Myths & Facts

​Myth: Chamber members have to attend meetings and committees.

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Fact: There is no requirement to attend meetings, events, or committees. Your membership is yours to use in the ways that best fit your business or organization.

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We certainly encourage members to participate because networking and relationship-building are some of the most valuable benefits of Chamber membership. However, participation is optional. You can take advantage of marketing opportunities, member resources, referrals, advocacy, and other benefits without attending a single meeting.

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Myth: The Chamber is only about networking events, ribbon cuttings, and awards.

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Fact: Events are just one part of what we do.

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The Chamber provides opportunities for businesses to build relationships, increase visibility, promote their products and services, access information and resources, participate in professional development, and connect with other community and business leaders.

We also advocate for a strong business environment and work to support the economic well-being and quality of life of Newberry County.

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​Myth: The Chamber is too expensive for a small business.

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Fact: Chamber membership is designed to accommodate businesses and organizations of different sizes. Our membership investment is based on the size of your organization, with affordable options for small businesses.

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More importantly, membership is an investment, not simply an expense. Members have access to opportunities for networking, marketing, visibility, referrals, professional development, community involvement, and other resources that can provide significant value when used to their full potential.

 

Myth: The Chamber only supports businesses in the City of Newberry.

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Fact: The Newberry County Chamber of Commerce represents businesses and organizations throughout Newberry County. While our office is located in downtown Newberry, our work extends across the county. Through our Visitors Center, we also promote attractions, events, recreation, and activities throughout Newberry County.

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Myth: The Chamber is the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

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Fact: The Chamber and the Better Business Bureau are two separate organizations with different purposes. While the Chamber serves as a resource for businesses, residents, and visitors and can provide information about local businesses, we are not the BBB and do not perform the same functions.

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Myth: The Chamber supports political candidates or political parties.

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Fact: The Chamber is focused on business and community issues, not political parties or candidates. We may provide opportunities for members and the community to learn about candidates and issues through forums or other educational programs, but those activities are intended to inform—not endorse political candidates or parties.

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Myth: Chamber membership automatically comes with membership in other organizations or associations.

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Fact: Membership in another organization does not automatically make you a member of the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce. Chamber membership is a separate investment that provides access to the programs, services, marketing opportunities, and benefits offered by our Chamber.

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Myth: The Chamber is just a place to get a business referral.

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Fact: Referrals are an important part of what we do, but Chamber membership offers much more.

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We help connect businesses with one another, provide opportunities to increase visibility, share information and resources, support professional development, promote local businesses, and create opportunities for members to become more involved in the community.

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Myth: The Chamber only benefits its members.

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Fact: Our members are at the heart of our organization, but a strong business community benefits all of Newberry County.

When local businesses grow and succeed, they create jobs, contribute to the local economy, support community organizations, and help make Newberry County a stronger place to live, work, and visit. Through our Chamber and Visitors Center activities, we work every day to support both our members and the broader community.

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Myth: I have to be a large company or established business to benefit from the Chamber.

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Fact: Businesses of every size and stage can benefit from Chamber membership. Whether you are a new entrepreneur, a small local business, a nonprofit organization, or a large employer, the Chamber provides opportunities to connect, learn, promote your organization, and contribute to the community.

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Myth: The Chamber doesn't really have an impact on the community.

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Fact: The Chamber serves as a voice for the business community and works to promote a positive business environment and enhance the quality of life in Newberry County.

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Through networking, advocacy, business development, community partnerships, educational programs, leadership opportunities, events, and tourism promotion, we help connect businesses and people while supporting the continued growth of Newberry County.

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You can participate as much or as little as you choose. Whether you are looking for business connections, increased visibility, community involvement, professional development, resources, or simply want to invest in the future of Newberry County, the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center is here to help.