56.0°,
A Few Clouds Seaford Chamber hosting membership drive
The Seaford Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual membership drive to help engage local businesses in community affairs and reach out to prospective entrepreneurs in the hamlet. Leaders said that residents may also join the organization and get involved.
“We want people to network and see how we can help each other,” Karen Cass, the chamber’s president, said. “It’s the impression that you make — if you can assist someone, they will remember that, and when it comes time, they will do the same for you.”
The nonprofit organization works on behalf of local businesses and organizations in Seaford, advocating for them and promoting events. Cass said that the group is also very involved with the school district, library and other community youth groups.
Cass said that although the bylaws require general members to have a business in the Seaford zip code, residents who live in the community might also join. Cass is a resident member herself.
“Resident members offer another viewpoint that can show a different perspective that business owners may not see,” she said. “They can really zone in on community needs.”
Cass noted that, because Seaford only has a few small shopping strips and almost no chains or “bob box” commercial businesses, it’s difficult for chamber leaders to recruit members. However, more and more people and business owners have taken interest in the group in recent years. “We really want to show the value of joining the chamber,” she added.
Residents and merchants alike may want to join the chamber to help with community beautification projects and holiday decorating, officials said. Chamber members also participate in Eagle and Boy Scout ceremonies, sponsor blood drives and summer concerts and working with organizations like the Lions Club, the Wellness Council, the American Legion and the Historical Society to plan events.
“We take pride in Seaford,” Cass said. “As president, I want to push local business and keep an open line of communication between owners and potential members from other towns.”
Cass said that business owners should consider joining to advertise their services and use the Chamber’s Facebook page and website. Members meet once a month to discuss Chamber matters and to plan events.
“It’s all about advocating for each other and putting new things into place to help highlight our local shops,” she said. “You can’t keep doing the same things that you’ve been doing the last 20 years, it may not work in this economy,” she added. “In a changing world we need to move forward and help light that fire.”
