Business of the Week: Nazareth Area Chamber of Commerce

Each week we shine a spotlight on a local business -- 17 of them, to be exact, since Nazareth Patch launched on Dec. 1, 2010.

We've featured the Nazareth-area staples, like and the . But we've also showcased the newcomers, like and .

There's no discernible similarities between these 17 businesses -- or the businesses we have yet to feature -- except that each is an integral part of the community that keeps commerce alive and the local economy strong.

But how do these businesses -- most of them privately owned with one to four employees -- branch out, advertise and strengthen public ties?

Well, most look to the for guidance and opportunities. In fact, 70 percent of the businesses featured on Nazareth Patch, to date, are members of the local chamber.

We've all probably heard of the chamber, at least to some degree. When most think of the Nazareth chamber specifically, , , and the  come to mind.

But the local chamber has much more going on behind the scenes.

According to nazarethchamber.com, “The Chamber is formed for the purpose of advancing and promoting the Greater Nazareth and Bath area, fostering economic success and preserving the community’s heritage.”

But perhaps it's chamber president Tina Smith who describes the chamber best: "[The Nazareth Area Chamber of Commerce tries] to help bridge the gap between the community and businesses.”

The Nazareth Area Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1939, and currently boasts about 420 members, primarily small businesses with one to four employees; however, plenty of larger, local enterprises, like banks and chain stores also share membership.

The chief perk of membership, according to those involved, are the networking opportunities. The Nazareth chamber holds several events every month, including free networking events for members and invited guests.

“Event mixers are one of the best ways to show who we are and what we do,” Smith said. “I tell members to come to one [mixer] a month. They are great networking opportunities.”

For members, the opportunities to reach out to fellow business professionals transcends the Nazareth area.

The Nazareth chamber is independent, and is not affiliated with the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, according to Smith.

Instead, the Nazareth, Slate Belt and Whitehall chambers -- all independent -- work closely together. The trio often holds tri-chamber events, like the annual clam bake, which will be held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on August 24 at Evergreen Lake, 2375 Benders Drive, Bath.

“Hopefully, [members] get the most out of being able to network within the community and with other independent chambers in the Valley,” said Frank DeRosa, current chairman of the chamber’s Executive Committee. “You can [promote] your own services, and [use] the services of other businesses.”

Other Chamber-Membership Advantages:

• New-business spotlights;
• A bi-monthly newsletter in which businesses can advertise;
• E-mail blasts that go out to roughly 1,300 people. Businesses can participate in one e-mail blast per month through the chamber;
• Ribbon-cutting ceremonies for new and relocating businesses;
• Through an affiliation with The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, the Nazareth chamber is able to provide employers with a variety of health benefits through several insurance providers;
• And various committees, some of which are formed around every event the chamber holds, while others are based on the different influences within the chamber. For example, Women In Nazareth Networking, or WINN, is made up of 30 to 35 women in business who meet monthly.

According to DeRosa, a life safety specialist with Med Alert Services who has been a chamber member for about 15 years, business professionals are likely to get more out of their membership if they get involved.

“A lot of people can be chamber members and say, ‘I don’t really get much out of it,' but it’s hard to [see results] if you don’t put much in," DeRosa added.

Annual chamber events include a , the previously-mentioned Christmas tree lighting ceremony, Martin on Main and a scholarship golf tournament.

The scholarship program distributes $3,000 annually to high school seniors. Each year, the chamber awards scholarships to a senior from , a senior from the and a student from the Northampton Area School District.

In addition, the John C. Smith Scholarship is awarded to a Nazareth High senior who is active in golf or swimming. The scholarship is named for the late husband of Nazareth chamber’s office manager, Barbara Smith.

But at the end of the day, Smith believes that if business professionals can invest the time, can find the time to attend chamber events and can take advantage of the variety of other benefits, a chamber membership might be a right choice.

“If I have a potential member, I’ll invite them as a guest to a meeting or a mixer," Smith said. "I believe in trying before you buy."

The Nazareth Area Chamber of Commerce is located at 201 N. Main St., just two blocks from Center Square.

For more information about the chamber, a full directory of members, upcoming events and membership information, visit nazarethchamber.com.