Member Benefits

Our Chamber is organized to advance the economic well-being of the Greater Union Grove Area. This area includes Union Grove, Yorkville, Dover/Kansasville and Raymond. We do this in four M.A.N.E. ways: Marketing, Advocacy, Networking, and Education. The following benefits and opportunities align to fulfill our mission.

For simply being a Chamber member, your return on investment will astonish you. As a Greater Union Grove Area Chamber Member, you automatically receive all of the following benefits, no effort required.

• Business directory listings, brochures displayed in Chamber office display racks, Membership decal, newsletters, e-blasts.

• Remember, these are only the benefits of Members. Imagine what your business can achieve by being ACTIVE.

Marketing

Business/Visitor Referral Service: Members are always referred first and foremost. Each year the Chamber receives hundreds of calls, e-mails and social media requests.

Website: The Chamber website is the number one source of information about doing business in or visiting the Greater Union Grove Area. Members are automatically included in a web-based database that can be searched several ways. This site also contains comprehensive community and tourism information, as well as searchable event guide. Listing business and community events on our calendar is a great way to provide enhanced visibility.

Community Guide / Membership Directory: This is a comprehensive guide to the community for both visitors and residents looking for information about the Greater Union Grove Area. It is produced on a bi-annual basis with over, 1500 distributed to existing throughout Racine County.

Email Blasts: Regular updates are distributed via email to over 250-member contacts. Members may request to have an e-blast sent to promote their events.

Event Sponsorships: High visibility and advertising value is offered to Members who sponsor Chamber activities; Bowling Battle of the Businesses, Union Grove 4^th of July Parade, the Corn Booth at the Racine County Fair, Great Pumpkin Chuckin Fest just to name a few. As an event sponsor, the member’s business name is prominently displayed and promoted. 

Ribbon Cuttings and Ground Breaking: These ceremonies increase the visibility of new businesses. Provided for free to Members, these events also provide extra business exposure and Chamber media coverage.

Social Media: The Greater Union Grove Area Chamber has over 5000 active followers on its social media channels. The Chamber is positioned uniquely as a respected source for local business news, as well as visitor information. This perception can be leveraged to share a variety of information through Social Media that benefits the Chamber and its members.

Chamber Checks: Available in $5 increments to Members, community, individuals and businesses. This ‘money’ is in the form of a check and can be spent at any Chamber Member location. They are often used as a bonus/incentive by companies, as a gift, or for prize drawings and contests.

123BeaconMarketing: Beacon Marketing offers companies unique and interesting ways to engage with customers. It’s interesting to note that beacon technology can offer unique and interesting ways to engage with customers. Members can offer deals, tailor their suggestions and offer incentives to purchase merchandise for in-store consumers thus making the shopping experience interactive. We have partnered with 123BeaconMarketing to offer our members a substantial discount. Contact us to find out more.

Advocacy

Government Relations: The Chamber works to strengthen the local economy and create jobs, as well as inform and educate Members about issues impacting the business community. We regularly attend or monitor local municipality meetings especially when policies which effect local businesses are being discussed. Staff also assists Members in bridging the gap on local, regional, state and federal regulatory levels.

Lunches with Officials: Several times a year the Chamber arranges informative sessions with our State and local Representatives regarding issues important to our business community and citizens. The Chamber serves as a liaison between our membership and elected officials to ensure that the voice of business is presented to all levels of government.

Workforce: It’s no secret that one of the biggest issues facing the area is workforce. The Chamber supports businesses members recruitment efforts in a variety of ways. We host a Job Board group site on Facebook called “Jobs in the Heart of Racine County” and members may post open positions on our website. In addition, we participate in county and regional efforts to attract talent to this area.

Networking

Chamber Lunch: The Chamber Lunch is a great way to meet local business people and Chamber Members from throughout the community!  Our luncheons are held at least 10 times per year at various locations in the area. Speakers provide pertinent information on a variety of topics. Luncheons are typically held on Tuesdays from 12:00 pm – 1:15 pm, attendees have the opportunity to make long lasting business relationships. Fee is $10 and includes lunch

Business After Hours: Business After Hours events offer social and networking opportunities for members, in a casual atmosphere. Starting at 5:30 p.m., these get-togethers are graciously hosted by area towns or businesses. Chatting over a glass of wine or enjoying a fruit and cheese platter, the members form comfortable relationships, which strengthens community bonds. 'People do business with people they know'.

Bowling Battle of the Businesses: This annual event is the perfect out-of-office outing for Members to enjoy a day of bowling while doing creating a great team atmosphere. Attendees enjoy bowling, food & drink and opportunity to win great raffle prizes and more. 

Annual Banquet: With over 100 Members in attendance, this event is the premiere networking event of the year. Each year highlights a theme with fun ways for attendees to interact, enjoy a delicious dinner, and the passing of the gavel for our Board of Directors. 

Multi-Chamber Events: The Greater Union Grove Area has a very active chamber scene. The Chamber often partners with other local chambers so that our members have the opportunity to network with even more connections. Multi-chamber events don't occur on a set schedule, so please check back here often to see what's coming up. You can also check our events calendar tab.

Various Committees: Work side by side with other Chamber volunteers on special committees. Each event, program, and board rely on a passionate and energetic group of volunteer individuals across various sectors of Membership. Contact the Chamber to learn more. 

Education

Leadership Union Grove: This nine-month community leadership training program brings emerging and established leaders together for a comprehensive learning experience that cultivates leadership while participants explore community issues and avenues of involvement. Click here to learn more.

M.A.N.E. Impact: The Chamber partners with organizations such as WWBIC, SCORE, & SBDC to bring low cost or free business education programs to the area. Programs are designed to provide business members with the tools they need to grow and are based on member feedback.

Expert Connections: The Chamber can help you find solutions to issues impacting your business. We have an expanded network of business resources that we work with on a regular basis and are able to make connections where you need them.

Career Development: The Greater Union Grove Area Chamber works with our local High School to help provide our businesses with a future workforce. Some of the programs we are involved with are: Broncos Business, College & Career Expo, and INCubatoredu, a business incubator program. Members are encouraged to invest their time helping with these programs.

Union Grove Area Business Scholarship: With funds that are invested in the Racine Community Foundation the Chamber provides multiple scholarships per year to graduating seniors that wish to pursue a career in business.

**NEW – we are excited to announce a partnership with Herzing University.

Herzing University: This program allows members and their families to receive the following benefits:  

1. Tuition Reduction Scholarship – 10% scholarship for members applied to tuition only (not applicable to all programs).

2. Waived Enrollment/Application Fee – No cost to apply, reducing up front cost to members

3. Standard or Customized Web Page on Herzing.edu – Provides easy access to program, scholarship & other information for employees; links easily to specific intranet/learning portal

4. Dedicated Advising Team – Knowledgeable about the organization’s tuition assistance benefits and policies; single point of contact for employees

5. Tracking and Measurement Tool – Provides utilization data and employee cost savings improving the effectiveness of tuition assistance benefit programs

6. No-Cost Professional Webinar Topics Presented by Faculty/Staff – Designed to complement and reinforce existing organization programs and accessible to remote employees

7. Employee Group Learning – Programs may be tailored by organization and include remote or local employees via online or the structure can be blended

8. Promote Open Job Opportunities to Qualified Herzing Graduates – Preferred invitation and opportunity to participate in campus and virtual career fairs

9. Credit for Prior Learning – Have previous college credits evaluated for acceptance at no cost; validate and recognize select and qualified corporate sponsored training for college credit

10. Flexible Payment Options – Variety of payment options available to employees to reduce financial stress and lower loan balances

Maximize Your Membership: Held by request, these fast-paced, informal, FREE workshops are open to all current and potential Members. Topics include: website opportunities, sponsorships, networking options, marketing ideas, and more. The Chamber is committed to making sure you are getting the most of your Membership dollars.

Additional Benefits

Resource Center: Information resources are available at the Chamber – examples include a community calendar, local and area phone directories, clubs and organization brochures, local and state maps, regional visitor information, educational opportunities, etc..

Certificates of Origin: Certificate of Origin's are international trade documents used to determine the origin of goods for official, commercial and financial reasons.