I have been involved with the Chamber of Commerce in Ashton and St. Anthony since early in my career, managing websites and providing design services. Over the past year I have been working closely with the Island Park Chamber to remodel their website. Shortly after joining, I was voted in as treasurer because of my familiarity with QuickBooks Online. Now, I am co-managing many aspects of Chamber business with Executive Director, Stephanie Almond, including membership, accounting, and the ATV Trail/Community Maps.
Managing the trail map projects has given me the greatest opportunity to reach out to the community, where I see firsthand the generosity and giving nature of Fremont County. I have also heard some constructive feedback from members asking questions like “What do I get out of the chamber?”
Online Membership Profile
The greatest benefit for chamber members is their website bio page. In my opinion, it’s worth the annual membership dues alone. I encourage all my website clients to join their local chamber(s) to take advantage of the web presence boost they provide.
Yellowstone-Teton Territory
The chambers network with the Yellowstone-Teton Territory (YTT), a non-profit that grants money for projects that promote East Idaho travel and events. They fund website remodels, print maps and brochures, and sponsor community events like the Ashton American Dog Derby. Recently, I have been voted in as Vice-President of the YTT so I can ensure that Fremont County’s chambers will have in-person representation at each monthly meeting.
Maps
Another YTT funded project includes the Ashton and Island Park Community Tear Maps that are available in stores for visitors to take. We just restocked the Island Park tear pads over Memorial Day Weekend.
Events
Each chamber plans a number of events throughout the year, including Ashton’s 4th of July Parade, St. Anthony’s Fisherman’s Breakfast/Summer Fest, and Island Park’s I Love IP Festival/Wild West Winter Fest.
Chamber Boards
The chambers all have great boards with many sharp individuals meeting faithfully each month, making plans and decisions that shape the organizations they represent.
So, why join the chamber in your community?
My involvement has been good for my business, but has also allowed me to connect with my community in rewarding ways. Perhaps it could do the same for you?.