SFCC Newsletter January 2024 |
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Casey Whitmarsh
SFCC Chair |
| As we embark on a new year here at the Chamber, we are excited and determined to make 2024 our best year yet! One of our goals for the coming year is to involve each Chamber member in our activities be they networking events, community events or fundraisers.
We have a dedicated Board who works hard every month on member ROI but it is a two-way street. The return on your Chamber membership investment is very much tied to your level of engagement and involvement in the Chamber. You wouldn't pay to join Costco and then never show up to shop.
Participating in networking opportunities offers members access to valuable connections and resources. Through our very active social media, members enjoy publicity for their business. Our Member Directory is viewed each and every day by residents in the South Fairfax community. |
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Our website is viewed by nearly 70,000 people each year. Chamber members who take advantage of the many promotional and marketing opportunities provided by the Chamber, such as sponsorships and advertising in local publications often see a great return on investment. The feedback from those who participated on our first-ever Commerce Carnival at the Lorton Spring Fling last April proves this point. Each participating member actively engaged with several thousand Spring Fling attendees. As one business owner told us, "You can't buy this type of brand awareness!"
Getting more involvement from our members has been the challenge. We've been fortunate to have a dedicated Board and a handful of members who generously volunteer to assist with Chamber-sponsored events, but we need more involvement to keep the Chamber flourishing.
Members who engage actively provide valuable feedback. This feedback is crucial for the Chamber to understand the needs and challenges of the South Fairfax business community, allowing for adjustments and improvements in our programs and services.
In addition to time and expertise, active member involvement also involves financial support through membership dues, event sponsorships, and donations. These financial contributions are essential for the Chamber's sustainability. We pride ourselves in successfully managing our budget, so we do not have to raise membership dues each year. Our yearly dues are much lower than most of the other northern Virginia Chambers. Instead, we offer advertising and sponsorship opportunities. However, when these additional funding resources and marketing opportunities are not taken advantage of by members, it severely limits the Chamber's ability to provide ROI.
Encouraging and fostering member involvement through various initiatives, events, and communication channels is a key strategy for ensuring the Chamber's continued success and impact on the local business landscape. Simply put, actively engaging in the SFCC increases the likelihood of a positive return on your Chamber membership. Please consider taking advantage of these member-exclusive opportunities in the coming year so your business benefits and we can keep the Chamber a strong presence in the South Fairfax community.
Casey Whitmarsh
SFCC Chair
Casey@CaseyWhitmarsh.com |
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| All Chamber members and their guests are invited to a ribbon-cutting ceremony to welcome Ledo Pizza to the Lorton community. Join the South Fairfax Chamber Board for a brief ceremony on Tuesday, January 23 at 4pm. In addition to welcoming this new business to Liberty Market, this is an opportunity to connect with fellow Chamber members.
Come by 9049 White Spruce Way for some networking and delicious pizza too! |
Join us Tuesday January 23 |
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18th Annual Lorton Holiday Extravaganza |
The Chamber had a great time at the 18th annual Lorton Holiday Extravaganza in early December at South County High School. Chamber Chair Casey Whitmarsh and Board member Brian Gottlieb represented the SFCC at the Chamber's main booth. SFCC member Zita Buky greeted more than 300 small business owners at the Chamber sponsored Vendor Appreciation Breakfast. Extravaganza Director Renee Flynn said, "We are so appreciative of the Chamber's support of our small business owners. This event depends on local handcraft vendors, and they really enjoy learning about the Chamber during our annual Vendor Appreciation Breakfast!"
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Brian Gottlieb, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services PenFed Realty with the winner of the Santa Guessing game! |
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Brian Gottlieb, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services PenFed Realty and Casey Whitmarsh, State Farm Agent and Chamber Chair |
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Successful SFCC Blood Drive! |
The Chamber hosted a much-needed blood drive on behalf of Chamber Premier member Inova in early December. Several dozen donors participated in helping to increase critically low blood supplies. The need for blood donors, especially those with O negative blood, has reached an all-time high. All blood types are needed, but Type O- is the most urgent need at this time and will help the most patients. Currently, they have less than a one-day supply of Type O- blood. Type O- blood plays a crucial role in emergency situations, serving as the universal blood type that can be swiftly administered to trauma patients, ensuring timely and life-saving transfusions when every moment is critical.
If you are eligible to donate, please make an appointment or walk-in to an Inova Blood Donor Center today to give blood. Inova Blood Donor Services supports all five Inova hospitals, as well as 13 other hospitals in the region. |
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SFCC Executive Director Carla Olivo is busy planning activities and events for 2024. We would love to have your support and input as we plan networking and community involvement events for the Chamber. There are many benefits to include greater exposure for your business and getting to know your Chamber Board and membership better. It is not time consuming and could lead to you making some great connections for your business. If you are interested or have a staff member or co-worker that would like to represent your business, please email Carla at SFCCExecDirector@gmail.com. |
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