The Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber is fishing for new members! From Sept. 30 - Oct. 2, the Chamber will hold a volunteer-driven recruitment rally like never before, inviting community businesses to join the 7^th largest chamber in Georgia, and one of only 79 chambers nationwide to be 5-star accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Local Chamber members will come together for the recruitment event to reach out to area businesses, targeting business owners they know. Teams will compete against each other to gain the most new members, with only one team being crowned victorious. Leaders have already begun reaching out to prospective new members.

The rally will be led by six Event Chairs: Scott James (Small Town Broadcasting), Tim Carroll (Farmer's Home Furniture), Jeff Hanson (Southwest Georgia Bank), Terri Lupo (Georgia Power Company), Ron Borders (Real Living Realty Advisors) and Susan Steel (Steel's Jewelry).

These leaders will each help their five team captains to cast a wide net, reaching out to those they know who lead area businesses and are not already members. The teams will reel in new recruits throughout the rally, and the winning team will be determined by the amount of revenue generated for the Chamber in new-member dues.

Lee McArthur, Vice Chairman of Member Services, encourages other business owners to get involved because he believes the Chamber is a one-of-a-kind marketing avenue for his business, ING. “There's not a better place for your word-of-mouth advertising to ignite than at Chamber gatherings,” he says. “This is where other decision-makers and influencers are. This is where your prospects are.”

McArthur has seen first-hand the benefits of being an active member and urges businesses to take advantage of the many opportunities available for exposure. “The Chamber provides networking opportunities that are not available anywhere else,” he says. “I have served on numerous Chamber committees where most individuals were strangers to me. After a year of working together for a common goal, these strangers became personal friends, professional advocates, and clients.” McArthur’s story is testament to the Chamber’s efforts to advocate for, build, connect and promote the business community.

This event is proudly sponsored by the State Farm offices of Kelly Barr, Angie Crawford, Paul Cribbs, Bubba Highsmith, Christi Marsh, Travis Pate and Brian Sumner, as well as Fowler, Holley, Rambo & Stalvey, PC.

There has never been a better time to join the Chamber! Get hooked today! If you are interested in becoming a Chamber member, you don’t have to wait for the event. For membership information, contact Miranda Moore at (229) 247-8100 ext. 231or visit www.ValdostaChamber.com.