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Photo by Jim Tuso
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The Greater Ukiah Chamber of Commerce offers
a number of services and programs to enhance the experience
of doing business in the Ukiah Valley.
Business After Hours Mixers
Introduce your business to the business community through
this fun and easy way to meet and make contacts with other business
people in a relaxed atmosphere. A Chamber Mixer is a networking
opportunity held at a member's place of business. Mixers allow
chamber members an opportunity to meet other chamber members;
meet new and established members of the business and professional
community and develop contacts and leads in an informal, social
atmosphere.
Due to the popularity of mixers, dates are scheduled a year
in advance. If you are interested in hosting a mixer or seeking
additional information, please contact the Chamber office at
info@ukiahchamber.com
or 462-4705. For members that want to showcase their business
but do not have the resources or room, the Chamber offers the
Business Showcase Mixers held in Spring and November.
Business Member Referral Service
One of the most valuable business services provided by the
Greater Ukiah Chamber of Commerce is the Member Referral Program.
Thousands of potential customers seeking local products and
services are directed, by our Chamber Staff, to hundreds of
our Chamber members each year. Calls and visitors are referred
to members in good standing. In addition Chamber member information
is included in over 2,000 visitor and relocation packets that
are mailed or given out annually.
Certificates of Origin
A Certificate of Origin is a signed statement verifying
the country of origin of products to be exported. The country
of origin is NOT the country from where the product is shipped.
The country of origin is the country where the product was manufactured
or last underwent a substantial change or modification. The
commodity being exported and its destination determine if a
Certificate of Origin is required. Some nations restrict imports
from certain countries; many countries limit the quantity of
goods that are allowed to be imported, or give preference to
goods manufactured in the United States.
The certificate of origin must be signed by the exporter and
be certified by a local chamber of commerce. The chamber must
have access to the commercial invoice in order to verify that
the exporter claims the goods originated in the U.S. Local chambers
of commerce can only certify goods that originate in the United
States.
You can obtain a single copy of the Certificate of Origin form
from a local Chamber of Commerce. General certificates of origin
forms can be obtained in bulk from the Government Printing Office
(202-512-1800).
To have a Certificate of Origin certified by the Greater Ukiah
Chamber of Commerce, contact the Chamber staff to confirm availability
of authorized personnel for signature. Chamber members can have
Certificates certified for $10. each; non-members for $15 each.
Chamber Network Newsletter
Published monthly, the Chamber Network includes local business
information and news, legislative updates, the community calendar
of events as well as current Chamber happenings, promotions
and member opportunities. Members are encouraged to submit information
to be included in the newsletter to share important information
that may be of benefit to your fellow members, to receive recognition
for something new you may be doing or just to toot your own
horn through the Chamber's 60-word Business Brief. Members also
have access to newsletter advertising opportunities in the newsletter
itself or through the Chamber Hot Sheet inserts. To submit articles
or Business Briefs, they must be emailed to info@ukiahchamber.com
by the 20th of the month prior to which you would like the information
to run, Every attempt will be made to include your information
in the current newsletter.
Display Racks for Members Only
Bring your business cards and brochures to the Chamber to
be included in our Member Display areas. Approximately 200 walk-in
visitors per month visit the Chamber office. Only member businesses
are given the opportunity to display brochures and business
cards at the Chamber.
Educational Seminars or Workshops
The Chamber produces and co sponsors a wide variety of seminars
and workshops as a service to our business community. Member
and business interests, current issues, and educational opportunities
determine subject matter of seminars and workshops offered.
Past seminars have included the Customer Services Series and
Human Resources Seminars in partnership with Mendocino College
(Customer Service, Dealing with Difficult People, Stress Management,
Motivating Employees, Employment Practices, Employee Appraisals,
etc.); Business Capital Access Workshop in partnership with
West Company; Workers Compensation in partnership with Employers
Council of Mendocino County and North Coast Builders Exchange;
Annual Business Issues and Legislative Updates; Making the Most
of the Web; and Local Community Issues Forum.
E-mail Alerts
Receive instant notification about Chamber programs, local
issues, state legislation and other information of interest.
Coming soon is the Chamber's e-newsletter designed to give members
a quick, timely update on issues of interest and concern. Make
sure you are included on the Chamber's Email Alert list by sending
your request including your name and company as well as email
address to info@ukiahchamber.com
Events
Holiday Trolley: A joint venture between the Chamber,
Mendocino Transit Authority and the Ukiah Main Street Program,
the Holiday Trolley provides FREE passenger rides connecting
Long's Orchard Plaza, the Pear Tree Shopping Center and Ukiah's
Downtown Shopping District. Every holiday season the Holiday
rolls out the day after Thanksgiving through the day after Christmas!
The Holiday Trolley relieves traffic congestion, encourages
shopping locally and adds to our community's holiday spirit.
Last year alone the trolley carried over 7,000 passengers while
instilling old time charm and fun to the holidays. The Holiday
Trolley Program is sponsored by businesses located along the
route as well as supportive businesses throughout the community.
Installation Dinner: Annual Installation of Officers & Directors
Dinner: In January the Chamber holds this special luncheon
to install the new Chamber officers, recognize volunteers and
those businesses instrumental in present Chamber accomplishments.
In addition to the ceremonial portion, each year we have a presenter
on hand to discuss current affairs, business issues or an educational
component for a complete business program.
Redwood Empire Business Expo: This multi-faceted business
trade show, produced by Family Life Magazine, is held in late
October/early November is a fantastic opportunity for the businessperson.
Explore literally hundreds of new ideas to help you enhance
your success, all conveniently accessible under one roof at
the Carl Purdy Hall, Redwood Empire Fairgrounds, Ukiah. Find
opportunities to expand, comparison shop, re-tool, cut costs,
job hunt, recruit, network, train, learn, recharge, buy, sell,
and save. Plus find great bargains and ideas for the home, garden,
and leisure. Whether you're looking for ideas to help your existing
business, your next project, or your career don't miss the only
local business trade show.
Small Town Christmas: This December event is the official
welcome of Santa to the retail area. A musical program in the
evening is followed by a lighted truck parade.
Fax Alerts
We are able to reach nearly all of our membership through our
Fax Alerts, a reasonable and effective way to notify members
about vital legislative or local information; send reminders
about Chamber programs, events, and networking opportunities.
Listing on the Chamber Website
All Chamber members are included on the Chamber's website in
the Find it in Ukiah Business Directory. Members are able to
update their listing online, add enhancement features such as
a printable map and directions to your business, online coupons
and your own designated spotlight page linked to your listing.
Visitors to the site can search for your business by name, alphabetically,
type of business and by keyword. Make the most of your Chamber
listing visit the Enhance Your Business Listing or contact
the Chamber office 462-4705.
Member to Member Discount Program
Developed to promote networking between member businesses, provide
additional benefits to Chamber members and their employees,
and give Chamber members opportunities for increased exposure
for their businesses. 12,000 discount cards are produced and
distributed to all chamber members and their employees, with
participating members. For a list of discounts offered, see
Member Exclusive Discounts
in the For Members section. Link to Exclusive Discount page
Member Orientation Programs
The Chamber Staff and Ambassadors hold Member Orientation Programs
designed to introduce new members and provide a refresher course
for existing members on how to take advantage of all of the
benefits, programs and services offered through the Chamber.
Member Orientation Programs are also a great way to network
with fellow members in a relaxed but structured environment.
These programs rotate between breakfast and lunch meetings.
To get the Member Orientation schedule or register to attend
contact the Chamber at 462-4705.
Membership Mailing Labels
Have something that you would like to send out to your fellow
Chamber members? You may purchase the entire list of current
Chamber members' mailing information sorted either alphabetically
or by zip code so that you may easily get your message out to
your fellow Chamber messages at your convenience. Membership
Mailing Labels are only available to current Chamber members
in good standing. The Chamber does not sell membership information
to businesses who are not members of the Greater Ukiah Chamber
of Commerce. We ask that you give us 24-hours notice if you
would like mailing labels so that we can make sure to have opportunity
to produce them. To get your labels, contact the Chamber office
at 462-4705.
Mendocino County Alliance
The Mendocino
County Alliance (MCA) combines the functions of a County-wide
Visitors Bureau with those of a wine and food promotional organization.
MCA's job is to market and promote Mendocino County as a great
destination to visit and a source of outstanding wines and foods
and related products. MCA is a mutual benefit nonprofit corporation
with a 16 voting member board of directors who represent all
regions of the County and come from a wide range of industries,
organizations and institutions. The Greater Ukiah Chamber of
Commerce is one of the founding organizations of the MCA and
has a representative on the MCA board of Directors.
Ribbon Cutting
Celebrate a Grand Opening, Anniversary or Special Event with
a Chamber Ribbon Cutting. Our Ambassadors, Board members, Volunteers
and Staff will join you and bring our photographer to commemorate
your special occasion. Your photo will be published in the Chamber
Network newsletter with a short description about your business
or event. Please call 462-4705 to schedule a time for your ribbon
cutting.
Welcome to Ukiah
The Chamber has developed this program to welcome
new businesses to our community, introduce them to the Chamber
and introduce them to our Chamber members. Membership personnel
and Ambassadors visit new businesses in the area, presenting
them with the "Welcome to Ukiah" tote bag filled with gifts
and items from current Chamber members. If you are interested
in participating in this program either by providing items for
the tote bags or joining us on our visits, contact the Chamber
at info@ukiahchamber.com
or call the Chamber office at 462-4705. If you know of a new
business to the area or are a new business that we have not
visited yet, please contact us so that we may schedule a time
to come and see you.
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