Membership in the Chamber of Commerce provides numerous opportunities for business promotion, networking, and service to the community through its committees, and programs and events.

The lifeblood of the Chamber is the work of its committees. Chamber committees plan special events, examine and evaluate local issues, and help shape the lifestyle and business climate in the community. There is no obligation for a Chamber member to serve on a committee, but committee activity does give members the opportunity for input on issues impacting the business community.

The Chamber also offers special programs in leadership, free drug testing for eligible small businesses, among many others.

The Chamber also is a key resource for businesses, offering networking and promotional opportunities, along with development and member services, to businesses both large and small. As the voice of the business community, the Chamber helps to shape the business climate in the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon area.

Networking Opportunities
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Annual Dinner/Auction
This annual gala truly is the highlight of the Chamber year, an opportunity to celebrate the Chamber’s achievements and volunteers, and present the Albert Cassen’s Award, Athena Award and the Mayor’s Awards.

Business After Hours
Business After Hours is held two times a month on Thursdays from 5-7 p.m. and hosted by various Chamber member businesses. This popular and lively networking opportunity for Chamber members, their employees, and their guests is an event not to be missed.

Networking @ Noon
The “Networking @ Noon,” series features a structured networking activity along with a 15-20 minute informal program on a business-related topic by a respected and knowledgeable individual from the community. For those that are unable to attend events on Thursday nights, this is for you.

Professional Education Series
These Eduation programs are designed to be low cost, affordable, and accessible to employees and leaders from businesses of all sizes. Program fees are established on a cost-recovery basis by the Chamber, and most include a light breakfast or lunch depending on the nature of the program. Some programs will be geared more toward business leaders and managers; others will cater to frontline and support staff.

Annual Meet & Greet Elected Officials
This is an exclusive opportunity for Chamber members to meet some of the community elected officials and representatives. Held at Rusty’s Restaurant in Edwardsville, it is not a fundraiser for the Chamber.

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Promotional Opportunities
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Business After Hours
There’s no better place to promote your business than at your own location! Two Thursdays of the month from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. the Chamber’s Business After Hours is hosted by a member business and attendance averages 75-100 members. Please see the Calendar for the next opportunity to attend!

Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Community Profile and Resource Guide
A four-color magazine is produced annually featuring original photography and professionally written stories that will showcase the people, natural beauty, and progressive business climate of the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon area. Advertising is made available to Chamber members. Hundreds of copies are printed and displayed not only in the Chamber office, but many high traffic businesses throughout the area.

Common Ground Newsletter
This Chamber newsletter is distributed to every member business, individual contacts within member businesses, plus city, county, and state officials – approximately 900 per issue. Each newsletter contains information on Chamber activities, issues of concern to members, committee reports, special events, new member updates, and a calendar of events.

Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce Website
The Web site is designed with the benefit of Chamber members in mind, providing Chamber members more opportunity for exposure. Benefits include:

• An interactive business/membership directory

• Two advanced calendars of events (Chamber & Community Calendar) with:
  online registration, secured on-line payment, map, automatic e-mail reminder on request, registration interacts with office databases, capability to show sponsor logos and pictures.

• Members can make changes to their listing in the membership directory. (Changes are held into a holding tank until staff review and releases).

• Secure on-line eCommerce that allows for online invoices and payment.

Contact the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Chamber and get involved today!