Chamber Purpose
The Chamber facilitates activities which focus on agriculture, business promotion, economic enhancement, tourism, and the Bell Tower Festival. We provide an open door to the community by welcoming new residents and by distributing tourist information. The Jefferson Area Chamber of Commerce is independent of City, County, or State government. The Chamber is not affiliated with any political party.
What does the Chamber do, anyway? Our mission is to build upon the Jefferson area economy and promote our quality of life. How do we put our mission statement into action? The Chamber organizes, supports and participates in a wide array of programs and activities for the betterment of our business and residential community. These programs and activities are described here. A * indicates that only Chamber Members may participate. Please note that Chamber members are given discounts or preference for participation in activities and events that are open to non-members. *4-H Livestock Auction : The Chamber collects donations and collectively bids on kids’ premiums at the livestock auction on the last day of the fair. (Premiums are money to defray livestock project expenses). In the past 6 years, the Chamber’s average contribution has been $2500. Contributing members are listed in a “thank you” ad in the newspaper, as well as on posters and table tents at the breakfast. *Ag Appreciation Breakfast: The Chamber collects donations and serves a free pancake and sausage breakfast on the last day of the County Fair. In the past 6 years, the Chamber’s average contribution has been $200 Contributing members are listed in a “thank you” ad in the newspaper, as well as on posters and table tents at the breakfast. Bell Tower Festival: The Chamber is responsible for the planning, coordinating, promoting, and facilitating the county’s largest annual festival. The Festival provides the venue for well over 50 events during the three-day festival which draws approximately several thousand people. Approximately 7% of the Chamber’s budgeted operational income is generated through the festival. This helps fulfill the goals set annually by the Chamber Board of Directors. Economic Development: The Greene County Development Corporation is a partner with the Jefferson Area Chamber of Commerce. The two organizations maintain their own boards but share office staff and office space. This fosters seamless communication between the two organizations as they both work for the good of the Jefferson and Greene County area. The Chamber and GCDC also work closing with the 3-county regional economic development group, Midwest Partnership. Information Center: Our office has a continuous flow of local and prospective residents and businesses, as well as tourists using our office to find information about Greene County. A solid membership base allows the office to be staffed fulltime to answer all the questions that come into the office. Legislative & Candidate Forums: During the legislative session, the chamber hosts our state legislators at a monthly “Pizza & Politics” legislative forum which is open to the public. We also host candidate forums in election years. Souvenir Sales: Souvenirs are a source of non-dues income for the Chamber. Among items for sale are the Greene County pottery series, pewter bells with miniature bell tower replicas for handles, postcards, pens, key chains, and more. Table Tents: Community and Chamber activities are listed on table tents created by the Chamber staff. They are displayed in most member restaurants to inform diners of the activities and purpose of the Chamber. Golf Outing: The Chamber hosts a 4-person best ball 18-hole outing at Raccoon ValleyGolf Course. The event is open to Chamber members and their customers/colleagues. The outing provides members with the opportunity to network in a comfortable, enjoyable setting. Door and hole prizes are awarded and lunch is served. Red Barn Craft Show: This is an annual juried craft show held at the Greene County Fairgrounds every September. The show attracts approximately one thousand people and occupies three buildings on the fairgrounds. The Chamber is responsible for organizing and promoting the show. *Retail Promotions: Members cooperatively hold promotions throughout the year to pool resources for advertising and giveaways to encourage shopping locally. Summer on the Square: Summer on the Square are community events held on Thursdays in August. The Chamber grills hamburgers, serves pop and homemade bars as a fundraiser from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the courthouse square lawn. Attendees are treated to a Cruise to the Square Car Show, Hot August Nights Car Show and a County Wide Pep Rally. Chamber members are able to take advantage of the gathering of several hundred existing and/or potential customers with public relations and advertising efforts. Table Top Christmas: Based on the idea of a festival of trees, this event takes place in the courthouse on the first weekend of December, which coincides with the beginning of extended holiday shopping hours in December. Businesses, organizations, and individuals decorate tables based on a holiday theme. Visitors enjoy light refreshment and live or recorded holiday music while they view the tables. They also vote on their favorite tables. Prizes are awarded to winning tables. This event grows each year and helps bring shoppers to the square. Santa's Workshop is held in the Greene County Community Center the same dat as Table Top Christmas. Santa and his workshop allow kids to tell Santa what they wish for Christmas while looking around at local displays for ideas. ABC Award: Each year the Chamber coordinates a committee that awards the “ABC Award” (Above & Beyond the Call). The ABC Award is given to recognize the individual who through personal involvement, leadership qualities, and unselfish giving of time and talent, has affected activities or accomplishments beneficial to the community at large. The award winner is announced at the Chamber’s annual meeting. Christmas Lighting: The beautiful decorations on the courthouse lawn are courtesy of the Chamber of Commerce each holiday season. Greene County Holiday Brochure: Each year, the Chamber staff publishes a comprehensive list of all the holiday activities in the county. The information is put in brochure form and distributed through local businesses and the internet. The cost of this brochure is absorbed by Christmas Promotion Participants. Local Tourism & Relocation Promotion: The Chamber acts as the Jefferson Area’s visitors’ bureau, by scheduling bus tours, promoting the area via advertising and tradeshows, and directing visitors and newcomers to attractions and services. Tourism is an important element of economic development because visitors spend money while they are here. If their experience is pleasurable, they may refer people they know to our area or make a return trip with friends and family. Examples of the Chamber’s role in Greene County tourism are: Attraction brochure distribution: We stock a supply of general Jefferson Area attraction brochures as well as specific attraction brochures. Bank Club Marketplace: This a statewide event where communities market their tourist attractions and services to bank bus tour planners from Iowa and surrounding states. As a result, several bus tours per year visit our county. Expanded Tourism Advertising: The Chamber administers 80% of the revenues from the hotel/motel tax, which is designated for tourism. A portion of this money is used to expand our advertising capacity to reach a broader audience of potential tourists. Newcomers Program: Chamber operations include the Newcomers Program. New residents of our community are given a newcomers packet, which serves to welcome them to Jefferson and familiarize them with the area, as well as allowing them the opportunity to enjoy special offers from participating Chamber member businesses. Bus Tours: Bus tours with large groups of tourists visit Jefferson and Greene County regularly. The Chamber office promotes and coordinates these tours. Tourists are given a “Welcome Booklet” with special offers and messages from *Chamber members. Tourism has a huge (positive) impact on the County every year. Jefferson Welcome Sign: One element of attracting toursists and newcomers is enhancing the image of the area. The Chamber erected a new welcome sign in the fall of 2002 at the intersection of Highways 4 and 30. Future goals of the Chamber include new signs for the remaining three entrances to the town. Prospective residents relocation packet distribution: The Chamber is often the first place people contact when they are considering locating here. Our office sends these prospective residents all the helpful information they will need in order to relocate here. If this service was not offered, potential new residents would have to track down all the information on their own, which may discourage them from moving here. Village Profile publication: In 2003, the Chamber coordinated the publication of a “Village Profile.” This is a magazine-style publication which describes Greene County for potential new businesses and residents. An added benefit to this publication is the link on Village Profile’s website, which contains all the information from the printed publication. This information is linked to the www.gojacc.com website as well. Prospective professionals’ community tours: The Chamber often assists in the recruitment of new attorneys, physicians, and other professionals by coordinating a personal community tour tailored to the needs and interests of the recruit. Opportunities for Chamber Members *Ambassadors: The Chamber administers the Ambassadors program, the official welcoming committee for community events. The group also celebrates new businesses, important business events, and the dedication of community projects. *Annual Meeting: This is the Chamber’s annual celebration which includes a business meeting, dinner and entertainment. It’s a fun, relaxing environment in which to enjoy the camaraderie with fellow Chamber members. Members are able to sponsor the meeting and display their products and services. *Business After Hours: BAH is an opportunity for member businesses to invite all the other Chamber member businesses to their facility to showcase their services and/or products. This makes members aware of what businesses do and gives them the ability to refer each other appropriately. *Business Referrals: The Chamber office receives hundreds of requests for names of businesses each year from local and potential residents, businesses, and visitors. It is our policy to refer only Chamber members whenever possible. *Chamber Checks: Chamber Checks act as a gift certificate to any member business. Over $375,000 in Chamber Checks were purchased over the past 6 years. *Chamber Connection Newsletter: Members are kept informed of the happenings in all parts of the Chamber through a monthly newsletter. *Chamber Hot Line: The Chamber office receives notification of bad or stolen checks. A system is in place for members to be alerted immediately by the Chamber office. *General Chamber Informational Reminder Notifications: During the time between newsletters, the chamber office notifies and reminds members of chamber-related events and projects or other pieces of information that benefit the general membership. These notifications and reminders are sent via email and fax. *Mailing Labels: The chamber provides the chamber members’ mailing list printed on a set of mailing labels at no charge to current chamber members. These are to be used for the purpose of invitations to special events or other types of mailings that would be of interest to the business community in general. *Member Involvement: The various activities of the Chamber extend the opportunity to its members to get involved in projects that are of interest to them. The more members are involved, the more they are seen as a community contributor by the public and fellow Chamber members. Staff resources: The Chamber staff works first and foremost for the Chamber members. They are linked with state associations and connected to networks of resources to help build a better community. Without paid staff, the Chamber would have to rely completely on volunteers to carry out the business of the chamber. With paid staff, the need for volunteers still exists, but the volunteers can focus on the activities they want to focus on instead of the day to day details of Chamber management. Website: Prospective residents, businesses and tourists can find a wealth of information, including a list of local *member businesses at www.gojacc.com. This website includes a searchable membership directory. A word about non-dues income You may notice that there are several fundraising activities and events planned by the Chamber. Often, this brings up the question, “Why does the Chamber need to raise money if members already pay dues?” The answer is simple: membership dues account for only 40% of the Chamber’s budget. In order for the Chamber to provide the services that it does to its members and the community, it must look to other funding options. Here’s The Bottom Line: You don’t have to try to “make it” on your own. The Chamber is here to connect members with resources and foster a friendly and helpful community for residents, local employees and visitors.
What does the Chamber do, anyway? Our mission is to build upon the Jefferson area economy and promote our quality of life. How do we put our mission statement into action? The Chamber organizes, supports and participates in a wide array of programs and activities for the betterment of our business and residential community. These programs and activities are described here. A * indicates that only Chamber Members may participate. Please note that Chamber members are given discounts or preference for participation in activities and events that are open to non-members. *4-H Livestock Auction : The Chamber collects donations and collectively bids on kids’ premiums at the livestock auction on the last day of the fair. (Premiums are money to defray livestock project expenses). In the past 6 years, the Chamber’s average contribution has been $2500. Contributing members are listed in a “thank you” ad in the newspaper, as well as on posters and table tents at the breakfast. *Ag Appreciation Breakfast: The Chamber collects donations and serves a free pancake and sausage breakfast on the last day of the County Fair. In the past 6 years, the Chamber’s average contribution has been $200 Contributing members are listed in a “thank you” ad in the newspaper, as well as on posters and table tents at the breakfast. Bell Tower Festival: The Chamber is responsible for the planning, coordinating, promoting, and facilitating the county’s largest annual festival. The Festival provides the venue for well over 50 events during the three-day festival which draws approximately several thousand people. Approximately 7% of the Chamber’s budgeted operational income is generated through the festival. This helps fulfill the goals set annually by the Chamber Board of Directors. Economic Development: The Greene County Development Corporation is a partner with the Jefferson Area Chamber of Commerce. The two organizations maintain their own boards but share office staff and office space. This fosters seamless communication between the two organizations as they both work for the good of the Jefferson and Greene County area. The Chamber and GCDC also work closing with the 3-county regional economic development group, Midwest Partnership. Information Center: Our office has a continuous flow of local and prospective residents and businesses, as well as tourists using our office to find information about Greene County. A solid membership base allows the office to be staffed fulltime to answer all the questions that come into the office. Legislative & Candidate Forums: During the legislative session, the chamber hosts our state legislators at a monthly “Pizza & Politics” legislative forum which is open to the public. We also host candidate forums in election years. Souvenir Sales: Souvenirs are a source of non-dues income for the Chamber. Among items for sale are the Greene County pottery series, pewter bells with miniature bell tower replicas for handles, postcards, pens, key chains, and more. Table Tents: Community and Chamber activities are listed on table tents created by the Chamber staff. They are displayed in most member restaurants to inform diners of the activities and purpose of the Chamber. Golf Outing: The Chamber hosts a 4-person best ball 18-hole outing at Raccoon ValleyGolf Course. The event is open to Chamber members and their customers/colleagues. The outing provides members with the opportunity to network in a comfortable, enjoyable setting. Door and hole prizes are awarded and lunch is served. Red Barn Craft Show: This is an annual juried craft show held at the Greene County Fairgrounds every September. The show attracts approximately one thousand people and occupies three buildings on the fairgrounds. The Chamber is responsible for organizing and promoting the show. *Retail Promotions: Members cooperatively hold promotions throughout the year to pool resources for advertising and giveaways to encourage shopping locally. Summer on the Square: Summer on the Square are community events held on Thursdays in August. The Chamber grills hamburgers, serves pop and homemade bars as a fundraiser from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the courthouse square lawn. Attendees are treated to a Cruise to the Square Car Show, Hot August Nights Car Show and a County Wide Pep Rally. Chamber members are able to take advantage of the gathering of several hundred existing and/or potential customers with public relations and advertising efforts. Table Top Christmas: Based on the idea of a festival of trees, this event takes place in the courthouse on the first weekend of December, which coincides with the beginning of extended holiday shopping hours in December. Businesses, organizations, and individuals decorate tables based on a holiday theme. Visitors enjoy light refreshment and live or recorded holiday music while they view the tables. They also vote on their favorite tables. Prizes are awarded to winning tables. This event grows each year and helps bring shoppers to the square. Santa's Workshop is held in the Greene County Community Center the same dat as Table Top Christmas. Santa and his workshop allow kids to tell Santa what they wish for Christmas while looking around at local displays for ideas. ABC Award: Each year the Chamber coordinates a committee that awards the “ABC Award” (Above & Beyond the Call). The ABC Award is given to recognize the individual who through personal involvement, leadership qualities, and unselfish giving of time and talent, has affected activities or accomplishments beneficial to the community at large. The award winner is announced at the Chamber’s annual meeting. Christmas Lighting: The beautiful decorations on the courthouse lawn are courtesy of the Chamber of Commerce each holiday season. Greene County Holiday Brochure: Each year, the Chamber staff publishes a comprehensive list of all the holiday activities in the county. The information is put in brochure form and distributed through local businesses and the internet. The cost of this brochure is absorbed by Christmas Promotion Participants. Local Tourism & Relocation Promotion: The Chamber acts as the Jefferson Area’s visitors’ bureau, by scheduling bus tours, promoting the area via advertising and tradeshows, and directing visitors and newcomers to attractions and services. Tourism is an important element of economic development because visitors spend money while they are here. If their experience is pleasurable, they may refer people they know to our area or make a return trip with friends and family. Examples of the Chamber’s role in Greene County tourism are: Attraction brochure distribution: We stock a supply of general Jefferson Area attraction brochures as well as specific attraction brochures. Bank Club Marketplace: This a statewide event where communities market their tourist attractions and services to bank bus tour planners from Iowa and surrounding states. As a result, several bus tours per year visit our county. Expanded Tourism Advertising: The Chamber administers 80% of the revenues from the hotel/motel tax, which is designated for tourism. A portion of this money is used to expand our advertising capacity to reach a broader audience of potential tourists. Newcomers Program: Chamber operations include the Newcomers Program. New residents of our community are given a newcomers packet, which serves to welcome them to Jefferson and familiarize them with the area, as well as allowing them the opportunity to enjoy special offers from participating Chamber member businesses. Bus Tours: Bus tours with large groups of tourists visit Jefferson and Greene County regularly. The Chamber office promotes and coordinates these tours. Tourists are given a “Welcome Booklet” with special offers and messages from *Chamber members. Tourism has a huge (positive) impact on the County every year. Jefferson Welcome Sign: One element of attracting toursists and newcomers is enhancing the image of the area. The Chamber erected a new welcome sign in the fall of 2002 at the intersection of Highways 4 and 30. Future goals of the Chamber include new signs for the remaining three entrances to the town. Prospective residents relocation packet distribution: The Chamber is often the first place people contact when they are considering locating here. Our office sends these prospective residents all the helpful information they will need in order to relocate here. If this service was not offered, potential new residents would have to track down all the information on their own, which may discourage them from moving here. Village Profile publication: In 2003, the Chamber coordinated the publication of a “Village Profile.” This is a magazine-style publication which describes Greene County for potential new businesses and residents. An added benefit to this publication is the link on Village Profile’s website, which contains all the information from the printed publication. This information is linked to the www.gojacc.com website as well. Prospective professionals’ community tours: The Chamber often assists in the recruitment of new attorneys, physicians, and other professionals by coordinating a personal community tour tailored to the needs and interests of the recruit. Opportunities for Chamber Members *Ambassadors: The Chamber administers the Ambassadors program, the official welcoming committee for community events. The group also celebrates new businesses, important business events, and the dedication of community projects. *Annual Meeting: This is the Chamber’s annual celebration which includes a business meeting, dinner and entertainment. It’s a fun, relaxing environment in which to enjoy the camaraderie with fellow Chamber members. Members are able to sponsor the meeting and display their products and services. *Business After Hours: BAH is an opportunity for member businesses to invite all the other Chamber member businesses to their facility to showcase their services and/or products. This makes members aware of what businesses do and gives them the ability to refer each other appropriately. *Business Referrals: The Chamber office receives hundreds of requests for names of businesses each year from local and potential residents, businesses, and visitors. It is our policy to refer only Chamber members whenever possible. *Chamber Checks: Chamber Checks act as a gift certificate to any member business. Over $375,000 in Chamber Checks were purchased over the past 6 years. *Chamber Connection Newsletter: Members are kept informed of the happenings in all parts of the Chamber through a monthly newsletter. *Chamber Hot Line: The Chamber office receives notification of bad or stolen checks. A system is in place for members to be alerted immediately by the Chamber office. *General Chamber Informational Reminder Notifications: During the time between newsletters, the chamber office notifies and reminds members of chamber-related events and projects or other pieces of information that benefit the general membership. These notifications and reminders are sent via email and fax. *Mailing Labels: The chamber provides the chamber members’ mailing list printed on a set of mailing labels at no charge to current chamber members. These are to be used for the purpose of invitations to special events or other types of mailings that would be of interest to the business community in general. *Member Involvement: The various activities of the Chamber extend the opportunity to its members to get involved in projects that are of interest to them. The more members are involved, the more they are seen as a community contributor by the public and fellow Chamber members. Staff resources: The Chamber staff works first and foremost for the Chamber members. They are linked with state associations and connected to networks of resources to help build a better community. Without paid staff, the Chamber would have to rely completely on volunteers to carry out the business of the chamber. With paid staff, the need for volunteers still exists, but the volunteers can focus on the activities they want to focus on instead of the day to day details of Chamber management. Website: Prospective residents, businesses and tourists can find a wealth of information, including a list of local *member businesses at www.gojacc.com. This website includes a searchable membership directory. A word about non-dues income You may notice that there are several fundraising activities and events planned by the Chamber. Often, this brings up the question, “Why does the Chamber need to raise money if members already pay dues?” The answer is simple: membership dues account for only 40% of the Chamber’s budget. In order for the Chamber to provide the services that it does to its members and the community, it must look to other funding options. Here’s The Bottom Line: You don’t have to try to “make it” on your own. The Chamber is here to connect members with resources and foster a friendly and helpful community for residents, local employees and visitors.