FAQ’s
The Olney Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(6) organization comprised of businesses, organizations, and individuals in the greater Olney area. Incorporated in 1964, The Olney Chamber works to improve the local business climate and enhance the quality of life in our community.
Building professional relationships is crucial to sustaining and growing your business. The Chamber provides many opportunities for you to meet new contacts. Other reasons for Chamber membership include business exposure gained from branding and promotion opportunities, plus information and educational benefits. Chamber membership also provides businesses and employees with community involvement opportunities. It also allows your business/organization to have a larger voice in issues that affect local businesses. Finally, Google LOVES chamber websites! This increases the SEO of your website if your business/organization is listed in the online business directory.
Our more than 300 members range from single-person home-based businesses to large corporations. We have members who have just started and members who have been in business for more than a century. Whether you're looking for advice on how to grow your business or transition it to the next generation, the Chamber has members who will be there to support you.
The most satisfied Chamber members are those business owners and employees who attend meetings and events, and who use the Chamber as a resource. The Chamber is the perfect place to network with potential customers, as well as receive training and educational tools to help grow your business. Members are updated on Chamber programs and events through email communications. The Chamber also exists for busy business owners, those who are not able to monitor all the issues that affect your business daily. So, whether you participate actively or not, your investment in the Chamber works for your business every day.
Our annual membership dues correlate with the size of your company and the number of employees you have. We also have special pricing for nonprofit organizations. Pricing information is on the application.
You can register for all our events and member programs on our website. Visit our calendar of events page.
There are many great ways to get exposure from the Chamber. First, get active! The Chamber is about meeting new people and building relationships for you and your business. Second, sponsor an event or a member program, and expose your brand to thousands of new eyes. Third, promote your brand through our online member directory and offer a special discount to our members and the community. Finally, think about the Chamber as an extension of your marketing plan. We can post your event on our calendar, to our social media platforms and provide other unique opportunities.
Yes, you can. Simply login through our Member Center to access your Member Profile. From there, you can create a Hot Deal! You can also send all the relevant information to chamber@olneymd.org.
Yes. Since we are a membership-based organization, listing in our online directory is a benefit available only to our members. However, you can join today to make sure thousands of people can find your business in our online directory. Remember, SEO loves Chamber websites. As a hub for the community, the Olney Chamber receives numerous requests from residents and visitors seeking help in finding a product or service. We only refer our Chamber members.
The Chamber has several committees that are open for any member to join. Visit our committees page to learn more about our different committees and find the best fit for you.
The Chamber accepts nominations for open Board positions through a form on our website. Any member can be nominated or nominate themselves for consideration. The Nominating Committee will review potential candidates prior to the election and present a slate to be voted on by the general membership.
Chamber staff and volunteers are active in the development and promotion of projects to benefit our community. We established and maintain the Officer Noah Leotta Olney Police Satellite Station. We sponsor the Officer Noah Leotta “Act Responsibly” Scholarship. We host two large-scale community events – National Night Out and Olney Community Day. We also participate in Olney Days and other community events and support many local nonprofit organizations.
Of course! There is no restriction on membership regarding the location of your business. If you live in or do business in the Olney area, we are here to serve you.
Yes! The Chamber provides several benefits outside of our events. Membership in the chamber provides a directory listing on our website, opportunities for advertising and promoting your business, access to chamber staff for business assistance and more. We have many members who are unable to attend events but maintain their membership because of the Chamber’s other programs and our work in making the community better for business and in improving the overall quality of life. And remember, your membership extends to your employees, as well.