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Why should I update my listing in the Member Directory?
Member listings on the MSCoastChamber.com Directory are served in search results more than 10,000 times each month. To make the most of your exposure, update your Company Information in the Member Information Center (MIC) with current and accurate information, including:
- A thorough description of your Products & Services
- Contact Information & Operating Hours
- Logo & Banner Ad
- Photos & Video
- Keywords & Meta Description
TIP: Avoid including information that is likely to change, such as pricing or limited-time-offers.
How do I get more traffic from web searches?
To ensure your member listing on the MSCoastChamber.com Directory is getting the best results from searches within our website and on search engines such as Google, there are three key fields you should complete.
Log into the Member Information Center (MIC), select Company Information from the Shortcuts menu, and click Website Information to find them:
- Meta Description: 150-character description that may display when your listing comes up in search engine results, such as Google or Bing
- Search Results Description: 200-character description that displays in search results on MSCoastChamber.com
- Keywords: Words related to your business that people may search
How do I add my logo to the MSCoastChamber.com website?
- Log into your Chamber account to access the Member Information Center (MIC).
- Under Shortcuts, click Company Information then select Logos.
- Upload a Page Header (Banner) and your Logo to your directory listing.
- Remember to Save Changes.
Can I add the MS Gulf Coast Chamber logo to my website?
Active members are encouraged to display the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber on their website. You can download a copy of the logo in the Member Information Center (MIC) on the Resources tab.
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When should I have a Ribbon Cutting?
Chamber members can apply for a ribbon cutting each year. If you have something to celebrate, we want to help!
Here are some great reasons to host a ribbon cutting with the Chamber:
- Opening a new business
- Introducing new ownership or management
- Re-opening after a change
- Revealing a remodel or expansion
- Celebrating a move or new location
- Unveiling a product, promotion, or service
- Celebrating an anniversary
How do I schedule a Ribbon Cutting?
In the Member Information Center (MIC), you can find a Ribbon Cutting Application on the Resources tab. After you submit your application with three viable dates & times, a Chamber staff member will reach out to finalize details with you.
TIP: Please allow three weeks or more for scheduling and promotion.
How do I make my Ribbon Cutting successful?
- Prepare some words - The Chamber will stream on Facebook Live during your ribbon cutting or provide a production-style video after the event. Either way, someone from your team will be asked to speak about your business. Be prepared to offer insights including a brief history of your business, your products and services, your location, hours of operation, and contact information. TIP: Consider sharing what makes your business unique.
- Expand the guest list - The Chamber promotes ribbon cuttings on its calendar, invites board members, Chamber ambassadors, and city officials. Make your event special by inviting colleagues, clients & customers, family, friends, and members of your community.
- Make it your own - Consider if you would like to decorate, offer light refreshments, or provide giveaways for those in attendance.
How long will my ribbon cutting last?
The Chamber hosts Ribbon Cuttings during the work day. We aim to begin the ceremony at the time of the scheduled event, and the ceremony usually takes no longer than 10-15 minutes. However, many members choose to host a Grand Opening or Open House event with a longer duration to coincide with their Ribbon Cutting.
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I think I have event passes. How can I use one?
Every tier of membership with the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber comes with a number of annual event passes. Depending on your tier, you may have passes to Speed Networking, WE: Women Educating, Enriching & Engaging, or both.
If you are logged in and have available passes for that event, you will have the option to apply the pass with a dropdown menu in the registration process.
Alternately, you can call the Chamber at (228) 604-0014 and a staff member will help you register with your available passes.
How do I use my New Member Event Voucher?
New members receive a one-time event New Member Event Voucher to any of the Chamber's paid events. It is valued at $25 and must be used within the first 90 days of membership.
To utilize your New Member Event Voucher:
- Log in
- Find the event you want to attend on the Chamber Calendar
- Click Register & complete the registration information
- If your Voucher is valid for the event selected, you will have the option to select it from a dropdown prior to payment
- You will see the message: Benefit Item has been successfully applied.
- Complete the registration process.
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What’s the difference between the Chamber Calendar and the Community Calendar?
The Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce posts its events to the Chamber Calendar.
The Chamber's Community Calendar offers opportunities throughout the year to connect with Chamber members and the Mississippi Gulf Coast community. This calendar is reserved for Chamber members to promote upcoming events to a varied audience at no additional cost.
Make sure you check the Community Calendar regularly to support other members and get involved in community activities.
I’m hosting an event. Can the Chamber share it for me?
Promoting your upcoming event with your Chamber membership could not be easier.
Simply log in and navigate to the Events tab. Select Add Event to post all relevant information, including registration links, flyers, photos, and contact information.
Your event will be shared to the Chamber's Community Calendar, featured in the Member Information Center (MIC) feed, and added to your listing in the Member Directory.
TIP: Watch the Community Calendar Chamber Code below for more information.
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Can I advertise my open position?
Job Postings are a complimentary member benefit. Open positions are shared on the Chamber's website and Facebook page. They are also included in regular emails to our membership and included on the posting member's listing in our online directory.
Jobs posted on MSCoastChamber.com receive, on average, more than 100 views, increasing your chances of finding the ideal local candidate.
How do I create a job posting?
Posting your job is simple.
- Log into the Member Information Center (MIC)
- Select Job Postings on the Shortcuts menu
- Click Add Job Posting
- Complete the required information and click Submit for Approval.
- A Chamber staff member will review your Job Posting. Once approved, it will be live on our newsletter, social media, and website.
TIP: Watch the Job Postings Chamber Code below for more information.
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I'm running a promotion. Can I share it through the Chamber?
The Chamber's Hot Deals and Member to Member Deals offer opportunities throughout the year share you organization's promotions and specials with Chamber members and followers. These member benefits are complimentary.
What is a Hot Deal?
Hot Deals are available to the public. Your deal will be housed on our Hot Deals page, included on your Member Directory Listing, and shared with our 17K Facebook followers, allowing you to cross-post to reach a different audience.
What is a Member-to-Member Deal?
Member-to-Member Deals provide an opportunity for you to entice other Chamber members to engage with your business. They are housed their own page within the Member Information Center (MIC), included on your Directory Listing for members to see, and shared on the news feed of the MIC.
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Business Grants
Each of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber's divisions offers annual grants in a variety of categories. Members in good standing are eligible to apply.
TIP: Grant applications are opened for a limited window each year. Stay up-to-date with your Chamber communications to learn when you can apply.
Complimentary Advertising Services
Since 2022, Chevron Pascagoula Refinery, in partnership with the MS Gulf Coast Chamber and others, has invited up to 60 active Chamber members per year to share 300 hours of FREE advertising agency services.
The team at Christie Fountain Advertising works with each selected member to customize a plan of action that meets their advertising needs. Some past projects have included:
- Billboards
- Brand Identity Packages
- Logo Design
- Menu Review & Recommendations
- New Business Marketing Plan
- Special Event Collateral
- Targeted Advertising Campaigns
- Website Ads
- YouTube Title Pages
TIP: This partnership is open for a limited window each year, so keep an eye on Chamber communications for the most up-to-date information.
Office Supply Discount Program
ODP Business Solutions allows Chamber members enjoy group buying power and save on everyday expenses. Benefits and savings span a wide select of products and services, including:
- Office Essentials
- Cleaning & Breakroom Solutions
- Print Promo & Apparel
- Furniture
- Technology
- $0 Shipping on Orders Over $25
- In-Store Pickup Options
- Discounted Subscription Services
- Invoice Accounts with Net Billing Terms
Ready to start saving? Visit the Resources Tab of the Member Information Center (MIC) and click the link for the Office Supply Discount Program. Once you have registered, begin saving today.
TIP: Download the ODP App for added convenience! Android | Apple
Small Business Accelerator Program
Looking to increase revenue, grow your team, and develop lifelong business skills? MS Gulf Coast Chamber members may be eligible for 10,000 Small Businesses, a complimentary program established by Goldman Sachs to help entrepreneurs create jobs and economic opportunity.
Participants commit to an intensive multi-week business education program developed by the nation’s top-ranked school for entrepreneurship, engage with like-minded small business owners, and receive one-on-one business advice while learning valuable skills to grow their businesses.100% funded by the Goldman Sachs Foundation – $0 cost to participants.
Wondering if you are you eligible?- Are you a business owner or co-owner?
- Have you been in business at least two years?
- Has your business earned $75k or more annual revenue in at least one year?
- Does your business have two or more employees (including yourself)?
Visit 10ksbapply.com to learn more and apply today!
Sparklight Advertising Chamber Member Milestones
An ongoing Sparklight Advertising campaign is helping the Chamber celebrate members with Milestone anniversaries, such as 5, 10, 15... even 35 years of loyal Chamber membership! Each month, members with Milestone anniversaries will be celebrated in a commercial broadcast on premium Sparklight Cable channels across the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
University Tuition Discount Program
The Chamber's partnership with Waldorf University provides access to affordable higher education in a flexible online format. As a member of the MS Gulf Coast Chamber, employee of a member, or family member of an employee, your education benefits include:
- 10% discount on published tuition rates for online programs
- Free textbooks for all online classes
- Access to a Learning Partner Scholarship awarded six times annually
- And more
With degree offerings ranging from Associate to Bachelor's to Master's, Waldorf's catalog provides an array of opportunities for savings on higher education.
Interested in learning more? Visit the Resources Tab of the Member Information Center (MIC) and click the link for the University Tuition Discount Program to access more information.
WXXV News 25 Spotlight
Members who utilize their annual Member Spotlight benefit are entered into a monthly drawing. Winners receive a commercial Spotlight produced and aired by WXXV News 25.