Does the Chamber primarily serve the needs of big businesses?
Many people are surprised to learn that 95% of all Chamber members are small businesses with 25 or fewer employees. We work hard to offer programs designed to support both our large and small member businesses needs.

Is the Chamber of Commerce a part of local government?
The Chamber is a voluntary, not-for-profit organization of business and professional people dedicated to the economic well being of our community. The Chamber is not a department of local government, charitable organization or civic club and derives 100% of its income from membership dues, donations and programming.

What does the Chamber do?
The Chamber's mission is to help business succeed. The Chamber promotes, supports and represents the interests of business and industry and strives to enhance the quality of life within a community.

My company is a member of the Chamber, does that make me a member?
Yes. When your company joins the Catawba County Chamber of Commerce they are joining for all employees within that company. Any employee may take advantage of the program and benefit offerings.

Most of my clients are outside of Catawba County, why should I join the Chamber?
The Chamber offers a wide variety of training, education and career development programs that help you build your staff; we help foster the growth of other businesses at which family members of your associates can find meaningful employment; we work for a better business climate by advocating on your behalf to local, state and federal governments; and, we help direct educational development in directions that will drive growth for our county.

What is the Chamber doing about the economy?
We are advocating constantly for a better, more business-friendly regulatory environment in the county, state and nation. We are partners in every community effort to define a regional vision and craft a strategic plan to realize that vision. We work daily with new businesses, helping them grow, prosper and provide jobs.

How do I update my online directory listing?

I have questions about the website. Who should I ask?
With questions about benefits of the website, please contact Sheila Little at slittle@catawbachamber.org or (828) 328-6114.

With questions about website use or functionality, please contact Phil Trick at ptrick@catawbachamber.org or (828) 328-6114.

Where can I learn more about volunteer opportunities?
Click here for descriptions of Chamber and affiliate volunteer opportunities.

How can I sign up to volunteer?
We encourage our members to get involved! Just click here to learn about a full range of Chamber and affiliate volunteer opportunities. Contact information is listed with each volunteer activity.

My business would like to sponsor a Chamber event or program. What opportunities are available?
Click here for information about available partnership and sponsorship opportunities with the Chamber.

Who can attend Chamber events?
Everyone! Our events are open to member and non-member guests.

Does the Chamber offer a group health insurance program for its members?
Unfortunately, at this time we do not have a group health insurance program. But due to federal legislative issues concerning healthcare, this option may be available in the future. We do have many members who offer health insurance that you can contact for pricing. Click Here.

The Chamber does offer to it’s members, CompCarolina, a self-insured worker's compensation plan. They specialize in providing top-notch worker's compensation coverage to small and medium size businesses. Contact Joy Cline [jcline@catawbachamber.org] for details.

I don’t have time to become heavily involved in Chamber activities. Does that decrease the value of my membership?
Not at all. As a matter of fact, only about 15% of all members participate actively in volunteer positions with the Chamber. Your membership is designed to give you a tremendous return on your investment even if you don’t have time to get heavily involved. If you do have the time, you can certainly reap extra benefits.

How do I submit press releases to the Chamber for use in the Member News section of the website?
All members in good standing with the Chamber may submit press releases for possible inclusion in the Member News section of the website. Press releases should be brief and emailed to Marin Tomlin [mtomlin@catawbachamber.org]

Why is the Chamber so involved in Government Affairs?
Many companies, especially small businesses, don’t have the time to attend city/town council meetings, county commissioner meetings or travel to Raleigh on a regular basis. So the Chamber is there to represent your best interests and ensure Catawba County remains business friendly.

How does the Chamber decide how to assess dues to members?
In the vast majority of cases, the formula for setting the level of dues combines a minimum base rate plus a small fee per full time permanent employee. The system is designed to result in a “fair share” contribution by businesses of all sizes. In some special business categories a different formula is sometimes used, but the goal is always fairness.

I would like to let my customers and vendors know I am a member of the Catawba County Chamber of Commerce. Can I use the Chamber’s logo on my letterhead and business cards?
You are encouraged to show the pride you have in your membership by using the Chamber’s logo on your printed materials and on your website. You may download the official version of the Chamber’s logo, which includes the terms “Proud Member Of,” from the Members Only section of the Chamber’s website. You may also contact the Chamber’s marketing department at 828-328-6114 to request a hard copy of the ad slicks.

It seems like the Chamber is always trying to raise funds and is always asking for donations. What does the Chamber do with all that money?
Gifts and other donations to the Chamber are used to deliver the quality of programs and resources our members expect and deserve. The Chamber is a non-profit member-driven organization. Without those donations and contributions we are not able to represent the best interests of business as well as our members expect us to.

What does the Chamber do (beyond helping business) to improve the quality of life here in Catawba County?
There are a number of ways the Chamber adds to the quality of life we all enjoy. Chamber staff and volunteers promote and contribute their time and resources to local education programs, local arts & culture, historical preservation, community festivals and recreational events.

How can I get in touch with Chamber staffers to assist me?
Please browse our complete online staff directory.

Have a question we didn't answer here?
E-mail Marin Tomlin [mtomlin@catawbachamber.org] or call 828-328-6114