Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP
Is there a minimum level at which my business must join?
Yes. The minimum level to join the Chamber is the $350 Chamber Associate level. If you choose to join at these level additional retail products, tickets to events, underwriting and sponsorships can be purchased through our a la carte menu.
After joining, how periodically will I be billed?
The annual Chamber billing is based on an anniversary date cycle. Once you join the Chamber your joined date will become your anniversary billing date. If you upgrade to a higher tier during the year, then your upgrade date will become your anniversary billing date.
How long is my membership? How long will the benefits last?
Your Chamber membership is good for one year starting on the date on which you join the Chamber or renew your membership. All member benefits must be used within that year and are not transferable.
What is the best time of the year for me to upgrade my membership? Can I use part of my current membership investment to pay for my upgrade?
If you are a new member:
After your joined date, there is a grace period of 60 days during which you can upgrade and pay only the difference between your new level and your current level. For example, if you join as a Chamber Associate ($350) and you want to upgrade to a Chamber Diplomat ($2,500), you will pay $2,500 minus $350 or $2,150 to be a Chamber Diplomat, if you upgrade during the grace period. After the grace period you will be paying the full amount of your new tier.
If you are a current member:
Anytime during the year is a good time for you to upgrade. You will be paying the difference between your new tier and the unused portion of your current tier. For example, if you are a Chamber Professional ($500 tier) with a renewal date of October 1 and on January 1 you decide to upgrade to a Chamber Diplomat ($2,500 tier), you will pay $2,500 minus the part of the $500 you did not use. You used your membership from October 1 to December 31 (3 months): $500 divided by 12 months equals $41.66, multiplied by the number of months used (3 months) equals $125. The $125 represents the used portion of your membership. $500 minus $125 equals $375, which represents the unused portion of your membership. So, you would be paying your new tier amount ($2,500) minus the unused portion of your membership ($375) or $2,125.
Will my renewal date change if I upgrade?
Yes. Your renewal date will change to the date you upgraded your membership. For example, if you joined in January as a Chamber Associate and you decide in June to upgrade to a Chamber Professional, you will be billed the Chamber Professional rate in June of each subsequent year. Please note that your tiered membership investment is paid upfront and is non-refundable and non-transferable.
PAYMENT OPTIONS & BILLING
Is a monthly payment option available?
Yes. Chamber members at the Associate level may subscribe to an Electronic Fund Transfer or Automated Clearing House (ACH) with the Chamber to set up a quarterly or monthly payment plan. Please contact our accounting Department at (603) 792-4117 with questions regarding billing or email accounting@manchester-chamber.org (Transaction fee will be applied).
Is a quarterly payment option available?
Yes. Chamber members at the Associate level or above may be invoiced quarterly once 50% of the tier has been paid up front. Please contact our accounting Department at (603) 792-4117 or at accounting@manchesterchamber.org with questions regarding billing.
NON-PROFIT RATES
I am a non-profit organization. Do you have a special rate for non-profit organizations?
Yes, the non-profit rate is 25% off of any level of membership.
What are the criteria to qualify for the non-profit rate?
The non-profit rate applies to community service organizations and churches defined as 501(c) 3 with proof of non-profit status.
How do I prove my organization’s non-profit status to qualify for the non-profit rate?
Upon joining the Chamber you will be requested to prove your organization’s non-profit status by including a copy of your 501 (c) 3 letter or a copy of your 990 IRS form with your completed Chamber Membership Agreement and payment.
ADDITIONAL DISCOUNTS
Is there a discount for members of the Amoskeag Incubator?
Yes, the discount is 50% off any level of membership beginning with the Chamber Associate.
INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIPS
I am retired and would like to be a Chamber member. How can I join?
A non-business individual membership is available for members who do not conduct business activities. It is typically used by students or retirees. The Chamber Friend membership rate is $150.
MEMBER BENEFITS
How do I utilize the benefits in my tier?
Once you renew or join the Chamber at a particular level you will receive a confirmation letter in the mail along with an invoice. At that time you will also receive some of your benefits such as membership disks and/or labels. You will also be contacted by a Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce Account Manager who will assist you with setting up your membership and will assign you your membership benefits. You will receive quarterly reports alerting you about unused member benefits, if any remain.
Are the individual programs and services available a la carte?
Even though most of the programs and services are available a la carte, in most cases it would be more cost effective for a member to consider upgrading to a higher tier and receive the program sought after, as well as additional services. Contact the Chamber Membership Director at (603) 792-4105 or email membership@manchester-chamber.org to schedule a one-on-one marketing consultation.
Is it true that my membership includes sponsorship credit to be used toward a menu of sponsorship opportunities?
Yes, depending on your level of membership. For members of the Chamber Principal tier or above a portion of your membership is allocated to sponsorship. You may choose which sponsorship opportunities, available on our Sponsorship Opportunities sheet, meet your marketing and public relations needs. Sponsorship allocations are based on a first come, first served basis. Sponsorship credit is an integral part of the tiered dues, thus it is nonrefundable and non-transferable. Please check with a Chamber staff member on exclusivity.
What portion of my membership can I use toward sponsorship?
The sponsorship credit applies as follows:
Chamber Partner: $12,500
Chamber Leader: $5,000
Chamber Steward: $2,500
Chamber Diplomat: $1,000
Chamber Principal: $100
Included in my benefits is a set of Chamber labels. Do I need to request the labels to receive them?
Yes. Please call the Chamber office at 603-792-4122 to request your set of labels when you need them. Be sure to give your company name and the date the labels are needed. The Chamber staff will take care of the rest.
Do I get complementary access to luncheon and breakfast meetings?
Depending on your tier, your benefits may include tickets to Chamber events. Chamber Leader and Partner levels include an events package which features access to the Chamber Golf Classic and other events. Every level of membership includes a number of passes to Network AM and Network PM. The Chamber’s Value Added Programming which includes Lunchtime Connections, Member-led Workshop and Spotlight on Business is available free of charge to all Chamber Members.
ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS AND SUBSIDIARIES
I have several business locations. What are my options?
If you have more than one additional location you can buy additional locations a la carte.
What is the difference between an additional location and a subsidiary?
The difference between an additional location listing and a subsidiary is that an additional location is the same business with the same name and logo, but with a different address. The cost to have an additional location listing is $100. A business is considered a subsidiary if it has a different name, mission/purpose and logo/branding. A subsidiary membership can be purchased at a 25% discount for any tier of equal or lesser value to the main business.
Are there criteria to meet to buy additional locations a la carte?
Yes. Chamber memberships are available for additional locations meeting certain criteria. The criteria include the additional location having the same business name and the same owner.
