Kinston-Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce Builds Local Business
aura lee sylvester, business, business before and after hours event, kinston, kinston-lenoir county chamber of commerce,,
When people move to a new community, they know they can count on the local chamber of commerce to help them find a variety of restaurants, dry cleaners or even the best route to avoid local road construction work.
So it should come as no surprise that the Kinston-Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce does all this and serves as cheerleader, facilitator and information central for new and expanding businesses in Lenoir County.
“The chamber’s responsibility is twofold,” says Laura Lee Sylvester, president of the chamber. “One is to its members and helping them find the resources they need to be able to expand business. The other is to be the biggest ambassador for Kinston-Lenoir County. People come to the chamber because they know what a chamber does.”
The chamber offers various programs throughout the year, assisting members to grow their business. They promote commerce, trade and cooperative relationships among their members and the wider community “We realize how wonderfully poised this county is to succeed in so many different ways, and we want to make sure all residents, members, visitors and tourists recognize that as well,” Sylvester says.
One popular program is the monthly Business Before and After Hours event, which brings members together to network and exchange referrals.
“We are always encouraging members to do business with other members,” Sylvester says. “We all know that relationship-building is key, and the chamber has many opportunities for members to experience networking to the fullest.”
Another benefit of chamber membership is a 24/7 referral system through the online membership directory. Members can post sale merchandise, special services and open job positions free of charge – all on the chamber’s Web site at www.kinstonchamber.com.
Members also have access to several effective marketing strategies at a minimal charge reserved for members only.
All of these programs have the common goal of strengthening businesses and, in turn, an overall sense of community.
“I think what is really important is that the community knows that the chamber is here, day in and day out, looking out for them,” Sylvester says.
Story by Hollie Deese
Photo by Todd Bennett
