MORE TO CELEBRATE. The E.C. Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 110th anniversary during its annual "Eau What a Night" event earlier this year. To kick off Chamber of Commerce Month, the org announced a broadening of its investor program, introducing a new tier: The Courtesy Level. (Photo by Seckora Photography via Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce socials)

As a kick-off to Chamber of Commerce Month, the Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce announced a new pathway for small businesses to get involved with the local business organization – for free.

Officially announced on Monday, Sept. 8, the Courtesy Level investor tier is open to any business (and entrepreneur) with five or fewer employees and is designed for those which may not be able to invest financially but want to get connected.

“The Courtesy Level Investor tier … (is) designed to ensure that small businesses – especially those with five or fewer employees – have a seat at the table,” the Chamber’s site states. “The Courtesy Level is about access, not discounts.”

The new investment tier offers several benefits: Chamber directory listing with clickable links, eligibility for specialty investor pricing at events, access to investor publications and e-newsletters, and more.

"More engaged businesses mean stronger advocacy, more connected networks, and a healthier local economy."

EAU CLAIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

ON ITS EXPANDED INVESTOR PROGRAM

The Chamber also offers other paid investment tiers, as shared online. Paying investor benefits include exclusive business referrals from the Chamber; inclusion in Chamber online directory listings; advertising opportunities in Chamber materials; signature events inclusion, and more.

Courtesy Level benefits as shared on eauclairechamber.org.

An application for the Courtesy Level can be found online, as well as an FAQ about the new tier.

In the FAQ, the second question – “Is this fair to paying Investors?” – states the Courtesy Level “simply lowers the barrier for new and smaller businesses to get connected,” noting those at the Courtesy Level will not receive the additional benefits and visibility included for paying investors.

“By engaging with more businesses, the Chamber expands its reach, advocacy, and collective voice – which benefits all investors,” the Q&A states. “More engaged businesses mean stronger advocacy, more connected networks, and a healthier local economy.”

Learn more about the Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce online at eauclairechamber.org and keep up with the org on socials. Find available information about the Chamber's Courtesy Level investment option online at eauclairechamber.org/courtesy-level-investor/.