Membership Benefits

What does the Chamber do?

As stated in the by-laws of The Greater Pickens Chamber of Commerce, the purpose of the Chamber is to promote quality development of the Greater Pickens area through balanced growth, service to members and the public, and a community-wide approach to issues shaping the region’s future.

What this means to you as a Chamber member is that by utilizing the benefits and services we provide, you can promote your business in a positive and professional manner. To join the Chamber is to invest in your business and your community. As a member, you will have the opportunity to market your business through sponsorship in events hosted by the Pickens Chamber, networking opportunities, the Chamber website, and by displaying your business cards or brochures at the Chamber office for distribution. 
 

The Greater Pickens Chamber of Commerce is governed by a nine member Board of Directors. These Board Members are Chamber members who represent various fields of business in our community. The Board is led by a President who serves a one-year term, a President-Elect, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. The Board employs an Executive Director who is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Chamber of Commerce office.  
 

Upon joining, you will receive a New Member Package containing a Membership Directory, a Chamber Member decal, your receipt for dues paid (tax deductible as a business expense). Also, we are fortunate to have some of our members offering bonuses to new members: Pizza Inn offers 2 free buffets (including drinks), The Rock at Jocassee offers a complimentary round of golf for one foursome (includes green fee and cart), WELP offers a one time advertising package containing a total of 30 sports for $100, and Edward Jones offers a one-time financial consultation at no charge, Curves offers a one week guest pass.
 

Visitor and Relocation Packages are mailed out upon request. Requests are received via mail, telephone, fax, and e-mail. In each of these requests, a listing of Chamber members and a variety of brochures will be included in the mailing. 

Web Page Listings are offered at no additional charges to you. Your business is listed on our web page showing your business name, address, phone and fax numbers, and a contact name with e-mail address and your web page. The e-mail address and web page are hyper-linked from our web page to yours for easy access. The average number of "hits" the Chamber web page receives per day is eleven. 

Distribution of Business Information at the Chamber office is an opportunity that cannot be measured. We receive a lot of walk-in traffic on a daily basis. Your business cards, brochures, flyers, etc. are on display for visitors to browse through and pick up. 

Sponsorships are available for all the events hosted by the Chamber. Whether you sponsor a team in our golf tournament or a flower arrangement at the annual banquet, this a way to promote your business and receive recognition for doing so. 

The Communicator Newsletter is published quarterly and is a perfect opportunity for your business to announce new services, promotions, or upcoming events. The newsletter is mailed out as an insert in The Pickens Sentinel to all members so they can be kept up-to-date on Chamber events and activities.  Members have an opportunity to advertise at reduced rates.

Referrals are given for Chamber members only. Everyday the Chamber office receives requests for reputable businesses with which people are ready to do business. 

Business Directory is a listing of all Chamber members. This listing can be printed either alphabetically or by category and includes complete business information. Members may list two contacts with their membership.  All members are included in the City of Pickens Brochure, listing all Chamber members by category.

Business After Hours and Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies are events hosted by Chamber members. The Chamber office sends out invitations to all members. As a member host, this allows you to "show off" your establishment and inform the fellow members of the services and/or products you provide. 

The Annual Banquet is held in February. The banquet is given to thank the previous year’s members for their support of the Pickens Chamber of Commerce and to recognize outgoing and incoming board members. Awards for Tourism, Beautification and Member of the Year are given out.  

The Annual Golf Tournament is a fun time for all that participates. The tournament is open to not only the chamber membership but to the general public as well.  This is another great opportunity to get to know your fellow Chamber members and other community business associates.

Quarterly Luncheons are planned at various locations.  The luncheon are strictly for networking; there are no speakers just great conversation and fellowship with your fellow chamber members.

Volunteer Opportunities are always available in all aspects of Chamber work. This allows you to interact with the Board of Directors, staff and other Chamber members in events or projects of your choice.
 

Maps, Brochures, Phone Books, etc. are available at the Chamber office. Potential newcomers may inquire about real estate, churches, civic clubs and other organizations. We offer listings of accommodations, interesting places to visit, and recreational opportunities. The Chamber office supplies these listing at no charge.

Demographic Information is available such as population numbers, growth projections and other information accumulated by the Chamber office. 

Leadership Pickens County is a program designed to create a continuing leadership in Pickens County through the Chambers of Commerce by equipping participants with the skills, knowledge and encouragement to participate in the decision making process in Pickens County. 

Relocation Listings are available to Chamber members only. This is an accumulation of people who have requested relocation information about Pickens or Pickens County. This can be a valuable tool for members to target potential business.

Registration Form