MAY

Slate Belt Economic Development
   A Slate Belt Trolley Tour is planned for June 27th.  Developers and brokers will be invited to tour the commercial available sites in the Slate Belt.  Selected sites will be featured and “Sell/Fact Sheet” will be available for other available commercial sites.  If you have commercial properties that your would like us to include in these packets please contact the office.
   Business Calling Program:  Do you have workforce, transportation, financial or technology challenges?  Does your employees need training?  Are you having problems hiring qualified employees?  These are some of the questions faced in today’s workforce.  We may be able to assist you in these areas, please contact us today to schedule a meeting to further learn your areas of concern.

MONTHLY HAPPENINGS:
April 18th we helped Michele of Gifted Hands on Broadway celebrate her grand opening.  Thank you to all that attended this celebration.

April 22nd we held our SBCC Business Luncheon, special thanks to The Chandler Estate for your hospitality and Sally Handlon of Handlon Business Resources for speaking on “Is Your Networking Working.  See article inside.

Special Thanks to the Green Knight Economic Development Corporation for the grant we received.  This grant will help continue our efforts in promoting the Slate Belt with our billboard, “The Slate Belt, A Great Place To Live & Do Business”.

Due to the unfortunate loss of a dear friend and Board Member last month the Slate Belt Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations to fill this seat.  If you are interested in a seat on the SBCC Board of Directors or have any suggestions, please contact the office at 610.863.0315.

The Bangor Elks Lodge #1106 will be running a Poker Run this June.  This event will help raise funds for our Santa’s Elves committee to support the less fortunate children of the Slate Belt.  See flyer enclosed and spread the word.  Committee meeting 5/5, 7 pm at the chamber office.

ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITY EXTENDED
Slate Belt Community Map & Information Guide
of the Slate Belt area from Wind Gap to Portland…

What is the Community Map & Information Guide?
A full color four page booklet that opens up to a poster size map.  Information on the history of the Slate Belt, each of the 10 municipalities, recreation, tourist attractions, Slate Belt Council of Governments & The Slate Belt Chamber of Commerce.  Back panel folds out to a poster size street map bordered by sponsors/advertisers.
Sponsorship Benefits & Distribution.
Each sponsor receives 100 copies to hand out to their customers.  The SBCC will distribute copies at area events and will be available for area residents, businesses, and visitors to pick up.
Sponsorship Rates: Single Space Business Card Size $345.00
          Double Space $640.00
           Triple Space   $935.00
For more information contact the office at 610-863-0315.

SBCC Membership Renewals 3/26/08 through 4/25/08
A D COMPUTER                          SLATE BELT COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS
BANK OF AMERICA                  THE NEW YOU HAIR STYLERS
L P C RADIOLOGISTS
PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES
SUBURAN EMS—MEDIC 9
 

Is YOUR network working?  Just some notes from Sally Handlon, speaker at last weeks luncheon.
 When it comes to networking, there are two primary approaches...1.  Can you hear me and 2. Can I hear you.. Or learning to promote others which is effective self promotion.
 Although both can work, my preference and my focus is “can I hear you”.  In the long run, this approach can have a more lasting impact for your business.
 Before going into more depth on “hearing you”, let’s take just a few minutes to understand appropriate self promotion.  Most business owners struggle with this and many people equate self-promotion with bragging.  I consider this to be ineffective self-promotion-boastful, pushy, self-serving.
 Effective self-promotion is when it comes from a different place.  It comes out of passion and genuine interest in others.  It then is seen as helpful and supportive.
 According to Debbie Allen, motivational speaker and author of “Confessions of Shameless Self-Promoters.  “If you are not willing to promote your talents, expertise and products, others will quickly pass you by.  The world is not going to beat a path to your door unless you pave the way.”
 Ineffective self-promotion is that which serves the person promoting first.  Effective self-promotion is serving others first.
 How is it possible to be self-promoting and yet serve others?  When attending a function-business or otherwise-consider your attitude towards the event.  Instead of thinking or dreading about: Will I know anyone there?, how awkward it is to break into conversations, will it be one of those events where when everyone is already in groups and sitting together, how can I work the room and feel comfortable?  Instead, concentrate on meeting 3-5 new people first.  You can catch up with those you already know later on at the event.
 Have several key questions that you would like to ask a person that you are just meeting.  Questions that are open-ended and lead into knowing how you might be able to help them.
 After the obvious formalities of name and business, consider asking: How did you decide to go into this business?, What are the key products or services that you offer?, Who would be a typical customer for you?, How do customers usually find out about you?, How could I help you?
 When the conversation starts to wind down, ask for a business card, jot down a few notes on the back of the card regarding the conversation.  And, then follow through...send a note or an email.  When you find someone that you could use their products or services, refer them.  Or, if they are seeking some information or a contact, follow through with the information or lead.

______ May 20th, Networking Breakfast at Detzi’s Tavern, remit fee $10/$12.

______ June 24th, Summer Business Luncheon, remit fee $10/$12.

Name (s) ___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

Company _______________________________________________Contact #:___________________

Remit to SBCC, P. O. Box 5, Pen Argyl, PA 18072  phone or fax 610.863.0315
Visa & Master Card Accepted:
Name as it appears on card: __________________________________________________________

CC # _____________________________________________________ Exp. Date: ______________
 

Yes, sign us up!
• Tee/Hole Sponsor                     ___________________________________________________________
• Golf                                              Company Name
• Dinner only ($25.00)                   __________________________________  (_____) _________________
• Prize Donation                            Contact Person                                            Telephone

1.  ________________________________________________ Can’t sign up a foursome?  Pairs and singles

2.  ________________________________________________                      will be matched up!

3.  ________________________________________________
                     Meet new people….
4.________________________________________________

Make checks payable to:
Slate Belt Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 5 Pen Argyl, Pa 18072 or
Nazareth Chamber of Commerce, P. O. Box 173, Nazareth, Pa 18064

SBCC SURVEY

The reasons for joining the Slate Belt Chamber of Commerce is (Circle all that applies)

1. Group Insurance Benefits    6.  Networking with others
2. Immediate legitimacy of business   7.  Informative newsletter
3. Involvement in community affairs   8.  Advertising in directory
4. Seminars, Social events    9.  SBCC internet web site
5. Chamber promotes my business through   10. Other:_____________________
      the membership directory.

Over the years I have participated in the following Chamber activities:
(Circle all that applies)

Santa’s Elves   Monthly Meetings   Scholarship Golf Outing

Business Breakfasts  Business Luncheons   Dinner Meetings

Christmas Party  Networking Mixers   Scholarship Awards

Seminars   Bus Trips    Economic Development Committee

Awards Banquet  Community Maps & Information Guides

Newsletter/Web site/Directory Advertising

The main reason I do not participate in the Chamber’s activities:

Time  Cost  Lack of interest  Location of activities

Please suggest workshops, seminars, speakers, fund raising ideas or activities that you would be interested in participating with.
 
 

I am interested in the following areas:
Computers and doing business through the internet
Community growth and development
Tourism, recreation, entertainment and/or sporting events
Financial, business, employment and government problems/opportunities
Newsletter, web, directory advertising