Director's Corner
Anyone who has ever worked on a non-profit event knows that it can be a lot of work. There are a million details – food, entertainment, decorations, raffles – the list goes on and on. And then comes the inevitable questions that keep Stephanie and I awake at night – What if no one comes? What if we don’t make enough money? It’s enough to cross your eyes and turn your hair grey. (Hint – Blonde highlighting covers grey VERY well!) And yet we continue to create events, ask for sponsorships, sell tickets and gather raffle prizes. Why? Because this is how we fund our operations to provide services and benefits to you, our Chamber members.
An organization such as ours is funded through a variety of means. Annual membership investments account for less than 50% of our revenue. The other 50% comes from events, revenue-sharing partnerships and products such as mailing labels, newsletter advertising and fees for the use of the bulk permit. Each year, the budget is carefully assembled and goals are set for all revenue and expenses. The challenge is always to ensure that we set our goals at the proper level so we can continue to offer the benefits and services you have come to expect.
Occasionally, a member will challenge the fee for an event. Or someone will look at me in disbelief when I explain that we can’t afford to have an event where we don’t make a profit. Just as in your own business, we have to carefully manage every dollar to keep the doors open and the lights on. Did you know that Administrative Expenses (payroll, taxes, rent, office supplies, insurance, etc.) account for almost 70% of our total expenses? It would be easier to simply raise membership investments to cover that cost, but by doing that, the Chamber eliminates any added-value to your membership. Event sponsorship allows for the opportunity to tailor-fit which event best showcases and promotes your business. Without special events, your annual membership investment would be much higher just to cover the basics!
The Nordonia Hills Chamber of Commerce exists to serve the interest of business in our community, whether it’s through benefits, educational programs or helping our members grow through marketing/networking activities. Our committees are busier than ever and you’ll be reading about new programs developed to help make your business a success. It takes money to develop and present new programs. We hope that the next time you see an invitation to a Chamber event, you’ll see it as an opportunity to contribute to this ongoing process. It’s money well spent!
That’s my opinion. I welcome yours.
Laura Sparano Executive Director
An organization such as ours is funded through a variety of means. Annual membership investments account for less than 50% of our revenue. The other 50% comes from events, revenue-sharing partnerships and products such as mailing labels, newsletter advertising and fees for the use of the bulk permit. Each year, the budget is carefully assembled and goals are set for all revenue and expenses. The challenge is always to ensure that we set our goals at the proper level so we can continue to offer the benefits and services you have come to expect.
Occasionally, a member will challenge the fee for an event. Or someone will look at me in disbelief when I explain that we can’t afford to have an event where we don’t make a profit. Just as in your own business, we have to carefully manage every dollar to keep the doors open and the lights on. Did you know that Administrative Expenses (payroll, taxes, rent, office supplies, insurance, etc.) account for almost 70% of our total expenses? It would be easier to simply raise membership investments to cover that cost, but by doing that, the Chamber eliminates any added-value to your membership. Event sponsorship allows for the opportunity to tailor-fit which event best showcases and promotes your business. Without special events, your annual membership investment would be much higher just to cover the basics!
The Nordonia Hills Chamber of Commerce exists to serve the interest of business in our community, whether it’s through benefits, educational programs or helping our members grow through marketing/networking activities. Our committees are busier than ever and you’ll be reading about new programs developed to help make your business a success. It takes money to develop and present new programs. We hope that the next time you see an invitation to a Chamber event, you’ll see it as an opportunity to contribute to this ongoing process. It’s money well spent!
That’s my opinion. I welcome yours.
Laura Sparano Executive Director
posted by Blog Manager @ 10:58 AM
0 comments
