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Member Benefits

Members of the Martha's Vineyard Chamber of Commerce have access to a wonderful and broad-reaching resource of information, promotion and networking, including participation on this Web site and the following other benefits. Contact us today for more information on joining.

Read the most recent issue of The Chamber News Briefs.

Advertising
Each year the Chamber places thousands of dollars worth of advertising to promote Martha's Vineyard as a travel destination, not only for the summer season, but also for the fall, winter, and spring seasons. The Chamber staff replies to thousands of mail requests for information in response to these ads.

Brochure Display Rack
In our Vineyard Haven office, only two blocks from the ferry terminal, we receive thousands of visitors each year. Members may display their brochures in the Brochure Display Rack at the Chamber office. The rack is monitored daily during the summer season and weekly in the off-season by Chamber personnel to keep it filled and neat looking. Members can also leave their business cards which is handy to office visitors. Our staff members will contact you when your brochures or business cards are running low. This service is provided free of charge to Chamber members.

Business After Hours
Business After Hours is a Chamber program developed to help Island businesses get to know each other. Receptions are held every month and are hosted by a Chamber member at his/her place of business. Business After Hours provides an opportunity for Island-based firms to introduce their products and services to other Island business people in an informal and enjoyable atmosphere. The opportunity to host a Business After Hours is available to any Chamber member. Contact our office for more information.

Computer Database Subscriptions
The Chamber telephone and mail response system is computerized, making it possible for us to offer weekly lists of mailable contacts on labels to our members for a nominal fee. A listing of Chamber members on labels is also available at a nominal fee.

Educational Opportunities
Various educational concerns are investigated for our members by Chamber staff. Important subjects including business law, financial planning, insurance, management procedures, advertising, and employee training have been the topics of past seminars and more are always being planned. These workshops have a minimal fee or are cost free for Chamber members.

Free Tourist Info
Thousands of Free Info Kits are mailed each year and distributed throughout the state to various information centers. These complete trip-planners briefly describe our lovely Island and give basic information on transportation, accommodations, restaurants, and activities. Members who have businesses that deal in these areas have their names, addresses, phone numbers, Web-site addresses and e-mail addresses placed in these informational brochures for easy access. This service is free of charge.

Insurance Programs
The Chamber offers members health insurance through Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare at 877-777-4414 and dental insurance through Delta Dental at 877-777-4414. We are always investigating other types of insurance coverage to help you lower the cost of this very expensive yet necessary commodity.

Legislative Monitoring
The Chamber staff and Board members monitor legislation on the local, state, and national level that may affect the Martha's Vineyard community. Informative articles are periodically forwarded to members to help keep you abreast of important governmental actions that can affect your life. We encourage your comments and involvement.

Mail-Out Program
Those who have brochures can have them included in the Free Info Kits on a rotating basis as part of our Mail-Out Program. For a small fee, many of the Island's accommodations and services have their brochures mailed directly into the hands of people who have already expressed an interest in traveling to Martha's Vineyard.

Marketing Support
If you need assistance in defining your public relations needs and objectives, we can help. Though we cannot develop and implement your marketing campaign, we can help you focus your advertising needs and your budget. We can also help you coordinate your schedule with that of the Chamber, so that you can maximize your advertising dollar.

Live Work MV
The Live Work MV is a program geared toward the seasonal worker. A substantial list of available jobs on the island is available to all seasonal workers. Any member business may participate in the employment part of this program as the goal is to help seasonal workers find jobs as well as affordable housing.

Referral Service
Thousands of times each year, the Chamber is contacted by individuals who are looking for a service or product available on the Island. Referrals are made daily by Chamber staff to all those Chamber members who can deliver the service or product desired.

SCORE, Counselors to Americas Small Business
PO Box 1395
Vineyard Haven, MA 02568
(508)696-9687
www.scorecapecod.com
The Martha's Vineyard Chamber of Commerce assists businesses on Martha's Vineyard by referring them to SCORE. SCORE on Martha's Vineyard is a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Association.
SCORE counselors provide free consulting services on business-related matters, such as financing, marketing, start ups, business plans, and selling or purchasing a business. SCORE also conducts an 8-week small business course in the fall, and other business courses during th year. Working and retired executives donate their time and expertise as business counselors. SCORE is a nationwide organization, founded in 1964.
SCORE counselors provide confidential 60-minute counseling services at no cost, to discuss client's particular plans and needs. These sessions are held at the SCORE office at 504 State Rd in West Tisbury.
To make an appointment or request more information, call 508-696-9687 and visit www.scorecapecod.com or e-mail mvscore@verizon.net

Visitor's Center
The Chamber operates a seasonal Visitors' Information Booth located at the Steamship Authority Terminal in Vineyard Haven. Members can display their brochures here free of charge as well. This center reaches thousands of visitors as they arrive to the island and is open daily from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm during the summer and on weekends through the fall.