Chamber Services

How Does My Chamber of Commerce Work For Me And My Business?

Your Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary organization of citizens who are investing their time and money in a community development program - working together to improve the economic, civic and cultural well-being of the area.
Any citizen who is interested in helping to develop the area (which means more money, more business, more jobs, and better living for everyone) is eligible to be a member of the Chamber of Commerce.  The dues structure is designed to permit even the smallest business to be a member.

The work of the Chamber is financed by the investment of the members who support it on the basis of their ability to pay and their interest in the progress of the area.

The Chamber of Commerce is composed of Committee Workers, Directors, and Officers who serve without pay.  When budgets allow, a Chamber Executive and staff devote their full time to the Chamber of Commerce as the only paid employees.

What the Chamber Does

The Chamber of Commerce is a service institution and an action organization.  It provides a medium through which people can take effective action for the progress of the community.

It helps create job opportunities through stimulation of industrial and commercial growth.  It seeks the improvement of community facilities; streets, highways, parks, schools, marketing facilities, and human resources.  It brings conventions, sales meetings and other gatherings to the city.  It works toward developing the agriculture industry of the area.

In all of these functions the Chamber of Commerce is serving as a department - a partner - of every business and every professional person in the area.

How the Chamber Functions

The Chamber of Commerce functions through the working committees of the organization.  Money, planning, inspiration, and guidance are useless unless the members work vigorously on the committee of their choice.

Careful study is made of the community needs and an action blueprint - the Program of Work - is designed.  The goal of the Program is always to create more dollars for more people and to improve the economic welfare of the community.  Every member has a voice in determining the policies and projects and every member is needed to work on active committees to get the job done.

For the Retailer

Works for industrial and business development which brings with it new residents with new money to spend in the stores.  Maintains a continuous program for inviting convention delegates.  National surveys reveal that 20 percent of the convention dollar is spent in retail stores.

For the Service Establishment

Works for the ever increasing population, assuring additional customers and income.  Works toward the increasing development of highways, recreational areas, new industries and the expansion of old existing industries, all of which increase the demand of services.

For the Manufacturer and Wholesaler

Works for the best shipping services at the lowest possible cost.  Furnishes advice on freight transportation matters.  Compiles various statistical information on trade territory population, purchasing power and marketing strength.

For the Construction, Real Estate, Investment and Insurance Firm

Provides an expanding market for the construction, real estate and insurance dealers through its program of attracting new industry and residents, promoting businesses and working for new highways and streets.  Encourages expansion programs and modernization for established firms.  Actively works for fire prevention.

For the Professional

Works continuously for the growth of the city, business expansion and population increase to insure the professional a prosperous place in which to make a living.  Seeks better transportation services to make the city more accessible and convenient.  Conducts an overall program which is keyed to improve the income of the professional's clients for maximum benefit.

For the Farmer, Rancher

Encourages and promotes sound agricultural programs and practices with major attention to soil conservation and livestock programs.  Frequently coordinates planning of agricultural agencies' and sponsors' joint efforts in the improvement of ranching and farming techniques to increase profits.

For the Hotel, Motel, Restaurant Operator

Works to attract and service conventions, trade shows, conferences, and sales meetings which bring new patrons and money into businesses.  National surveys reveal that more than 40 percent of the convention dollar is spent in hotels, motels and restaurants.  Works to expand the tourism business. Brings in sports and amusement attractions with large crowds.

For the Home and Property Owner

Conducts an intensive city beautification program with cleanliness, street lighting and other projects aimed at making your city a better place in which to live.  Cooperates with church, cultural and entertainment groups to provide a more interesting and meaningful life for residents and visitors.  Cooperates with educational facilities to insure a quality educational system.

For All Members

Represents the opinions of the members to city, state and national elected officials, and monitors legislative issues that impact the membership.

Why should I Be a Member of My Chamber of Commerce?

Because the Chamber of Commerce unifies the public spirit of my community and directs it into useful and constructive channels.

Because I have a business at stake in the community which can be best safeguarded by working with others through the Chamber of Commerce to protect and advance all businesses.

Because my support is "plowed back" to yield the many benefits in new industry, increased payroll, health, safety, legislation, business protection, and community advancement.

Because the Chamber of Commerce cant' carry out its broad program of work to protect and advance business without personal service and financial support.

Because through the Chamber of Commerce I can best discharge my obligations to this community in which I live and earn my living.  I realize that every person owes a debt to the community that cannot be paid in taxes - a debt of personal service.

Because an active membership in my Chamber of Commerce carries with it a sense of accomplishment and inner satisfaction from the knowledge that I am doing my share of an important job.

Although everyone in the community benefits from the work of the Chamber of Commerce, I can accept those benefits with a sense of pride ONLY if I have had a part in bringing them about.

The goal of your Chamber of Commerce is to promote the commercial, industrial, civic, cultural and general interest of your city and region.  To accomplish this, action committees explore every avenue and possibility.  These committees usually include those working in the areas of industrial development, agriculture, aviation, conventions, membership, citizenship, publicity, highways, urban and/or rural development, civic affairs, retail promotions, and water resources.  Every individual, firm and profession derives direct benefits in a growing, stable economy.  Such an economy is the result of your Chamber's efforts.

Standard Investment Schedule

SECTION I.

Any person, firm or corporation residing, doing business, owning property in or interested in the advancement of the City of Perryton and Ochiltree County shall be eligible for membership.

SECTION II.

Application for membership shall be made to the membership committee.  Upon review, the applicant's classification and minimum investment will be established.  The applicant shall become a member upon payment of investment as prescribed by the By-Laws.

Membership is continuous unless cancelled by the Board of Directors for cause as specified in organizational By-Laws.

No applicant shall join at less than the Standard Investment Schedule.  At least annually, each member's investment will be reviewed and adjusted, if necessary, according to the Standard Investment Schedule.

Membership Investments are based on a fair share basis using the following factors:

• Classification Criteria

• Number of Employees

SECTION III.

Classes of membership and investments applicable to each.

The chart below is for use in determining the amount of membership investment in the Chamber for business, except for the following:  individuals, financial institutions, utility companies, motels and apartments, civic clubs and non-profit organizations, trailer parks, professionals, newspaper and magazine publishers and radio and television stations.  (These exceptions are subsequently outlined in this section).

STANDARD INVESTMENT SCHEDULE

1 - 4 employees:        $150.00
5 - 10 employees:       $180.00
11 - up employees:     $240.00

Individual Membership

$50.00 includes persons who are not engaged as the owner of a business or commercial activity; a salaried nonprofit organization employee who is not otherwise engaged in business or commercial activity and whose primary source of income is not derived from such activity; salaried employees of business and commercial activities; retired employees.  No person shall be eligible to membership in this classification if they are qualified in any other classification.  In all cases, classification of applicants will be assigned by the Membership Committee.

Financial Institutions

$25.00 for each $1 million in assets, or negotiable.  There shall be a minimum of $100.00.

Utility Companies, Radio, TV

Negotiable.

Motels, Hotels and Apartments

Motels and Hotels pay $150.00 for the first 20 units; $5.00 for each additional unit.  $85.00 additional for a public restaurant attached as part of the business.  $85.00 additional for private club or lounge attached or part of business.

Apartments pay $150.00 for the first 20 units; additional units $2.00 each.

Civic Clubs &  Non-Profit Organizations

These organizations pay the minimum individual schedule.

Trailer Parks

First 20 spaces $150.00; next units $2.00 each.

Professionals

Attorneys, Physicians, Dentists, Architects, Accountants, Professional Engineers, Veterinarians, Licensed Insurance Agents and such other professions as the committee may define from time to time.  (See Standard Investment)

Newspaper & Magazine Publishing

$135.00 per 1000 circulation.

Business Concerns

Retail and wholesale trade and services, amusements, auto dealers (new and used), service stations, garages, printer, laundries, cleaners, transportation, real estate agents, restaurants, manufacturers, processors, distributors, construction firms and sellers of goods and services not otherwise classified will be based on the Standard Investment Schedule.

Membership investment commitment may be met by annual payments, semi-annual payments or quarterly payments.

This Standard Investment Schedule sets the minimum investment.  In many cases the new member may choose the average investment for his or her membership classification.  Any investment above the minimum distinguishes that member as a blue ribbon investor and leader in support of the Chamber and community.  Average investments for all classifications are available.