East Lewis County Chamber of Commerce: Rural Connections


		Rural Connections Rural Connections is an outreach and networking project of the East Lewis County Chamber of Commerce. It connects rural community governments, organizations, businesses, and individuals to information and resources for community development. It also helps members establish a presence on the Internet (if they do not already have one) and enhance the effectiveness of existing websites. There are no geographical boundaries to membership in Rural Connections – anyone with an interest in rural community development is welcome to join. Membership benefits include reduced rates for training and consultation, access to planning and marketing tools, connection with other members via email and Web-based discussions, and an annual conference. Rural Connections provides a way for small, often isolated communities to connect to others and to a rich array of resources. As Rural Connection membership increases, we will establish regional alliances between members for a stronger voice and localized connections in their regions. Members can benefit from the resources and expertise that the East Lewis County Chamber has developed through its activities of starting a regional nonprofit organization in a rural area, presenting the area’s first ever regional Economic Development Summit, producing local community festivals and education forums, and coordinating local participation in the 18-month Horizons project of the Northwest Area Foundation. To become a charter member of Rural Connections, please click the "JOIN NOW" button by the appropriate membership category to pay your annual membership investment fee via PayPal (checks or credit cards accepted). Or, print the Rural Connections Membership Form and mail it to the Chamber with payment. Click here for a Membership Information sheet. Charter Membership Investment Categories, Benefits, and Annual Fees Rural Connections Membership, Level 1: $100 Benefits: Listing in print and online membership directories, including a link to your website For members that do not have a website, Rural Connections will provide a single web profile page with information you supply Access to members-only discussion group (email and online) Access to planning and marketing tools Access to an array of web-based resources on community development, including economic development, fundraising, grant-writing, government agency links, leadership and management resources, tourism and marketing Member rates for training and consultation Membership rate to annual conference Quarterly newsletter highlighting rural issues, resources, and information on new members Periodic e-mail “news bulletins” with information on new resources, events, and urgent issues Marketing and promotion for your communities, events, and related interests via newsletter, press releases, events listings, and your materials at East Lewis County Visitors Center Rural Connections Membership, Level 2: $250 Benefits: All of the above benefits, PLUS: Three hours of free consultation with a Rural Connections specialist via phone, or in-person at Chamber office, or at your location (member pays transportation costs for on-site consultation) A three-page website to promote your community, organization, or business Reduced rates at events for up to 3 people from your organization/business Dues are billed annually and must be paid within 10 days of renewal date. Your membership investment in Rural Connections may be tax deductible as an ordinary and necessary business expense (check with your accountant or tax advisor). Dues paid to the Chamber/Rural Connections are not a charitable tax deduction for federal income tax purposes.
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