Lake Area Chamber Happenings

Networking is a major part of owning or working for a business. It's a great way to represent your brand and can help you build a TON of connections. Whether you're starting a new business venture of have been in business for years, it's always important to get out and meet new people in your community. While most of us know the importance of networking, the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce knows it can be a bit intimidating too. Take a look below for some easy tips to prepare for your next networking event!


Make Plans to Arrive on Time While it can be VERY tempting to arrive casually late, it's important to get ahead of your nerves and jump right in. It may actually seem more intimidating to enter an already crowded room than enter a room as the event begins. It's also a great way to meet and greet fellow attendees as they enter the room. You never know what business you may stir up from another peer, as they enter the room.

Ask the Right Questions If a group has alr…

Here at the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, our mission is to help enhance the economic development and growth at the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks. We provide a number of benefits for our Lake Area Chamber members to help their businesses thrive. Joining the chamber can have a profound effect on your local business. From a chance to network to marketing opportunities, you don't want to miss out on these spectacular benefits! Take a look below to learn exactly what our chamber can offer your Lake of the Ozarks business.


Network & Connect Our chamber hosts monthly networking opportunities making the ideal place to meet fellow members and business owners at the Lake of the Ozarks. All members and future members are invited to join in our monthly socials. We encourage you to participate, exchange business cards, and get to know other members at our social events. It's a great way to gain visibility for your business!

Gain Exposure For Your Business There are a TON of different …

What are your goals for purchasing booth space at a trade show? It's important to think about the outcome before you plan out your vendor booth. Are you looking to raise awareness for an organization, gain exposure for your new business, or help potential customers get more familiar with your products? No matter what your goal is for the upcoming Home, Lifestyle, and Sport Show, this week's blog may be able to assist with some helpful tips for your vendor booth.

Make Your Booth Exciting Help your booth stand out with a professional look. From a nice table cloth to professional banner, it's best to represent your business in a positive light. Don't forget to incorporate a little fun into your booth space, as well. From candy for visitors to other goodies, you can help amp up the excitement level around your booth space.

Bring Enticing Swag While you can make a positive impression at the show, send your visitors home with a little something to remember you by. Get creativ…

Ribbon cuttings are a great way to promote your new business at the Lake of the Ozarks. It can help draw attention to your business for your new venture, expansion, or other change in the business. Along with a ribbon cutting ceremony, we will prepare a news release and distribute it to local media outlets to help get the exciting news out about your business. If you are planning to host a ribbon cutting with the Lake Area Chamber, you may wonder what you need to be prepared. Take a look at our latest blog for some tips on ways to host a successful ribbon cutting event!

1) Invite, Invite, Invite It's important to invite as many people as you can think of to help support your ribbon cutting. Whether it's business acquaintances or family members who have helped you get your business up and running, invite others to join in this exciting occasion. In addition to your invitations, we will also strive to invite other members and directors to join in welcoming you and your business.

…

A number of advertising companies are competing for your business. While many of these companies are truly out to help you gain exposure for your Lake of the Ozarks business, there are some who are after a quick dollar. You've worked hard to establish your business and it's important to protect it (and yourself) from falling victim to this type of fraudulent advertising. The Lake Area Chamber of Commerce has featured a few tips to help prevent your business from becoming a target of this type of business.



Research The BusinessIf you've encountered an advertising agency that you've never heard of before, it's advised to research the company thoroughly before doing business together. A legitimate business should be easily found online through a Google search. You can also look into their Facebook page and see what kind of activity they have. If there are reviews available, be sure to check these out. It can also be helpful to look the business up on LinkedIn. Before …

We're calling all wine & brew lovers! The excitement is building for the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce's most anticipated summer festival - the 24th Annual Midwest Wine & Brew Festival. Scheduled for August 19th, 2017 at the Lodge of Four Seasons in Lake Ozark, MO, you can explore the tastes of Missouri wines and brews all in one place. For an enticing afternoon of area wine, brew, and restaurant samples, don't miss out on this fun annual event at the Lake of the Ozarks.


Indulge in Your Favorite FoodsWith Lake of the Ozarks restaurants preparing their finest samples for the event, you can get a taste of local flavors. You never know, you may find your new favorite restaurant to visit! You can also find food samples that pair well with the wine or brews you sample, as well. 

Sip Wine & Brew SamplesA number of Missouri wineries and breweries will have booths around the festival, ready for you to sample some of their favorite options. If you love to explore new drin…