General FAQs
Who is the president of the Chamber?
Matthew D. Van Sant President/CEO 513-576-5003
What exactly does a Chamber do?
Chambers of Commerce provide opportunities for members to make an impact on critical business and community issues. Together with talented leaders in business, community and government, chamber members and professional staff work to make the community a better place to work, live and play by:
Building leading businesses
Building leading communities
What is the Chamber mailing address?
4355 Ferguson Drive, Suite 150, Cincinnati, OH 45245
How do I get to the Chamber?
Click here for driving directions
What are your hours of operation?
The Chamber Office Hours are 8:00 – 5:00 Monday – Friday. The Chamber is open 24/7 at www.clermontchamber.com
Does the Chamber primarily serve the needs of big businesses?
Many people are surprised to learn that 95% of all Chamber members are small businesses with 25 or fewer employees. We work hard to offer programs designed to support both our large and small member businesses needs.
Is the Chamber of Commerce a part of local government?
The Chamber is a voluntary, not-for-profit organization of business and professional people dedicated to the economic well being of our community. The Chamber is not a department of local government.
How can I get in touch with Chamber staffers to assist me?
Please browse our complete online staff directory.
Will the Chamber display advertising for my company?
The following business visibility opportunities are available, at no charge, to Chamber members:
Annual Membership Directory Listing - Receive a listing in one category heading in the annual membership directory. Additional category headings may be purchased.
Website Visibility/Link - Receive a listing in our business browser and a free link from the Chamber website to yours.
Chamber Newsletter Visibility - Our monthly newsletter reaches over 1600 Chamber members and key decision makers, and includes a member listing and 100-word spotlight article, for new members.
Where can I learn more about volunteer opportunities?
Click here for descriptions of Chamber volunteer opportunities.
How can I sign up to volunteer?
We encourage our members to get involved. Just click here to join a Chamber volunteer committee.
My business would like to sponsor a Chamber event or program. What opportunities are available?
If you are interested in gaining valuable exposure for your business, participating in our sponsorship program is a great way to do it. The Clermont Chamber of Commerce has event sponsorship opportunities including:
Annual Meeting
Pacesetter Awards Dinner
Legislative Luncheon Series
Morning Mixer Series
Chamber After Hours Series
Small Business Development Center Series
Gather of the Green
Women’s Day
Holiday Homecoming
Don't miss out on this opportunity to partner with the Chamber and gain valuable exposure for your business. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, contact Cyn Macke or call 576-5000.
How can my company save on group workers compensation rating?
Over 4,600 companies together are collectively saving $78 million on their 2007-2008 Ohio workers' compensation premiums through the Chambers group rating program, administered by Sheakley UniService. That’s an average savings of over $16,000 per company.
The State of Ohio allows associations like the Chamber to pool their members into large groups, and then treats each group as if it were a large company, offering premium savings that are otherwise available only to large companies with good claims history. Employers in group rating are billed by the state and pay their premiums directly to the state. Group rating is simply a way to achieve lower rates.
Sheakley UniService, the Cincinnati-based administrator of the Chamber's group rating plan, determines eligibility for the program using company claims and risk records provided by the state. Because ChamberComp is the largest program in southwestern Ohio it can offer more group options for your company.
You owe it to your company to check out the savings you can experience through ChamberComp. To get a free no-obligation Workers’ Comp savings projection, download, print and complete a Temporary Authorization Form (AC3) and fax it to the Chamber at 513.579.3101, or mail it to the address shown on the form.
What are the main benefits of Membership?
You can increase your visibility through these Chamber Business Promotion Opportunities
You can benefit from a stronger business environment as a result of the Chamber’s Government Affairs & Advocacy efforts
You can enhance your business operation through the Chamber’s Educational Opportunities
You can develop your key relationships and expand your customer base through the Chamber’s Networking Opportunities
You can advance your stature, influence knowledge and leadership abilities through the Chamber’s Volunteer Opportunities
You can be more connected with business leaders by being visible at your Chamber’s Special Events
How does the Chamber decide how to assess dues to members?
In the vast majority of cases, the formula for setting the level of dues combines a minimum base rate plus a small fee per full time permanent employee. The system is designed to result in a “fair share” contribution by businesses of all sizes. In some special business categories a different formula is sometimes used, but the goal is always fairness.
My company is a member of the Chamber, does that make me a member?
Yes. When your company joins the Clermont Chamber of Commerce, all employees within that company become Chamber members. Any employee may take advantage of the program and benefit offerings.
I would like to let my customers and vendors know I am a member of the Clermont Chamber of Commerce. Can I use the Chamber’s logo on my letterhead and business cards?
You are encouraged to show the pride you have in your membership by using the Chamber’s logo on your printed materials and on your website. Upon request, the Chamber will provide a digital file or hard copy of the ad slicks of the official version of the Chamber’s logo.
Most of my clients are outside of Clermont County, why should I join the Chamber?
The Chamber offers a wide variety of training, education and development programs that help you build your staff; we help foster the growth of other businesses at which family members of your associates can find meaningful employment; we work for a better business climate by advocating on your behalf to local, state and federal governments; and, we help direct educational development in directions that will drive growth for our county.
I don’t have time to become heavily involved in Chamber activities. Does that decrease the value of my membership?
Not at all. As a matter of fact, only about 15% of all members participate actively in volunteer positions with the Chamber. Your membership is designed to give you a tremendous return on your investment even if you don’t have time to get heavily involved. If you do have the time, you can certainly reap extra benefits.
Does the Chamber offer a group health insurance program for its members?ChamberHealth through Humana offers dual members a complete portfolio of plans that engage your employees in their benefit choices and usage. We’ll help you tailor a plan to fit your individual business needs. Designed for Ohio companies with 1-99 eligible employees, ChamberHealth features a full range of medical coverage, including the new consumer choice plans, PPO, HMO and POS plans, as well as Health Savings Accounts (HSA), all with price advantages for members. ChamberHealth also brings you a wide range of health and wellness programs and discounts.
For a free no-obligation quote, contact your independent insurance agent. If you need an agent, contact the chamber at 513.576.5000 or chamber(at)clermontchamber.com.
Who can attend Chamber events?
Many of our events are open to members and non-members guests, with non-members paying a higher registration fee. Members are welcome to bring a guest to member only events by making arrangements ahead of time.
How do I sign up for an event?
Members may sign up for an event by calling the Chamber 576-5000 or registering on-line.
Why is the Chamber so involved in Government Affairs?
Many companies, especially small businesses, don’t have the time to attend city/town council meetings, county commissioner meetings on a regular basis. So the Chamber is there to represent your best interests and ensure Clermont County remains business friendly.
What is the Chamber doing about the economy?
We are advocating constantly for a better, more business-friendly regulatory environment in the county, state and nation. We are partners in every community effort to define a regional vision and craft a strategic plan to realize that vision. We work daily with new businesses, helping them grow, prosper and provide jobs.
I need demographic/statistical information.
Demographics
How do I submit press releases to the Chamber for use in the Member News section of the website?
All members in good standing with the Chamber may submit press releases for possible inclusion in the Member News section of the website. Press releases should be brief. Please e-mail chamber(at)clermontchamber.com
Can I get a list of businesses in Clermont County?
Clermont Chamber or Commerce members are eligible to receive a business directory of Chamber members.
I would like to make a complaint about a company?
Contact the local Better Business Bureau
Have a question we didn't answer here?
E-mail chamber(at)clermontchamber.com or call 576-5000.
SBDC FAQs
How can I finance my start-up business?
Most businesses are financed out of a combination of owner’s equity (owner’s investment) and a commercial loan. If an entrepreneur were seeking a commercial loan, a reasonable expectation would be that the lending bank would expect at least 20% of the needed dollars would be from the entrepreneur.
How can I get an SBA loan?
Small Business Administration (SBA) programs are designed to encourage commercial lenders to make loans directly to business owners or entrepreneurs. The SBA does not make direct loans.
I want some of that free grant money that I am always hearing about…
This is an urban myth type question. While there are thousands of grant programs across the country, most are not targeted toward for-profit businesses. Careful research may reveal small, isolated opportunities in specific markets. However, as a general rule, grant dollars are not available to help most small businesses.
How important is my credit score when I am seeking a commercial loan?
A borrower’s credit score is very critical to the approval of a commercial loan. While there are occasional exceptions, most lenders want a credit score of 650 or better for a commercial loan. In addition, a recent bankruptcy (last 7 years) is almost always a non-starter.
Would your answer on the grant question above still be the same if I said I was a minority? A woman? A veteran? Disabled?
Yes.
How can I have my business qualified as a woman-owned business?
The WBENC certification for women-owned businesses is one of the most widely recognized certifications in the nation. Being certified as a WBE means that a business concern has gone through a rigorous and stringent certification process to confirm the business is owned, managed, and controlled by a woman or women. For more information, see www.wbenc.org/GetCertified/Default.aspx
Are there advantages to having a business owned by a woman or minority?
There are, but it depends a lot on the type of target customers the business is seeking. Many government contracts and some larger businesses have set-aside agreements, providing a declared percentage of opportunities for women, veterans, minorities, etc. If these are your target customers, then 51% ownership may make sense.
Do I have to have experience in the business I am considering in order to have a reasonable chance at success?
Not to dwell on negatives, but there is a high failure rate for start-up businesses. Your odds of success are going to be much greater if you are taking on risks that you understand as opposed to risks you don’t understand. If you are going to need a loan to get your business started, the lenders will strongly prefer that you are experienced in the new business.
Who are the most important key advisors for my business?
Key advisors should be knowledgeable about small business issues in general and about your specific type of business in particular. Over the long haul, you will benefit the most from a good accountant, a good attorney, a good insurance agent and a good banking relationship.
If there is one item I should focus on to make my odds for success the greatest, what should it be?
Entrepeneurs and business owners who understand and are dedicated to good planning are usually among the most successful.
