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What is the Chamber of Commerce?
The Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce is a member-owned, non-profit (501c6) organization of business people who are investing their resources in community development programs – working together to achieve our mission, to “promote, strengthen and expand the business community” of Grand Prairie.
The Chamber represents a unique partnership with business, civic and educational leaders in Grand Prairie. The goal of this partnership is to build a community where businesses flourish, education is continually improving and the community enjoys a safe and friendly environment. The Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce regularly partners with the city and school district.We accomplish our goals by serving our members, as our members serve the community.
What does the Chamber do?
The Chamber:
- Acts as a watch-dog to protect your interest in local, state and national legislation that may affect your business and community
- Brings current information and opportunities to membership relating to economic development
- Seeks out more and better job opportunities for the people who ultimately patronize your business
- Promotes a good public image of your community for business and industry
- Connects businesses to other businesses and consumers
How does the Chamber work?
The Chamber’s operational budget comes from the business member’s yearly investment. The mission and budgeted plans are implemented by a volunteer Board of Directors made up of elected and appointed members. The President of the Chamber maintains the day to day operations of the organization, constantly seeks new opportunities for members, and has full responsibility for the staff.Each year the Chamber board develops a plan designed to meet our mission. Implementation of proposed plans is made possible through the involvement of working committees comprised of member volunteers and community leaders. The members, their efforts, voice and commitment toward these plans are the backbone of the organization and are integral to the Chamber's success.Meetings of the committees and task forces are held at varying times each month, but there are general membership gatherings that occur regularly, along with:
- Membership Luncheons
- Ribbon Cuttings
- Business After Hours
- Branding Iron Breakfast
- Business Exchange Breakfast
- Multi-cultural Business Networking
- Journey to Inclusiveness
- Member to Member Series (M2M)
- Other events where marketing opportunities exist
Annual events:- Community Awards
- State of the City
- Annual Golf
- Member Appreciation
- Striking Up Business Bowling
- The Taste of Grand Prairie/Passport to Grand Prairie
- Pictures with Santa at Prairie Lights
- Pictures with Santa at Trader's Village
How does being a Chamber member benefit my business?
The Chamber provides multiple opportunities to enhance our member’s professional and personal growth, and expand business opportunities and build their businesses. Networking opportunities, featuring engaging speakers on useful topics, provided at various times during the month, offer the chance for our members to form communities of interest. As you create this network of professionals, you will gain insight to the industries and consumers who will utilize your business.
The more you engage in events, the more you benefit from your membership.
The Chamber encourages members to “shop our membership first”, so when you join the Chamber, you will be provided a list of hundreds of potential customers found in our membership directory. As you build relationships with other members, and they get to know, like and trust you, that relationship can result in business referrals. That is chamber membership at it’s best!
Activities of the Chamber all serve to meet our mission ”to promote, strengthen, and expand the business community”. Why is this so important? The cycle looks something like this: Our community attracts residents and visitors. Residents and visitors spend money with local merchants. Money spent locally increases business and tax revenues. Increased business and tax revenues allow the community to continue to improve services to both our businesses and our residents.
The success of the Chamber is predicated on the dedication and commitment of its members. As a member, you have the opportunity to have a voice in the community, to make a difference in our city and assist in creating a successful education system for future generations.
We look forward to welcoming you as a member of the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce; to work with you in growing your business, providing marketing opportunities, current business information, and together, continuously striving to make Grand Prairie the city where the best come to work and live.
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Chamber Events
