Jackson chamber shows rapid growth in 2009

Did you know?

The Jackson Chamber of Commerce offers free use of its building free of charge for any business related event.

In 2009, the Jackson Chamber of Commerce added 80 businesses and its membership grew by over 25 percent.

"The secret is getting out and showing potential members a benefit of joining the chamber," said Brian Gerau, executive director at the chamber. "But, in return, we want to try to get these businesses in contact with at least one other business."

The Jackson chamber provides opportunities for members to make contact with other businesses in Jackson and other cities in the hopes of improving business.

The chamber provides a range of options to help facilitate communication between businesses. Any member of the chamber can use its building free of charge for any business-related event. The chamber helps organize member businesses to host monthly, "business-after-hours" meetings, which are social events that allow businesses to get to know one another.

A complete list of every business, including their address and contact information, within the chamber is made available for any business member. Also, the chamber advertises its members in publications in Jackson and Cape Girardeau.

Brian Gerau, executive director

"Dollar for dollar," Gerau said, "the chamber is the very best way to promote and advertise your business."

In the coming year, Gerau said one of the chamber's goals is to continue promoting Jackson and the surrounding area. Its plan is to meet with people and leaders in the city's business loop and with those businesses who might want to set up shop in the area.

Gerau hopes some of these shops will be retail stores that set up along Jackson Boulevard and East Main Street in the city.

To promote Jackson, Gerau is also talking about bringing in tourism. He thinks there is promise in promoting the downtown's history as a place to come visit. For example, the town will celebrate its founding this summer with its 102nd Homecomers event.

The chamber will continue to try to attract businesses to the city.

"You have to be aggressive and just go out there and find contacts with people," Geru said. "Make phone calls and see if people will come check out Jackson."

Gerau drew attention to the quietness of Jackson as part of its attraction. The city has been listed by CNN and Money magazine as the 59th best small town in the U.S. to live.

"We have low crime, good schools and good employment and we are next to the great town of Cape Girardeau," Gerau said.

But, bringing businesses into Jackson is not something that happens overnight.

"It's a daily process," Gerau said.

For more information about the chamber, call 573-243-8131.