Is Chamber Membership Worth It for Small Businesses?

If you are considering membership for chambers of commerce, like the LWRBA, the biggest disadvantage in joining is the easiest to overlook -- the value is evident only if you and your employees participate. For small businesses that rarely attend events, take advantage of available resources or connect with other members, they may only notice the chamber membership cost and not the same return on investment as those who are actively involved.

Businesses of all sizes view time as money, and it's important to find a chamber whose events, resources and chamber networking benefits match your goals. In the Lakewood Ranch region, it's the LWBRA -- and we invite you to explore our chamber membership benefits, designed to support your success. 

Absolutely -- just ask the LWRBA's 750 member businesses and 3,500 business professionals from across Sarasota and Manatee counties and beyond. While the ways in which businesses can connect with clients and other companies has evolved, what hasn't been replaced is the trust and authenticity that comes from face-to-face conversations, having a community of professionals to turn to and having a collective voice when local economic issues are on the line. That's where chambers of commerce, like the LWRBA, continue to own their place and where chamber member benefits have incredible value. 

For businesses of all sizes that want more than a digital reach, and are searching for meaningful relationships, local insight and a stronger connection to the community, chamber membership costs remain a smart investment.

Chambers of commerce are well worth the investment when the chamber membership benefits, like the organization's network of businesses and professionals, available resources and opportunities match your needs. If you're a business owner asking, "Why join a chamber of commerce?" the value goes far beyond having your name listed in a directory. Whether the chamber membership cost is truly worth it comes from how you leverage your time as part of the organization. 

For a small business, that may mean finding professionals who will eventually refer clients, learning from other business owners, gaining local exposure or becoming closely connected to the community. Chamber membership benefits can extend much further than a single networking event or introduction, especially when you consistently show up and put in the effort to build relationships. With the LWRBA -- the Lakewood Ranch region's chamber of commerce -- membership is an invitation to become part of a thriving business community, growing right alongside you.

LWRBA membership gives sole proprietors, small businesses, regional employers and national companies, located in Sarasota and Manatee counties and beyond, access to a host of chamber membership benefits, designed for their growth and success in the Lakewood Ranch region. With chamber membership costs come a wide range of resources your business and employees can leverage. Members can: 

• Be showcased in the LWRBA online directory with opportunities at higher membership levels to add photos, video, a logo and a longer business description.
• Have your business included in the annual LWR Guide, putting your company in front of residents, visitors and businesses throughout the Lakewood Ranch region.
• Mark a new opening, renovation or relocation with an official LWRBA ribbon cutting, complete with the ribbon, scissors and certificate, with enhanced packages offering additional promotion.
• Attend Alliance events and programs at the member rate, creating more opportunities to participate without paying the non-member price.
• Use the LWRBA Community Calendar to promote your own business events directly through the member portal.
• Create special Member 2 Member discounts, exclusively for LWRBA members, and give your business another way to encourage referrals and build relationships.
• New members can be featured in The Connection Magazine, putting your business in front of the Alliance community beyond face-to-face events.
• Take part in LWRBA committees and initiatives where members can contribute their expertise and have a voice in the direction of the region's business community.
• Put more of your marketing dollars to work with discounts on LWRBA advertising and enhanced promotional opportunities across the Alliance's digital and print channels, depending on the membership level. 
• Connect with the full LWRBA membership. Eligible membership levels receive a membership mailing list twice a year, providing a snapshot of the businesses that make up the Alliance.

The LWRBA offers a variety of membership levels, with chamber membership costs starting at $250 and scaling to Investor levels for businesses looking for greater exposure, marketing opportunities and engagement with the Lakewood Ranch region's business community. Each level of chamber membership benefits builds upon the next, allowing businesses to choose an investment that fits their size, goals and level of involvement. 

Satellite $250/Year
Designed for individual agents whose company already holds an LWRBA membership. It’s a way for professionals within an existing member business to establish their own presence and take advantage of select Alliance benefits.

Signature $450/Year
A strong starting point for businesses and individuals ready to get involved in the Lakewood Ranch business community. Signature memberships provide the foundational tools to build relationships, participate in LWRBA programs and establish a presence through the member directory and annual LWR Guide.

Network $950/Year
The Network level is designed for businesses looking to expand their LWRBA presence. The chamber membership benefits accommodate up to three locations, departments or brands and add enhanced directory exposure, more category listings, savings on advertising and an enhanced ribbon-cutting package.

Investor Levels

Associate $2,000/Year
A fit for businesses ready to put more marketing power behind their LWRBA membership. Benefits include enhanced digital and print exposure, a 60-day category-page banner ad, recognition at Alliance events and expanded directory placement.

Corporate $3,750/Year
For businesses looking to take their visibility and involvement a step further, Corporate membership builds on the chamber membership benefits of Associate with added access to exclusive events, quarterly Chairman’s Breakfasts, luncheon discounts and additional digital exposure.

Executive $6,500/Year
Designed for established businesses seeking a significant presence across the Alliance. Executive members receive expanded brand exposure, recognition at luncheons, sponsorship benefits, $1,000 in Alliance Dollars towards sponsorships (certain restrictions apply) and a 25% discount on one Leadership Academy registration.

Presidential $12,500/Year
The highest level of LWRBA membership, Presidential is designed for organizations looking for maximum reach and engagement. Chamber membership benefits at this level include unlimited business locations, prominent digital and event exposure, a member spotlight, $2,000 in Alliance Dollars towards sponsorships (certain restrictions apply) and 50% off one Leadership Academy registration.