Business Advocacy

MAYORS' LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST
This signature event hosted each spring, featuring a state of the city/village program presented by Edwardsville Mayor Hal Patton and Glen Carbon Mayor Rob Jackstadt. Municipal leaders share updates on current economic development projects within their respective municipalities, announcements of confirmed future developments, and recaps of projects, permits and sales tax data.
MEET THE CANDIDATES & ELECTED OFFICIALS
​This is an exclusive opportunity for chamber members to meet and interact with municipal, county, state and federal elected officials and their representatives. Mingle and build relationships with law-makers in a business casual atmosphere, and educate elected leaders on the business impact of legislation.

HOW TO RUN FOR LOCAL OFFICE
Hosted in partnership with the Greater Gateway Association of REALTORS, this informational session is designed to help those interested in running for local office learn how to get on the ballot, run an effective campaign, and win. Sessions are held on an as-needed basis.

CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRES
Learn more about your elected officials by reviewing the candidate questionnaires published for the 2018 Illinois House and Senate elections, and the 2019 consolidated election (municipal and school district candidates).

REPRESENTING YOUR VOICE
Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce leadership is regularly engaged in public policy meetings on your behalf to defend and foster a pro-business climate and hold decision makers accountable. Business alerts are distributed to members throughout the year to keep business leaders informed on pertinent issues.

Relationship-Building Opportunities

ANNUAL BUSINESS AWARDS GALA 
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 Cassens Award for Outstanding Community Achievement, the Tallerico Leadership Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award.

BUSINESS AFTER 4
These gatherings are held on the third Thursday of each month from 4-6pm and hosted by an Ed/Glen Chamber member business. This popular relationship-building opportunity for chamber members, their employees, and their guests is an event not to be missed.

BUSINESS BOOK CLUB
This series features a lively discussion on best-selling business books that rotate annually. For those who are unable to attend events on Thursday nights, this is for you.

RIBBON CUTTING & GROUND BREAKING BREAKING CEREMONIES
These brief ceremonies are excellent opportunities to welcome new business owners to town, learn of expanded products or services, tour local facilities and celebrate success with fellow chamber members.

GOLF TOURNAMENT
This annual event is designed to engage members and guests in friendly competition while strengthening business connections and building meaningful new relationships.

ACCELERATE
This leadership program is designed to provide professionals with the tools to accelerate leadership acumen, hone communication skills, expand professional networks and ultimately strengthen our business community as a whole. CLICK HERE to learn more about the program.

Marketing Opportunities

MEET OUR MEMBERS
Professional video segments highlighting chamber businesses are produced on an ongoing basis. This marketing service is included with the Builder, Collaborator, Investor, Partner and Catalyst membership packages.

​SOCIAL MEDIA
Increased visibility is available to chamber members through Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Connect with us on social media and include #EdGlenChamber in your posts.
EVENT SPONSORSHIP
Member businesses may sponsor signature chamber events for additional marketing exposure. These opportunities are available at a variety of price points. Contact our membership director to identify an event that reaches your target market and fulfills your branding needs.

HALLOWEEN PARADE
This annual event draws attention from nearly 25,000 spectators. Chamber members receive a significant discount on the entry fee to maximize exposure. Marching band, school groups, community organizations, entertainers, and more than 100 floats take to the streets in this spectacular Halloween evening tradition. CLICK HERE to learn more.

INDUSTRY CAMPAIGNS
Restaurants are encouraged to participate in the award-winning SAVOR Restaurant Week marketing campaign designed to drive trips and transactions to your door. Retailers benefit from an expanded Support Local initiative that encourages year-round local shopping with a special emphasis during the holiday season.

BUSINESS AFTER 4
There’s no better place to promote your business than at your own location! From 4-6pm the third Thursday of each month, the chamber’s Business After 4 is hosted by a member business and attendance averages 50+ business leaders. Please see the calendar for the next opportunity to attend! BA5 attendance is included in the annual membership dues investment.

EDWARDSVILLE/GLEN CARBON COMMUNITY PROFILE & 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 MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
Common Ground is distributed to every member business, individual contacts within member businesses, plus city, county, and state officials – with approximate readership of 1,500 per issue. Each newsletter contains information on chamber activities, issues of concern to members, upcoming events, member updates, and a calendar of events.

EDWARDSVILLE/GLEN CARBON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WEBSITE
The website is designed with the benefit of chamber members in mind, providing additional opportunities for exposure. Benefits include:
  • An interactive business directory & map
  • A calendar that may be sorted by community (member) events and chamber events
  • Online registration for events, including secure online payment
  • Press releases, job postings and announcements from members
  • Ability for members to self-manage their online profile