The Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce was organized in 1920 and incorporated in 1935. According to a national study, conducted by The Schapiro Group, an Atlanta-based strategic consulting firm:
- When consumers know that a small business is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 49 percent more likely to think favorably of it and 80 percent more likely to purchase goods or services from the company in the future.
- If a company shows that it is highly involved in its local chamber (e.g., attending events, serves on a committee or chamber board), consumers are 10 percent more likely to think that its products stack up better against its competition.
- When consumers know that a national restaurant franchise is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 68 percent more likely to eat at the franchise in the next few months.
- When consumers know that an insurance company is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 36 percent more likely to think favorably of the company.
Q: What are some benefits for new businesses that join the Chamber of Commerce?
A: There are many benefits and opportunities that apply when a business joins the Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce. To name a few: excellent networking opportunities, marketing of businesses, website listings and postings on the chamber’s Facebook page, educational workshops and seminars, luncheon speakers and advocating for businesses.
It is the largest business organization advocating for business in Western Pinal County, with more than 485 business members invested in the chamber
When businesses join the Chamber of Commerce, they become part of a team dedicated to growing local business and promoting business as a whole.
Q: What does the future look like for local businesses in Casa Grande?
A: Always optimistic! We feel businesses in Casa Grande have the opportunity to prosper and, in some cases, expand. Working in partnership with the educational institutions in the area and a number of prospective businesses coming to Casa Grande, the future looks bright. However, a business person needs to keep up with the ever-changing marketplace and with consumer trends.
Q: Tell us a bit more about your organization and what your mission is.
A: The Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce as the voice of business, leads, promotes and develops opportunities for the success of its members and the community.
Small business represents the largest segment of the Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce, indicating that chamber membership has consistent and powerful benefits for small business members – especially if consumers are aware that the small business is involved with its local chamber. The Schapiro Group study further found that if respondents know that a small business is a member of its local chamber, the business enjoys a 49 percent increase in its consumer favorability rating, a 73 percent increase in consumer awareness, a 68 percent increase in its local reputation and an 80 percent increase in the likelihood that consumers will patronize the business in the future
Q: What do you see as some of the biggest opportunities for growth in Casa Grande?
A: One of the biggest opportunities for growth in Casa Grande is location, location, location! At the intersection of I-10 and I-8, Casa Grande needs to continue to market as a destination for all types of business, large and small. Of course, just having a great location doesn’t mean immediate success for a business. Business owners and managers need to continue to be involved in the community, network and participate and partner with other businesses and entities. Success comes from great partnerships.
