It’s all about choice…and improved membership benefits.

After careful consideration by The Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and staff, the Chamber is changing the way our members invest. Like many chambers during the past decade, we are moving to a tiered dues system which provides benefits based on the investment level a member selects.

In the past, businesses have joined and paid membership dues solely based on the number of employees in their organizations. In the new structure, members choose the benefits that they want and need, then invest accordingly.  The Chamber’s new “tiered” system provides increased benefits with comparable dues – plus many new benefits, even at the lowest level.

Why?
You’re probably wondering why The Chamber would make such a change in the way we do business. Why would we adjust our price structure and change our revenue stream? The answer is simple:  It guarantees equity and choice. Each member can choose which benefits package is best for them. It also aligns with our mission to provide opportunities for our members to build successful businesses.
 
We listened carefully to the benefit requests of our members and benchmarked similar chambers benefit offerings.  We found that most members valued different benefits for a variety of reasons. For some, having a voice in advocacy was most important. For others, the ability to network and advertise was paramount. These requests weren’t necessarily based on the size of the business or the number of employees. The “one size fits all” membership model wasn’t working.
 
The solution was to develop different levels of benefits. You choose the membership that is best for you and your business.
 
Increasing Benefits Across All Levels
The Chamber began to consider changing to a different membership structure in 2018 as we benchmarked and learned from other chambers that made the switch. The staff studied the effects the change would have on the organization and membership. At the same time, member benefits were scrutinized, evaluated and measured. Some remained or were changed, many were created and others removed altogether.
 
For example:

• We still have free programs and events for all members plus reduced pricing for other events and programs with your membership.
• We have added online marketing opportunities for members to improve their SEO and online presence and included those opportunities in your investment. 
• We still have sponsorship opportunities for members, at any level, to take advantage of.
• We have added opportunities for non-members to advertise with the Chamber at increased, non-member rates

• All members will be automatically entered into the CONNECT Membership level in January 2021
• Chamber staff will meet with members over the next few months to discuss the added benefits, opportunities and value available at each level to make sure members select the tier that is right for them.