It Takes a Village! (Volume #2)

 

Over the Back Fence

Dixon’s Chamber of Commerce

It Takes a Village…

By

Vicki L Bishop

(#2) 

What do you think of when you hear the name Dixon Area Chamber of Commerce?  Most locals would probably tell you that is who oversees our annual Cow Days festival.  Some may tell you that is who puts on the Miss Merry Christmas pageant.  Did you know that community events are only part of what the chamber has to offer?

Dixon Area Chamber of Commerce began as the Dixon Merchants Association in 1985.  It was an effort to organize business owners and to provide activities for the entire community.  Also, to promote business and support local businesses.

Helen Winters and Connie Eisermann began the endeavor by contacting business owners and invited them to a meeting to organize the Merchant’s Association.   Soon after the Merchant’s Association formed, the process began to make it an official Chamber of Commerce.

Two thirds of consumers believe that companies that are active in local chambers of commerce and are involved in the community are companies that use good business practices, are reputable and care about their customers.

Being a member of a chamber of commerce can be a powerful advantage for small businesses.

Why should a company, or an individual, join the Chamber of Commerce?

·       Create business contacts

·       Expand networks

·       Provide resources and support for professional development

·       Increased visibility and exposure

·       Marketing opportunities

·       Provide a voice for local businesses

·       Provides an avenue to take business to the next level

·       Peer learning and collaboration

Membership in the chamber can be as a business or individual.   It is not required that members participate in the various events that the chamber puts on, however participation is obviously encouraged. 

What about individuals that are interested in joining but they do not own a business and/or their current employer does not wish to participate?  The chamber experience will offer networking opportunities and connections for these individuals also.  Community involvement is always a great thing.  While the rewards might be more intrinsic in nature for those who are not wishing to develop a business, sometimes it is just great to be a part of something special.  Our local chamber can offer such an experience. When my grandchildren ask me, I want to tell them that yes—I was a part of that!  I helped with Cow Days—and so did my mom!  

The local chamber offers workshops and is currently working on how they can help local participating businesses.   For example, members get social media exposure.  If you would like to take your business to the next level beyond the free advertising that is offered with membership, you may attend a social media workshop to assist you in developing your social media presence.

It really does take a village.  Imagine what life in Dixon would have been like growing up with no Cow Days? No Miss Merry Christmas?  No festivals, no community events?  I personally have lived in Dixon long enough to see the town prosper, and to see it struggle.  Once upon a time Dixon had a factory, but now our biggest export is high school seniors.

The chamber offers the community experiences that will preserve our way of life, but at the same time enhance it.

The Dixon Area Chamber of Commerce extends an invitation for all who may be interested in joining.  Meetings are on the third Monday of each month at 6pm in the Dixon Library.  Elections are in February for officers and board members.  Applications are available at the Dixon Library.  Contact Renee Rickerson or Lacy Rollins for more information.   Also, check out the Dixon Area Chamber of Commerce page on Facebook!

*Due to January 20^th being a holiday, the next chamber meeting is Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 6pm in the Dixon Library.

Email: chamber@dixonchamberofcommerce.com

 

Until I see you again---Over the Back Fence.