COLUMN: Our mission is to promote business growth, success

COLUMN: Our mission is to promote business growth, success

This commentary was featured in the Venice Gondolier on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.
 
As we enter the second fiscal quarter, it’s a good time to update you on what has been happening at the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce.

Our mission is to “Promote Business Growth and Success.” They say a strong business community is truly a strong community, and the Venice Area Chamber is there every step of the way, empowering businesses to thrive and prosper.

From a community service standpoint, we have welcomed over 3,000 residents/visitors in the lobby and answered over 1,000 phone calls since Jan. 1. This type of exposure to our member businesses is fabulous.

It generated 3,700+ member referrals. Our Annual Community Guide & preferred Business Directory was fresh off the press with exciting, fun and unique things to do along the 18 miles of Tamiami Trail that is in our Chamber’s service area.

Our members were kind enough to share their expertise with topics on real estate, sun safety and much more. Our guide is also your best resource for area business referrals.

Our in-house partnership with Visit Sarasota County allows us to be an official Visitors Center. Together, we offer tourism information, which is a great resource at all times and especially when your family and friends come to town.

There are so many great things happening in our area that will keep them very busy. For a great photo op, you can take a picture of the five-foot megalodon sharks’ tooth replica located outside our Chamber.

The words “Shark Tooth Capital of the World” are on the building, framing a great memory of their visit.

The Venice Area Chamber continues to make an impact on our nonprofit organizations with the Nonprofit Rally held annually in January and takes place here at the Chamber in our parking lot.

Wow, what a difference it makes aligning residents with an organization for which to give of their time, talent and/or treasure. I like to call it window shopping to volunteer opportunities.

With over 40 different types of organizations to choose from in a short, 3-hour window, it is something you don’t want to miss if you are looking to connect with an organization you are passionate about.

We support our business members through business referrals; advocacy initiatives; access to information related to various news and issues happening within the community; and opportunities and resources for businesses to expand and grow their business through a variety of programs, partnerships and initiatives.

There is power in numbers, and the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce is no different. Being a Chamber member brings credibility to your business.

The collective voice of our members and their workforce speaks loudly when advocating for our business community, be it at the city, county, state, or federal level.

You can check out our 2024 Legislative Priorities and the results on the advocacy page of our website: VeniceChamber.com

It’s easy to add your voice to building a stronger business community. Come on by, go on our website or give Andrea Arnold, our Membership & Sales Director, a call at 941-800-1420.

It will be one of the best investments you make for your business.