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The
Chamber is the first stop for many visitors to our area. We
provide assistance to individuals who are visiting, whose who
are thinking of relocating here, companies which would like
to do business here, etc. We provide directions, brochures,
and maps, recommendations on where to stay or eat, souvenir
items, things to do in our area, places to purchase items, where
to go for more information, names of companies that produce
certain types of products, and much, much more. We often wonder
where everyone went for all these things before there was a
Chamber of Commerce! And of course, whenever possible, we make
referrals to our member businesses.
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The
Chamber does pay the majority of the expenses for the annual
Christmas lighting program with some financial assistance from
the City of St. Marys. The Chamber does put on the annual fireworks
display by requesting donations from local companies and individuals
and through fundraising activities. All money raised for fireworks
is spent on fireworks.
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The
Chamber is not responsible for recruiting businesses for the
downtown. However, the Chamber does provide support for the
Marienstadt Corporation in their efforts to fill vacant storefronts.
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The
Chamber does provide numerous opportunities for our members
to advertise their products and services. These include Chamber
Gift Certificates (redeemable only at current Chamber member
businesses); mailing inserts (a great way to reach 400+ business
people in our region); and website (all members are listed alphabetically
and by category on the Chamber's website).
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The
Chamber does not promote any individual company to the exclusion
of others, but promotes our business community as a whole. The
Chamber does provide assistance to existing and potential businesses.
We are a Small Business Resource Center in cooperation with
the Small Business Development Center at Clarion University.
Coordination of grand opening and ground breaking ceremonies
also can be provided.
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The
Chamber does not provide low-interest loans or grants to businesses
or individuals. For information on these types of funding, contact
the St. Marys Area Economic Development Corporation.
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The
Chamber does monitor issues pending in the federal, state, and
local governments and informs our members when their input could
be directly beneficial. We also sponsor periodic legislative
forums so our members have the opportunity to speak to our legislators
directly about their concerns. However, the Chamber is not a
political entity. We do not endorse political candidates or
their platforms.
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The
Chamber does provide information and assistance when requested
to companies which are interested in locating here. However,
the Chamber does not have any control over which companies come
or do not come. The Chamber proudly supports the free enterprise
system.
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The
Chamber does assist the local hospital in their recruitment
efforts by providing community tours for physicians who express
an interest in locating here.
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The
Chamber does provide numerous opportunities for networking at
a variety of events such as the Annual Dinner, Golf Outing,
Women's Recognition Program, seminars, legislative meetings,
etc.
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The
Chamber is funded by membership dues, project income, and sales
of souvenir items and directories. The Chamber does not receive
funding from any government agency.
