By Claudia Perez Rivas | Kingsville Independent News
The Kingsville Chamber of Commerce continues to broaden its role as a resource hub for local businesses, offering promotion, networking, education and one-on-one support to entrepreneurs at every stage, from home-based startups to major employers.
“Our job is to support businesses in any way we can,” said Kasey Zumwalt, director and CEO of the Kingsville Chamber of Commerce. “Whether that’s promotion, advertising, helping with graphics or connecting someone with the right contact, my responsibility is to help businesses succeed and stay open.”
Membership open to all types of businesses
Chamber membership is open to businesses of all sizes, from solo entrepreneurs to large employers. There is no minimum time in business, no employee requirement, and businesses do not need a brick-and-mortar location to join.
“Any business from one employee to 500 is considered a small business,” Zumwalt said. “Even larger companies can join as investors in the community.”
The Chamber currently offers three primary membership levels:
- Standard business membership – $350 annually
- Nonprofit membership – $250 annually
- Micro membership – $100 annually
The micro membership, added this year, is designed for home-based businesses, online businesses, freelancers, photographers and vendors who operate primarily at markets or pop-up events.
“For many people, $350 can be the difference between buying a new machine or paying for packaging,” Zumwalt said. “We wanted to remove that barrier so more people could participate.”
The new micro membership has already seen strong interest, with about 10 businesses enrolled since its launch.
Equal access to Chamber support
Regardless of membership level, the Chamber emphasizes equal access to services.
“I do my absolute best to treat $100 members the same as $10,000 members,” Zumwalt said. “If you need advertising, graphics or help promoting your business, I try to make it happen.”
While promotion is reserved for members, the Chamber frequently highlights business activities through social media, networking events and newsletters.
Ambassadors program boosts visibility
One of the Chamber’s revitalized efforts is its Ambassadors Program, which now includes about 15 local ambassadors. Ambassadors assist with:
- Ribbon cuttings
- Business visits
- Online reviews and social media engagement
- Welcoming new members
Ambassadors regularly visit selected member businesses, sometimes referred to as a “member spotlight list”, encouraging reviews, sharing posts and increasing visibility.
“Google reviews are free. Facebook shares are free,” Zumwalt said. “Those simple things can make a huge difference for a small business.”
Ribbon cuttings available for new and existing businesses
Ribbon cuttings are available not only for new businesses but also for:
- Anniversaries
- Renovations
- Business expansions
“We’ve done ribbon cuttings for businesses that have been open for more than a year after major renovations,” Zumwalt said. “If you’re proud of it, we’re proud, and we want to celebrate it.”
For home-based or mobile businesses, ribbon cuttings can be hosted at the Chamber office or at another agreed-upon location.
Education through monthly luncheons and workshops
The Chamber now hosts monthly “Lunch & Learn” workshops, expanding from only a few per year in the past. Topics range from:
- Social media and Facebook marketing
- Graphic design
- Bookkeeping
- Cybersecurity
- Community health programs
Members may also propose and host workshops.
“If you have something you can teach that Chamber members would benefit from, I’m always open to it,” Zumwalt said.
Looking ahead: Financial assistance programs in early development
The Chamber is in the early planning stages of a potential small-business funding initiative, possibly in partnership with other organizations. While details are still being developed, discussions include:
- Startup grants
- Equipment assistance
- Matching grants
- Downtown façade improvement grants
Zumwalt said she hopes future funding programs will help entrepreneurs start, expand and improve the appearance of business districts.
“Downtowns thrive when businesses feel supported and when buildings look inviting,” she said. “That benefits the entire community.”
Ongoing outreach and communication
The Chamber distributes a monthly newsletter to members and actively monitors member social media pages to help promote events. Members are encouraged to submit their information directly to ensure it is included.
“I don’t want anyone to question whether being a member is worth it when renewal time comes,” Zumwalt said. “I want it to be obvious.”
For more information on membership, ambassadors or upcoming events, residents and business owners can visit the Kingsville Chamber of Commerce website at http://www.kingsville.org or contact the Chamber directly at 361-592-6438.