PODCAST 034

Marketing a Chamber of Commerce: Emily Bertram on Strategy, Community & Growth

SUMMARY

In this episode of Behind the Brand, hosts Taylor and Kelly sit down with Emily Bertram, Director of Marketing and Communications at the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce and Editor of Business Central Magazine. Emily shares her journey growing up in Central Minnesota and her career path that led her to the Chamber. The discussion covers the unique challenges of marketing for a multi-city chamber, the transition from CVB to Chamber, and the pivotal role of networking, professional development, and advocacy in the Chamber’s operations. Emily also talks about the comprehensive array of events the Chamber hosts and the successful collaboration with Moxie on their fresh website launch. The episode concludes with insights on the importance of community involvement and practical steps for businesses to become Chamber members.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Behind the Brand
00:50 Meet Emily Bertram: Marketing Maven
01:50 Emily’s Journey to the Chamber
04:30 Transitioning Roles: From CVB to Chamber
08:26 Chamber Events and Networking
11:26 Business Central Magazine
13:37 Smooth Transition and Time Management
13:57 Marketing to Different Communities
16:29 Chamber Membership and Community Involvement
17:39 Website Redesign and Marketing Strategy
21:35 Community and Business Ecosystem
25:50 Conclusion and Contact Information

TAKEAWAYS

B2B over B2C: Chamber marketing is fundamentally about business-to-business communications, not tourism or consumer appeal.
Website is the New Door: The Chamber’s website must be a modern, intuitive tool to drive member recruitment and engagement.
Lead with Content: Publications like Business Central Magazine are essential content hubs that establish authority and expertise.
Storytelling Sells: Focus on celebrating member successes and local business stories to build deep community connections.
Multi-Channel Value: Marketing must clearly promote the Chamber’s benefits across networking, professional development, and advocacy.
Accessibility for Growth: Lower the barrier to entry by offering ways for non-members to sample events and experience the value.
ROI is Community: The ultimate value proposition is being part of a strong, supportive local business ecosystem.
Honor the “Area”: Successfully engage the region by actively serving and promoting surrounding communities (Waite Park, Sartell).
Advocacy is Essential: Highlight the Chamber’s role in addressing major issues like workforce and housing to prove its leadership.
Participation Pays: The Chamber offers diverse opportunities so every member can find a way to actively participate and maximize their ROI.

PODCAST 034

Marketing a Chamber of Commerce: Emily Bertram on Strategy, Community & Growth

IT STARTS WITH A FRIENDLY CONVERSATION

Let's Create Something Extraordinary

PODCAST 034

Marketing a Chamber of Commerce: Emily Bertram on Strategy, Community & Growth

IT STARTS WITH A FRIENDLY CONVERSATION

Let's Create Something Extraordinary

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