Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Chamber do?
The Eastern Monmouth Area Chamber of Commerce (EMACC) serves the interests of member businesses through skills-building seminars, legislative advocacy, promotional support, referral services and professional business counseling. The Chamber provides the resources and creates initiatives, programs, products, services and events to assist businesses in becoming more efficient and profitable. We also urge them to become involved in our charitable and civic organizations to help our communities further. We also act as a resource for visitors and residents of Monmouth County and provide them with community or consumer information during their visits and during and after their relocation to our area.
Each month EMACC hosts a series of business seminars and networking events in addition to our annual signature events including The Spinnaker Awards Dinner, recognizing the outstanding volunteer contributions of businesses and individuals in our area; the Holiday Gift drive benefiting a local non-profit, and our Educational Foundation’s scholarship awards, given to non-traditional students seeking to improve their lives and the lives of people in their community.
Is the Chamber a government entity?
No. The Chamber is not a governmental entity. It is a 501 (c) – 6 not-for-profit member organization. Our “sister” organization, the EMACC Education Foundation is a 501 ( c3 ) charitable organization and offers financial scholarships to our members, their families and employees.
Does the Chamber receive any municipal, county or state tax dollars for its operation?
No. The Chamber’s chief operating expenses are supported through voluntary annual member dues, modest event and marketing revenues and sponsor support.
Who “runs” the Chamber?
The Chamber is a “member-driven” organization whose programs, events and purpose is determined by the needs and wants of its membership. A volunteer, 20+ member Board of Directors is elected by the membership to oversee and guide the organization through its annual program of work. The day-to-day operations are under the direction of the Executive Director. Committees consisting of chamber members help create, organize and promote our monthly meetings and annual events.
If my organization is a member business, can I as an employee of the member business, attend the various Chamber events at the member rate?
Yes. Any employee of a Chamber member is entitled to all member privileges, discounts and opportunities. However, upon joining, the member must choose one main contact for inclusion on our mailing list and in our membership directory.
How do I find out about Chamber events and activities?
The Chamber mails and emails notices of upcoming events to all main contact members several times a month. We also publish our events online. View our event schedule.
Do I need to register for events?
We prefer it if you register in advance so that we can give the host facility an accurate count and ensure enough refreshment for all. Those arriving without pre-registering cannot be guaranteed admittance. Unfortunately, we may have to charge you if you register in advance and do not show up without notice.
What’s the advantage of serving on a committee?
Committee services offers you the opportunity to let others see you “in action.” If you exhibit responsibility, follow-through and good teamwork, this can work in your favor when one of your fellow committee members is seeking services such as yours…and word travels fast among the membership! Conversely, it can work against you if you are too busy to report on your delegated assignments or if you “drop the ball.” We suggest that you select a committee based on your available time and talents and we want you to benefit from your service so we urge you to call us to learn more details about our various committees.
I don’t have time to become heavily involved in Chamber events. Does that decrease the value of my membership?
Not at all. We do more than simply host business events. That’s how we differ from a simple networking group. Because our membership is so diversified, we offer a wide range of programs and services that meet the unique needs of our members. Some members prefer the networking aspect of Chamber membership, while others like the advocacy and leadership we offer. All members are listed in the official online membership directory. The Chamber also has affiliations with the Small Business Development Center at Brookdale; the Monmouth County Workforce Development Board; the Monmouth County Department of Economic Development and Tourism; Red Bank RiverCenter; SCORE – Service.Core.Of.Retired.Executives; the National Federation of Independent Businesses; the NJ State Chamber of Commerce; New Jersey Business and Industry Association and a host of other cultural, health and educational organizations. Basically, it’s a one-stop resource for your business needs.
How much does it cost to join the Chamber?
Membership dues are based on a company’s number of full-time employees or, for businesses with multiple offices (ie banks, real estate,) the number of branches located in our 10-town service area. The average member pays about $260 a year in dues.
I would like to let my customers and vendors know that I am a member of the Eastern Monmouth Area Chamber of Commerce. Can I use the Chamber’s logo in ads and other promotional items?
We encourage you to show the pride you have in Chamber membership by using the Chamber logo. In fact, studies have shown that 63% of consumers are more likely to purchase goods and services from Chamber of Commerce members then from non- members.
What the Chamber is not!
We are not a networking group, whose main purpose is strictly networking. We are a full-time, professionally staffed and full-service business/community organization. We are not connected, managed or directed by any of the Municipalities in our service area. We are not responsible for parking tickets or pot holes although we do notify the borough if someone makes a strong statement that deserves a response. We are not the consumer affairs office although we will contact any business who receives multiple complaints to alert them of a possible internal problem in their business.