Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, May 16, 1993 TAG: 9305140057
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: D1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: GEORGE KEGLEY STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
"Small business thinks we're big business oriented and big companies say we're for small business," said Daniel "Bud" Oakey, a chamber vice president who's leading the drive to sign 600 new members.
The chamber really is an advocate for all business, he said. As programs are designed, Oakey said, the chamber will do only those things that directly or indirectly improve the bottom line of its members.
His figures show strong representation for smaller companies. Of the 1,516 members, 79 percent are companies that have fewer than 25 employees while 7 percent have more than 100 employees.
Almost two-thirds of the members are in Roanoke while the remainder live and work in other parts of the Roanoke Valley. A small number come from Martinsville, Smith Mountain Lake, and as far away as Atlanta and Pennsylvania, connected by business ties.
Valley companies often are solicited for membership in one of three other chambers as well. The Salem-Roanoke County organization of 350 members, Vinton's 80 members and the Botetourt County chamber's 180 members concentrate mainly on community issues.
Several past efforts to consolidate the chambers and eliminate separate operating costs have failed, usually because of local concerns that "a lot of issues affecting localities would fall through the cracks," said Donna Thompson, executive director of the Botetourt chamber.
Directors of the regional and local chambers met jointly twice last year and they work together on committees for education, economic development and other programs.
Oakey said a business should be a member of both the regional and local chambers because "they are focused in different directions. They do a wonderful job of promoting local areas . . . but we're not getting into whether a turn signal should be on this corner or that."
Judy Griesenbrock, executive vice president of the Salem-Roanoke County chamber, said her group tends to work with small business. Some programs may be duplicated with the regional chamber, she said, "but a lot of people in my area like to stay with people they know."
"We feel like we have a niche and we concentrate on our area," said James Reynolds, president of the Vinton chamber. Among its projects are a Christmas parade, maps, brochures and ribbon-cuttings for new companies.
The regional chamber has had a slow beginning toward its membership goal, signing 41 companies that will yield $7,600 in dues during the first week. But the 550 volunteers working in the drive are expected to pick up their pace and reach the target by the end of May, Oakey said.
Last year, the regional chamber added 463 members and raised its retention rate among existing members from 83 percent to 89 percent.
Oakey says growth in jobs and commerce are the major benefits for members. Customer service is important, he said, "and members are our customers."
The chamber provides the first impression of the community for many new residents. Each year, at least 7,000 newcomer kits are mailed by the chamber staff of nine.
Led by John Stroud, president, the chamber has a broad work program, carried on in education, marketing, public affairs, special programs, business development and economic development assistance divisions, as well as the Western Virginia Quality Council and the Blue Ridge Small Business Development Center.
Support of business issues in the General Assembly by Stroud and Oakey - both registered lobbyists - is increasing. They followed more than a dozen bills.
They worked for legislation on fraud provisions in worker compensation laws, health insurance reform for smaller companies and incentives for businesses to comply with environmental laws.
The chamber has backed a valleywide strategic plan for economic development, expansion of waste treatment facilities, regional cooperation, improved highways, a workplace literacy program, special events for networking, groups promoting retention and recruitment of members and a number of other activities.
Robert Archer, a Salem beverage executive who recently joined the regional chamber board, said he's seen "vast improvement in energy and effort" by the organization. Businesses can speak louder through the chamber, he said.
James Lee, a partner in the Brown, Edwards accounting firm and treasurer of the chamber, said Stroud is listening to business needs and trying to meet them. After a lag in recent years, financial support is coming back, Lee said.
by CNB