For Members

Benefits the Office of Economic Development can bring to YOUR BUSINESS

• Increased traffic by utilizing such programs as ‘Chamber Bucks’, referral programs
  and advertising co-ops
 

• Self-Help Educational Opportunities by providing free or low cost training/informational classes on business basics to help you operate your business more efficiently.
 

• Representation at Scottsville, Albemarle County and State government levels. The Office of Economic Development (OED) would represent the agenda of the SCCC and its’ membership in all matters relating to economic development and business operation in our membership area.
 

• Increased Exposure by using cooperative advertising, offering assistance and advice on cost effective marketing and advertising programs.
 

• Technology Assistance – the Office of Economic Development (OED) can help you get started on your way to Internet Commerce success or assist you in selecting a point of sale and inventory system suited for your business.
 

• New customers – when new people come to Scottsville and see stores that are appealing to them they will come back. The OED will create, organize and execute activities to not only supplement OED operating costs but bring new people to Scottsville and into your store.
 

• Shopping Area Enhancement – People like to shop in attractive shops, towns and districts. The OED will work with our merchants and building owners to help create a pleasing and attractive shopping experience for our visitors. The OED will also work closely with the Town of Scottsville and other agencies to minimize distractions such as vacant storefronts, un-kept properties and provide services to visitors that will make their stay comfortable and enjoyable.
 

• Business Advocate. The OED will be charged with the responsibility of being an advocate for better business practices by our membership and to represent business needs to the Town of Scottsville. The OED will work to establish better and simpler processes for the establishment of a new business helping applicants over regulatory hurdles and being a conduit of communication between the applicant and regulatory commissions.
 

What this all means to you as a Chamber member

• Keep Dollars In Scottsville Initiative: A major thrust to keep local consumer
  spending in Scottsville and with your Chamber partners. Better than 50% of a dollar
  spent with a locally owned business in Scottsville stays in our economy as opposed
  to 13% if spent with a national chain!


• Encourage Business to Business Agreements: Co-market products and services. For example, Chamber member hardware store would recommend another SCCC member’s services like plumbing, builder, electrician, etc. In turn the builder would recommend Hardware store to his customer for supplies. A member restaurant would recommend a dentist or veterinarian member if a customer made an inquiry for these special services. Local gas station members could give an incentive to “Fill Up In Scottsville” using “Chamber Bucks”.

• The OED would be available to meet privately with SCCC members to address any issues that are presented in day-to-day operations.

• "Chamber Buck" Program – For SCCC Members Only: Consumers can purchase “Chamber Bucks” from the OED at par with the U.S. dollar. Members can incent consumers to spend those dollars at their stores or business through discounts and promotions. Members can deposit “Chamber Bucks” at participating banks and pay a marginal service fee to convert back to U.S. dollars. Member companies win as well as consumers!


• OED would provide members a road map to secure services from the state and federal governments. OED would submit “Grant Requests” for the members. Grants can be applied for to fix up buildings, purchase equipment and start up a new business.

The Scottsville Community Chamber of Commerce understands that we have a lot of opportunities to increase commerce in our town. We also know that, as business owners, we are extremely busy and as individuals may not have the resources to utilize the tools available. Working together, as the Scottsville Community Chamber of Commerce, with the direction and assistance of a dedicated Director of Economic Development we can accomplish much more than each of us individually can. All asked is minimal financial support from each of our members and enthusiastic support and cooperation by being involved in the program.

Thank you for consideration of your involvement in the Economic Development Initiative.