San Diego North Chamber unveils new fee structure
A new membership fee structure is in place at San Diego North Chamber of Commerce.
The new fees, implemented July 1, are based on number of employees rather than benefits members want to receive.
The chamber has also added services and benefits, such as free notary service for two documents per month, one free admission to each monthly chamber mixer, and discounts for services including FedEx and car rentals.
In addition, it now has a written “guarantee” to members about what the chamber promises them — such as access to the organization’s CEO, networking opportunities and business resources to help grow.
These opportunities have always been available to members, but chamber officials felt it important to put it in writing, according to president and CEO Debra Rosen.
“I have not seen anybody (else) do it,” Rosen said.
There are six annual membership levels, starting at $275 for an individual or non-profit and $375 for a business with one to nine employees. The other levels are $475 (10-19 employees), $625 (20-49), $925 (50-99) and $1,525 (100-plus). Those who want to belong to the Chairman’s Circle pay an additional $499 per year.
The previous fee structure (in place since January 2009), was based on the number and type of benefits a member wanted to receive, not number of employees. It had an “entrepreneur” level at $200 and “business” level at $275. Additional benefits were available for those who chose the $400, $700 or $1,250 levels.
Rosen said the chamber was returning to an employee-based system because “Over the last six months, we talked to members who wanted (more benefits) but said they can’t afford (the dues),” Rosen said.
According to Rosen, 75 percent of the chamber’s 800 or so members are small and medium-sized businesses and an employee-based dues system is utilized by 99 percent of chambers across the country.
While dues will be higher for some, Rosen said some smaller businesses will save money, since they had opted for the $400 level before.
She also said the cost of benefits available have a value in excess of the dues amount. In addition, the chamber is looking into ways it can offer additional perks. Among those most wanted by members according to a recent survey, she said, are bulk rates for office supplies and group health insurance.
A new feature on the chamber’s website is its “Hot Deals” page. While only members can post to it, anyone can view and take advantage of the listed specials.
For details, go to www.sdncc.com or call 858-487-1767.
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