Regional Chamber Beginning Next 125 Years

Proud members of the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce celebrate the first 125 years.
Proud members of the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce celebrate the first 125 years.

The Roanoke Regional Chamber has been around for a long time – 125 years to be exact – but the organization cut the ribbon recently at a “grand opening,” when it also vowed to add 125 new members in 125 days. President and CEO Joyce Waugh joined other Chamber staffers in greeting visitors at an open house to celebrate the 125th anniversary as well.

In December the Chamber unveiled a new branding for the organization; with that change now in place Waugh said it was time to celebrate.

The 125 More campaign also means “125 more years,” said Waugh, in addition to the membership drive, which calls on current members to recruit new ones. There are discounts and enhanced online listings during the campaign for new members (annual dues are typically around $320 and up, depending on the size of the business) and incentives for current members who bring new businesses into the fold.

Waugh says a Chamber membership is important, starting with the advocacy the organization undertakes to promote business. That includes lobbying at the General Assembly and hobnobbing with local elected officials on issues that affect businesses.  “Who is really paying attention [to government at every level?],” said Waugh, “you’re busy making payroll and your products.” Right now the Chamber is advocating that online businesses should pay sales tax like bricks and mortar retailers do in order to level the playing field. Virginia retailers are supposed to pay taxes for online sales now but Waugh says many don’t.

The Chamber will also take public positions it believes are in the best interest of the region and its members; some valley residents have been rankled lately by the Chamber’s stated support for the proposed Mountain Valley Pipeline that could carry natural gas through Roanoke and Franklin Counties.

“We make tons of referrals and connections … and have lots of events,” noted Waugh, who has been with the Chamber for 15 years. There are also committees where members can serve; Waugh points to the public policy council and transportation advocacy groups for starters.

Chamber dues help fund the Small Business Development Center that Waugh says is free for those that want to grow a great idea into a thriving company. “Most of the people in that vein … need help. And we do it at no charge.”

A new strategic plan that started with a rebranding (including a new logo) now entails “a lot of new ways to do business,” said Waugh. Thursday mixers at a member restaurant have replaced many of the after-hours get-togethers, offering the opportunity for members to make some money and gain some exposure as well. There is still the tried and true, like the Chamber’s small business awards that will be given out in September at a member event. Winners can go on to a statewide competition. A Roanoke Regional Chamber from last year, Generation Solutions, went on to win a state Small Business Center award for its in-home health care business.

“Small businesses are really the backbone of most communities, not just ours,” noted Waugh, “we are thankful for the big ones, the medium [size] and thankful for the small [ones].”  Making sure the Chamber remains relevant and impactful may also help convince new firms to come on board during this latest membership drive.

 By Gene Marrano

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