I am extending an invitation for you to join one of the premiere business organizations in the

Annapolis Valley Region, Annapolis Valley Chamber of Commerce. Included is a bit of history about our Chamber and some of the benefits of membership. I’ve also included a Membership Form. The Chamber boasts nearly 380 members & their employees and holds general meetings quarterly featuring guest speakers representing various industry sectors. Each fall we host the Annual Business Awards, during which businesses are recognized for excellence in six categories- outstanding large business, outstanding new business, outstanding small business, outstanding exporter, outstanding innovator and Lifetime Achievement. In conjunction with the Annual General Meeting the AVCC hosts an awards night featuring the “The Valley’s Best” enabling the community members to vote for their favorite businesses. We have a growing benefits package for our membership which includes:

Eligibility for membership in the Chamber of Commerce BENSPlus Insurance Plan, which can be customized for companies with one or more employees.

Merchant Visa and PSP discount rates from FirstData Eligibility for the Esso Fleet Card for fuel discounts. Free subscription to PROGRESS Magazine Links to your e-mail and website from the Chamber’s website Preferred pricing at Chamber events and Chamber sponsored functions. Advertising discounts in the Chamber newsletter AVCC sponsorship opportunity at AVCC events Opportunities through regular surveys which enables the AVCC to represent your

opinions to government Thank you for considering membership in the Annapolis Valley Chamber of Commerce. If you have any questions, please contact me at the Chamber office, 678-4634. Sincerely, Judy Rafuse Executive Director Annapolis Valley Chamber of Commerce

1. Networking Opportunities

2. Custom Chamber Insurance Plan

3. The VOICE for business in the Annapolis Valley

4. Discounts on event prices

5. Opportunities to hear compelling guest speakers and presentations

6. Recognized as a supporter of business in your community

7. Advertising discounts in your local newspaper

8. Gas Discounts through Canadian Chamber of Commerce

9. POS discounts for Visa/MasterCard, debit, and Discover

10. Member-to-Member Benefits

11. On-line membership directory – displays logo & business information

12. Certificate of Origin discount – Free for members

13. Online advertising & sponsorship discounts

14. Discounts on UPS services

15. By partnering with the Canadian Chambers of

Commerce you have an even stronger voice

PROFESSIONAL

DEVELOPMENT

The Valley’s Best: Vote for your favorite business! Award ceremony for the best businesses in the valley.

May Quarterly: This event is all about tourism and the action plan to bring more tourists to the beautiful Annapolis Valley.

September Quarterly: An agriculture theme with the recently added Innovation Accelerator Award ceremony.

Business Awards: Nominate the most deserving business! Recognizing and congratulating our outstanding valley businesses.

December Quarterly: Addressing the key advocacy issues of the Annapolis Valley

* All events include delicious food & intriguing guest speakers.

ANNPOLIS VALLEY CHAMBER OF

COMMERCE

The PD committee provides:

Smart Lunches

Educational Workshops

Workplace Education Programs such as Financial Management & Essentials Communication Skills

Each program is suited for expanding the skills of the business individual. Not only are these educational but it is another great way to network & market your name & business. Look for more details on up-coming programs provided by our PD committee by visiting our website. www.annapolisvalleychamber.ca

P 902-678-4634

E executivedirector@annapolisvalleychamber.ca

coordinator@annapolisvalleychamber.CA www.annapolisvalleychamber.ca

EVENTS

ANNAPOLIS VALLEY CHAMBER

OF COMMERCE

Sponsorship Opportunities

Number of Sponsorships Available September Innovation

2 Platinum, 4 Gold, 4 Silver, 6 Chamber Patrons, 4 Wine Sponsors

Business Awards & AGM/Valley’s Best 2 Platinum, 4 Gold, 8 Silver, 12 Chamber Patrons for both events,

plus 5 Awards & 4 Wine Sponsors for Business Awards.

May & December Quarterly 3 Gold, 5 Silver, 6 Chamber Patrons

10% discount

If sponsors book all 5 events in advance Note* The five events can be varied to include

different levels of sponsorship for different events.

All prices are subject to HST.

Verbal

Recognition PowerPoint

Presentation Printed

Material Banner

Displayed Free

Ticket(s) Radio

Recognition Logo on website

Platinum 2

Gold 1

Silver

Chamber Patron

Name only

Valley’s Best May Quarterly Agriculture Business Awards December Innovation Quarterly Platinum Media -- $1,000 $1,000 -- Gold $400 $250 $500 $600 $250 Silver $300 $200 $300 $400 $200 Chamber $200 $150 $200 $300 $150 Patron

Awards for Winners -- -- $1,000 -- Wine Sponsorship -- $ 300 $ 300 --

All prices are subject to HST

CONTACT Judy Rafuse executivedirector@annapolisvalleychamber.ca Jessica Spinney coordinator@annapolisvalleychamber.ca 678-4634

AVCC 2015 Committees

Professional Development Chair: Paul DesBarres Co-chair: Jessica Spinney Members: Robert Smith, Brad MacDonald, Greg Ross, Morgan Wheeldon, Brody Mossman

Agriculture & Agri-Food Chair: Jeremy Lutes Co-chair: Brian Newcombe Members: Brent Reid, Gerry Kennie, Fred Oickle, Kelly Radcliffe, Gary Morton, Ed Raine,

Ruphina Kaulback, Lynne Godline

Tourism Chair: Heather Leeman Co-chair: Loretta Buchanan Members: Hartt MacKinlay, Steven Slipp, Peter Smith, Nicole Robinson, Sharla Cameron,

Judy Saunders, Greg Ross

Advocacy Chair: Findlay MacRae Co-chair: Dave Ritcey Members: Harry Harmes, Colby Clarke, Don Abbey, Beth Easson, Greg Ross, Al Simpson,

Joel Stoddert, Jeremy Best, Kim Macquarrie, Paul DesBarres

MEMBERSHIP FORM

Today’s Date:

MEMBER INFORMATION

Last Name: First: Mr. Mrs.

Miss Ms.

Business Name: Cell #:

Business Phone #: Fax #:

Street Address: City: Postal Code:

Email Address:

Occupation:

Website:

Business Classification: No. of Employees:

Yes, I consent to receive e-mails from AVCC. Signature:

MEMBER INTERESTS

BENS Plus Insurance Plan: Yes No

Are you interested in serving on the following Chamber Committees (if yes, please check any of the following):

Board of Directors Advocacy Agriculture/Agri-Food Tourism Professional Development

FEES/PAYMENT INFORMATION

Micro business (1 employee) $100 + HST = $115.00 Payment Type: Write credit card # & Exp. Date:

Small business (2-10 employees) $125 + HST= $143.75

Visa:

Medium business (11-25 employees) $175 + HST+ $201.25 MasterCard:

Large business (26-50 employees) $225 + HST = $258.75 Cheque

Major business (+50 employees) $295 + HST = $339.25 Cash Made Payable to AVCC

Not-For-Profit business $125 +HST = $143.75

Student Membership $10 + HST = $11.50

Preferred Method of Communication from AVCC:

Phone Fax Email

NOTE* An employee is defined as follows: Permanent full-time employee. Permanent part-time employee. Shareholder/manager receiving dividends instead of salary. Sole proprietor. Partner, and/or unpaid related party (family member) performing a business function on an on-going basis.

All employees are members! Please provide us with a list of e-mail contacts.

Name Email

For an extra $50 you can sign up as a Premium Member! As a premium member you will receive other links to add to your profile as well as be placed in our premium member section.

Please provide us with:

Facebook link Facebook.com/

Twitter link Tiwtter.com/

LinkedIn link LinkedIn.com/

Logo

50-100 word description of your business

Once we receive payment you will find a membership card & window decal in your mail. Make sure to visit our website to see and share Member-to-Member offers. To receive the discounts, show your member card at the business location offering the discount to members. www.annapolisvalleychamber.ca Remember to follow us on Twitter and LIKE our Facebook page to see daily updates. www.facebook.com/avcc1 @avccommerce

Thank you for supporting your local chamber!