FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME AND MY COMPANY?
Access timely and accurate information, meet Evanston influentials, and find opportunities to make and save money. Joining the chamber will provide you with marvelous opportunities to meet businesspeople, establish valuable contacts, and become an involved member of the community in a fun and professional atmosphere. Be a part of a growing and exciting organization which can offer a wealth of benefits, assistance, and savings for you and your employees.
ISN'T THE CHAMBER ONLY FOR RETAIL BUSINESSES?
No, while the retail sector is a critical part of our economy and arguably the most visible sector, it represents only about 20% of The Chamber membership. Every company and organization benefits from membership in the Chamber of Commerce.
ISN'T THE CHAMBER ONLY FOR DOWNTOWN BUSINESSES?
No, while The Chamber has many downtown businesses who are members, about 75% of the membership come from other areas of the community.
ISN'T THE CHAMBER ONLY FOR LARGE BUSINESSES?
No, most businesses in Evanston are small, with less than 20 employees. The Chamber membership reflects this fact and so most businesses in The Chamber tend to be small.
WE PAY TAXES, WHY SHOULD I JOIN THE CHAMBER?
The Chamber is not part of government, but does work closely and cooperatively with it. The Chamber advocates for you and is able to do so through its connections with governmental institutions. The Chamber is an independent, nonprofit, 501c6 organization, that is funded primarily by the dues paid by its members on an annual basis. Chamber dues are tax deductible as a business expense.
HOW DO YOU DECIDE THE AMOUNT OF MY DUES?
Membership dues are based on the number of employees in a business. Only companies may actually join The Chamber. Thus, if a business has 20 employees, the company's dues are determined by the total number of employees, not just those who expect to participate. Refer to The Chamber membership application for the dues schedule. Dues are billed either in January or July, depending on when a business joins.
WHAT IF MY EMPLOYEES ALSO WANT TO BECOME ACTIVE IN THE CHAMBER?
When a company joins The Chamber, the benefits effect not only the president or executive director of the company, but all of its employees as well. This includes our member-to-member discount and our event schedule. We encourage all company and organization employees to participate. You will see the resulting benefits when everyone in your company is involved.
I'VE DECIDED TO JOIN, WHAT DO I DO NEXT?
First of all, congratulations. The next step you would take is to fill out the membership application enclosed in our prospective member packet. Mail the application, or stop by and drop it off, or fax it to us at 847.328.1510. We can also walk you through the process by phone at 847.328.1500.
HOW CAN I SEE FIRSTHAND WHAT THE CHAMBER CAN OFFER ME?
If you are still a little hesitant on joining, or even if you aren't, you are always welcome to be our guest at most of the events we offer. Enclosed in your packet is a monthly calendar of events that are open to members. If you give us a call ahead of time, we can register you and introduce you to some of our members. Great opportunities for this are our monthly Networking Breakfasts and Business After Hours events. Enjoy yourself, and get to meet some of the members in the process.
I AM A PROFESSIONAL. WHY DO I NEED THE CHAMBER'S HELP?
Can you recall any professional person having prospered in the Sahara Desert? It takes a community to give you opportunity. New businesses that you meet mean new clients for lawyers or new patients for physicians and dentists. The Chamber is building business and the contacts you gain mean wider professional opportunity.
