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An old Chinese proverb goes:
“Give a man a fish and you
feed him for a day. Teach a
man to fish and you feed him
for a lifetime.” The wisdom
seems self-evident, but
where are the best fishing
lessons taking place? At the
Norwin Chamber of Commerce,
they do their best to teach
members how to fish in many
different ways.
The most powerful benefit of
Chamber Membership involves
activities which bring
members together to both
network and learn. New
Member Breakfasts provide an
initial networking
opportunity for members, as
well as presentations on
everything from sales
training to website design
and marketing. Monthly
Membership Luncheons, held
both in Irwin and Penn
Township, provide members
with the opportunity to
build referral networks and
to learn from powerful
speakers. At recent
luncheons you could have
heard from Bill Flanagan,
KDKA personality and Chief
Communications Officer for
the Allegheny Conference on
Community Development, Craig
MacFarlane, noted
motivational speaker, and
Sara Mongell, Director of
the Regional Internship
Center of Southwestern PA.
Who benefits from these
Chamber activities? Those
who participate and make the
most of the opportunities
presented. “We’ve stocked
the lake,” said Margaree
Pertle, Chamber President.
“Get out your fishing gear
and come make a catch.” The
opportunities are many.
Members of the Chamber
sponsor Business to Business
mixers, such as one recently
held by the Youghiogheny
Country Club. The Western
Westmoreland Manufacturer’s
Network brings together the
areas manufacturers to
discuss common problems and
challenges. Niche groups,
such as the members who
formed Partnering Resource
Consultants, have created
lasting relationships, which
--most importantly-- have
boosted the bottom line for
their companies’ profits.
Each year, the Chamber forms
Committees whose activities
are critical to organizing
events, working with new
members, and accomplishing
Chamber goals. What better
introduction could you have
for your company than to
work side by side with area
business leaders, or be the
first to step forward to
help struggling young
companies? Not only are you
benefiting the business
community, but you are
building relationships to
help with future success.
In the last year, the
Chamber has brought in over
129 new members for you to
network with; we have
renovated office space to
create low-cost meeting and
seminar facilities for you
to use; and we developed the
Chamber Superstars program,
to help you make the most of
your contributions and
advertising opportunities.
But in all these venues, you
get out of it what you put
in. You have to do the
fishing,--working with
people who come to
appreciate your talents and
the capabilities of your
company while expanding a
network of contacts and
referrals.
And we haven’t even talked
about the many traditional
Chamber benefits, from
affordable health insurance
to news on events,
legislative issues, and
advertising opportunities.
Though their staff is small
and their fiscal resources
slim, the Chamber can be a
tremendous resource to its
members. Join. But don’t sit
back and expect the
opportunities to jump into
your lap. Only the guys and
gals out there working the
lines are catching the fish!
More on the Norwin Chamber
of Commerce
The Chamber, with over 431
members, is an active
organization providing the
leadership necessary to
promote the economic and
community interests of the
Norwin and surrounding
areas.
The Norwin Chamber of
Commerce is a non-profit
organization dedicated to
furthering the growth and
establishment of this
community as a superior
location in which to live,
work, vacation, and conduct
business. All sizes and
types of organizations are
represented. Members include
manufacturing, agriculture,
finance, health, media,
retailing, elected
officials, churches and
service clubs, and
individuals. Together, the
members of the Chamber work
to make the businesses in
our region thrive.
The Chamber works hard to
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Encourage member
involvement, so that the
strengths and expertise
of our various members
become available to all.
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Provide opportunities
for members to use
Chamber events,
publications, and
special projects to
increase their
visibility in the
community.
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Administer and enhance a
variety of member
benefits.
-
Promote the economic
development of the
region, including new
business development and
economic initiatives.
NCC is a strong advocate
of free enterprise.
-
Create an organized
marketing plan,
including marketing
materials designed to
enhance the professional
standing of the Chamber.
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Maintain a website which
offers a database of
membership information,
as well as a calendar of
events and community and
special project
information. Visit us at
www.norwinchamber.com.
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Organize a variety of
special events
throughout the year,
including the Annual
Dinner and the Community
Picnic.
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Partner with the Norwin
School District to
organize and promote
educational events such
as Partners in Progress
and the Career Fair.
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Educate businessmen and
women, utilizing NCC’s
new business center, and
covering topics such as
event planning,
QuickBooks training, and
topics of general
business interest.
For more information on
Chamber opportunities, call
724-863-0888, or visit the
Chamber website at
www.norwinchamber.com.
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