Membership Opportunities

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maryspringer2  Membership Opportunities

Getting the Most Out of Your Chamber Membership

Since the major part of a small business typically comes from business to business services, it is essential to maintain a positive standing with the local business community.

Most towns and all cities have chambers of commerce. The Greater Paw Paw Area Chamber of Commerce offers many things to small businesses especially new ones and start ups. Your chamber provides a voice for the business community, a bridge between government –  small business -  corporations – volunteers - religious organizations – schools – clubs- homeowners associations –the general public – etc. It is a monumental job, always changing. It takes members who will volunteer, who care and are dedicated. That is where you come in. The Greater Paw Paw Area Chamber of Commerce holds various events such as:
  • Mixers
    • After Hours
    • New Member Breakfasts
    • Member Luncheons
    • Community Dinners
  • Committees
    • Ambassador Committee
    • Downtown Business Committee
    • Events Committee
    • Fundraising Committee
    • Marketing Committee
    • Membership Committee
    • Paw Paw Days Committee
    • Website Committee
  • Educational Exchanges
    • E-Club
    • BRACE ~
  • Fundraisers
    • Fall Dinner ~ Silent Auction
  • Festivals
    • Wine & Harvest Festival
    • Paw Paw Days & Classic Car and Truck Show
    • Spring Fling
    • Harvest Moon Extravaganza
  • Networking opportunities
    • Chamber Business network
    • Mixers
  • Member Discounts

Just to list a few. If you can attend some of these events, you will make new friends, contacts and customers. Anyone can join the Greater Paw Paw Area Chamber of Commerce. It costs anywhere from $95 - $415 with special rates for non-profits. But remember that you only get out of it what you put in. Many small business owners may not understand it's worth but it is relatively inexpensive depending on how you chose to use your membership. It can be long lasting advertising in the form of:

  • Promotion
  • Pubic Relations
  • Networking Referals
  • Free Media Coverage
  • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Friendships and Fun

If you truly want to become involved, we suggest that you join various Chamber committees.  Committees need your help and input. When you come to these committees you bring your talents and knowledge. You will soon find that your ideas; observations and personal opinion are paramount. You are the most valuable tool a chamber of commerce could ever hope to have.

How do you join a committee? Talk to the president or the executive director of your chamber. Tell them that you want to volunteer. Go to the monthly chamber board meetings.  Find out which chamber committees have openings. The chamber is always looking for new ideas and input.

Your success in your business is up to you. We live in the greatest country in the world. You are allowed unlimited success, but with that incredible gift you are also allowed to fail. The ball is in your court, your chamber membership can be one of your greatest assets, but like most things in life, you only get what you put into it. Stay involved, do not give up. Help The Greater Paw Paw Area Chamber be a success and use the chamber to help your business succeed.   It is a win/win proposition.


THE GREATER PAW PAW AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Serving: Paw Paw, Lawton, Mattawan and Surrounding Communities

Mary E. H. Springer
Executive Director for the Greater Paw Paw Area Chamber of Commerce and the Paw Paw Downtown Development Authority
129 S. Kalamazoo St.
Paw Paw, MI  49079
PH: 269-657-5395
Fax: 269-655-8755
E-Mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: www.pawpawchamber.com
 

Lakes & Rivers

Check out our Lakes and Rivers!

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The Paw Paw River is located in the U.S. state of Michigan in the southwest portion of the lower peninsula. It is formed by the confluence of the north and south branches in Waverly Township in the northeast of Van Buren County. It flows approximately 89 miles (143 km) through Van Buren County and Berrien County until joining the St. Joseph River just above its mouth on Lake Michigan at Benton Harbor. Read More...

Click for a list of Lakes for fishing in our area...

Paw Paw Vineyards

Uncork Paw Paw: Discover our Vineyards!

daisies and vineyardsAll great grape growing, wine-producing areas of the world have one thing in common - a proximity to water. In our state, it’s the proximity to Lake Michigan and the effect it has on
fruit-growing. Referred to as the "lake effect," it is essential for production of quality wines.
  Read more...

Wine & Harvest Festival

Don't miss the Wine & Harvest Festival September 11-13!

aThe Paw Paw Wine and Harvest Festival offers something for everyone!

Music - 3 stages of entertainment for all musical tastes
Sports - Choose from our hole in one contest, 5k walk/run or our bicycle tour.
Family Activities - Carnival rides, free children's activities in Stompyland, Fireworks on Maple Lake, Parade, and the Grape Stomp.
Wine Enthusiasts - Wine tours and wine tasting tents abound throughout the festival area.
Other activities include: Car show, Arts & Crafts show, turtle derby, and much more!!  Read more...

 

Concerts on the Lake

Concerts on the Lake

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If you enjoy music and good food Paw Paw is the place to be on a Sunday evening this summer. You will enjoy music at the amphitheatre located along the south shore of Maple Lake. Concerts are provided free of charge for your enjoyment by the Paw Paw Downtown Development Authority. Bring a picnic basket and relax for 90 minutes of musical entertainment or visit one of our ‘family of family owned restaurants’ afterward. Read More...