CHAMBER PROGRAMS...
Chamber programs provide opportunities to meet fellow members, and sometimes non-members; to learn about an issue that could affect your business; to share your experience and expertise with other businesses or some other segment of the community, such as with local students; to highlight successes; or to find out about what is going on in the community. Some programs are designed solely for the relaxation and enjoyment of our members.
The Chamber’s traditional program offerings include:
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS BANQUET: Conducted every Spring , this program honors the academic achievements of the top ten percent of the senior classes in all eight Erie County high schools. Each student is provided with a special certificate and a memento, and is treated to dinner compliments of the Chamber and its members. Parents and other family members, educators, and Chamber members are all invited to attend and share in this celebration of future leaders.
ANNUAL DINNER AND AWARDS BANQUET: The Chamber is, by law, required to conduct an annual meeting. The Annual Dinner and Awards Banquet provides the opportunity to celebrate the "changing of the guard" among the organization’s leadership, and to recognize the special accomplishments of the Business of the Year; Businesswoman of the Year; Educator of the Year; individuals and organizations that have provided extraordinary community service and service to the area’s youth; and a member (or members) who have provided extraordinary service to the Chamber.
BUSINESS-AFTER-HOURS PROGRAMS: Generally held on a monthly basis at a member’s location, these programs are very popular, informal gatherings, at which Chamber members can meet and get to know one another, enjoy the hospitality and view the operations of the host member, begin developing business relationships, and just enjoy a relaxing event.
CANDIDATE FORUMS: Held just before primary and general elections, Candidate Forums provide members and the general public the opportunity to hear how candidates for elected office feel about specific issues, and also to ask questions of these candidates. The purpose is to help educate voters about the candidates and important issues.
ELECTED OFFICIALS RECEPTION: The Elected Officials Reception, held each spring, provides Chamber members with the opportunity to thank these officials for the time and efforts they devote on behalf of all citizens. It also provides an opportunity to discuss specific issues with elected officials in a casual atmosphere.
GOLF OUTING: Typically held in late August, the Chamber’s golf outing provides one of the best opportunities for members to have some fun, meet fellow members, and also advertise their businesses through prize donations or hole sponsorships. The golf outing is always among the more highly attended Chamber programs.
ISSUE FORUMS: Issue forums are usually held at breakfast or lunch, and are designed to explore a specific subject, be it legislative, environmental, a social problem, or perhaps a business opportunity. They are scheduled on an irregular basis.
SEMINARS/WORKSHOPS: From time to time, the Chamber presents seminars or workshops on specific issues. These programs are designed to help our members improve their day-to-day business practices.
UNIVERSITY BUSINESS SYMPOSIUM: The Symposium is a joint effort with the Huron Chamber of Commerce, EHOVE and BGSU Firelands College. It is designed for college and high school students to explore a specific subject. Chamber members are invited to share their expertise on the subject.
Revised: 5/06