Chamber Champions who sizzle like BACON!
- Marty Jalove
- Sep 16
- 4 min read
Bringing the BACON to Business! If you missed this week’s episode of Bacon Bits with Master Happiness, you’re in for a treat. We had an absolute blast chatting with four incredible Executive Directors from local Chambers of Commerce. Together, we explored why businesses, big or small, should join their local Chamber and how these organizations are the secret sauce to success.
with special Guests:
Follow us at: www.MasterHappiness.com/live or “Bacon Bits with Master Happiness” on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, iHeart Radio or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.
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Using the BACON acronym (because everything is better with bacon), we broke down the key benefits of joining a Chamber of Commerce: Building Connections, Advocacy, Community Engagement, Opportunities for Growth, and Networking & Visibility. If you’re a business owner or just curious about how Chambers work, this episode is a must-listen. Here’s a sneak peek of what we covered and why you should tune in to the full episode.
B is for Building Connections
Chambers of Commerce are the ultimate networking hubs. As Claire Slattery from the Lake Zurich Area Chamber put it, “It’s all about showing up.” Chambers host events like mixers, luncheons, and even pickleball tournaments (yes, pickleball!) to help businesses connect. But it’s not just about attending events, it’s about fostering meaningful relationships.
Maria Weisbruch shared how her Chamber encourages collaborations between members, creating opportunities for businesses to work together and grow. Whether it’s a wine shop partnering with a local caterer or a manufacturer teaming up with a service provider, the connections you make through a Chamber can transform your business.
A is for Advocacy
Did you know your Chamber of Commerce can be your voice in local, state, and even national government? Chambers advocate for policies that benefit businesses, from workforce development programs to simplifying permits and regulations.
Claire highlighted her Chamber’s partnership with Lake County Workforce Development, which offers paid apprenticeship programs and training opportunities for businesses. Therese Matthys added that her Chamber collaborates with McHenry County College’s Manufacturing Consortium to connect students with trade opportunities. Advocacy isn’t just about lobbying, it’s about creating pathways for businesses to thrive.
C is for Community Engagement
Chambers don’t just support businesses; they strengthen entire communities. From farmers markets to street dances, Chambers organize events that bring people together and showcase local businesses.
Teresa shared how her Chamber’s “Before Summer Festival” donates proceeds to local nonprofits, while Claire’s Chamber works closely with high schools to mentor students and conduct mock interviews. These initiatives not only give back to the community but also position businesses as leaders and contributors to local well-being.
O is for Opportunities for Growth
Education and resources are at the heart of what Chambers offer. Whether it’s hosting lunch-and-learn sessions, providing marketing tools, or connecting businesses with funding opportunities, Chambers help members scale and succeed.
Maria emphasized the importance of taking advantage of the “freebies” that come with membership, like job postings, member ads, and website visibility. Mike Aukerman reminded us that Chambers are a platform, what you get out of it depends on how much you put in. “There’s no magic pixie dust,” he joked, “but if you get involved, the results will come.”
N is for Networking & Visibility
Visibility is key for any business, and Chambers provide countless ways to get noticed. From ribbon cuttings to social media shoutouts, Chambers help businesses stand out in their communities.
Mike encouraged businesses to join multiple Chambers where they do business, not just where they’re located. “The more you’re involved, the more exposure you get,” he said. And with collaborative events like multi-Chamber luncheons, the networking opportunities are endless.
The Fun We Had
This episode wasn’t just informative; it was downright fun! From discussing possible chamber mascots (gnomes and King Charles Spaniels, anyone?) to sharing guilty pleasure snacks during board meetings (Diet Coke, anyone?), our guests brought humor and personality to the conversation.
We even learned about the most unusual raffle items Chambers have offered…a stuffed gopher for someone’s man cave. The camaraderie among these Executive Directors was infectious, and their passion for their work shone through every moment.
If you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or just someone who loves supporting local businesses, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. You’ll learn how Chambers of Commerce can help you:
Build lasting relationships.
Advocate for your business needs.
Engage with your community.
Access resources to grow your business.
Increase your visibility and reach.
Plus, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the hard work and dedication that goes into running a Chamber. As Mike said, “It’s all about connections,” and this episode proves just how powerful those connections can be.
Chamber Champions who sizzle like BACON!
Ready to take your business to the next level? Tune in to the full episode of Bacon Bits with Master Happiness anywhere you listen to podcasts. And don’t forget to check out your local Chamber of Commerce, you might just find the missing piece to your business puzzle.
To learn more about Chamber Champions who sizzle like BACON! go to: www.MasterHappiness.com/live or “Bacon Bits with Master Happiness” on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, iHeart Radio or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. See it on YouTube
Or catch us LIVE on "BACON BITS with Master Happiness" on 983thelife.com, Monday Night at 7:00 PM and start making your life SIZZLE!
Marty Jalove of Master Happiness is a Company Coach, Business Consultant, and Marketing Strategist that helps small businesses, teams, and individuals find focus, feel fulfilled, and have fun. He helps businesses struggling with communication issues between co-owners, staff, and customers grow a happier and healthier business.
Master Happiness stresses the importance of realistic goal setting, empowerment, and accountability in order to encourage employee engagement and retention. The winning concentration is simple: Happy Employees attract Happy Customers and Happy Customers come back with Friends.
Want to learn more about bringing more happiness into your workplace and life? Contact Master Happiness at www.MasterHappiness.com or www.WhatsYourBacon.com
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