Power of testimony

POST FALLS - The Post Falls Chamber of Commerce is calling upon the power of testimony to round up new members this week.

The nonprofit has 441 members, slightly more than this time a year ago despite the continuing rough economy and local growth slowdown.

After lunch Monday, a dozen members grabbed names and numbers for prospective members, whipped out their cell phones and called the businesses about the benefits the chamber offers to kick off its membership drive week.

"It's not about selling them anything," said Jame' Davis, the chamber's membership director since March. "It's to educate them on what the chamber offers so they can make a choice."

Memberships range from $125 per year to $5,000 and vary depending on the level of benefits the members receive.

Incentives for joining this week include $20 in "Business Bucks" that can be spent at any participating business or used toward the membership fee and a complimentary listing in the business directory that's printed in October and distributed to hotels and other businesses.

"That (listing) can pay for the membership in and of itself," Davis said.

But CEO Pam Houser told the drive participants that the best way to get businesses to join is personal testimony.

"The best thing you can do is tell them why you belong," Houser said.

Davis said about 200 businesses will be contacted this week about the chamber.

"It's like I have 25 administrative assistants," she said with a smile.

In many cases, the blitz participants know the people they're contacting or even do business with them.

The businesses are listed under the headings of "Warm," "Cold" and "Win them back" to indicate the level of interest. Davis said all of the businesses were contacted earlier, so the phone calls this week won't be a surprise.

Davis said she hopes the drive will generate at least 25 new members.

"That's just being realistic," she said.

Anne Hagman of Spokane Teacher Credit Union told those on her list that the monthly "Taking Care of Business" luncheon is a great way to expose companies to a diverse audience, including many decision makers in the community. Another opportunity will be at the chamber's annual auction in September.

"Those are low-cost ways to promote your business," she told one business owner.

City Council member and Press columnist Kerri Thoreson invited prospects to the new chamber building, where tourist information and even local products are available.

Davis said a unique benefit the Post Falls chamber offers is that it acts as a ticket office for members for community events.

"Most chambers either don't do that or charge extra," she said.

Davis said cost is a main reason people say they don't want to join, but she said a recession is actually the best time to join because that's when business is needed the most.

"The more educated you become on the benefits, the more value you find in it," she said.

Davis said a misconception she hears often is that the chamber is part of the city and that its new building was funded with tax dollars. The chamber is located next to City Hall and worked with the city to secure the ground, but is separate from the city.

The membership drive concludes on Thursday night at River City Lanes with an awards ceremony for top participants.