Member Discounts (on desktop & mobile sites)
Weekly NewsBrief Advertising and Member News Announcements
Enhanced Directory Listing
Banner Advertising (desktop & mobile sites)
Print Marketing




Business Guide*
Business Cards and Brochures display in the Chamber of Commerce and Welcome Center
lobby
Relocation Packets
Spotlight Promotion in the Chamber of Commerce and Welcome Center lobby
New Member Welcome Bags

Promotional items (delivered to all new Chamber business members to share with their
staff;10+ per month)
Press Releases
The Chamber can help you learn more about the many ways you can reach your audience and
promote your business. Call or email the Chamber today at (810) 985-7101 or
[email protected] for a free consultation.
*
10,000 copies distributed annually; in addition to thousands of views per month on the Chamber’s websites.