Plainwell Business Directory - * * * New Benefit * * *
As a Chamber Member you will receive a free business listing along with 20% discount on advertising in the Business Directory. The directory is a good way to promote your products and services. First annual directory is currently in development and is to be published for 2011.

Professional Development - * * * New Benefit * * *
You will be invited to attend several educational events at a discount throughout the year, i.e. Website Development, Social Media, Microsoft Office programs, Constant Contact, just to name a few. In addition you will receive a discounted rate to attend the Kalamazoo Chamber Training sessions.

Kalamazoo Chamber Affiliate Program - see below for details
Through an affiliate membership with the Kalamazoo Chamber of Commerce, the Plainwell Chamber of Commerce is able to offer several significant benefits to our members, including discounted workers compensation insurance, health care insurance, several networking events, and others.

Staples Business Advantage - * * * New Benefit * * *
Chamber members now qualify to join the Staples Business Advantage program. This program is designed to offer substantial discounts for chamber members. For any questions, or to obtain more information, contact Gale Lewis, Business Development Associate, at 616-915-2682. Click here for online registration.

Plainwell Advantage Card Program
Plainwell Chamber members are given the opportunity to participate in the Advantage Card program. There is no fee for your business to participate in the program, however, the advantage cards can only be redeemed at participating merchants. The Plainwell Chamber of Commerce administers this program as yet another valuable service to its members. Click here to sign-up.

Constant Contact - * * * New Benefit * * *
Members receive pre-pay discounts up to 25% on already-affordable Email Marketing and Online Survey tools. Every dollar counts to a small business--you'll spend less to stay connected with customers while receiving the same fabulous customer support and learning resources you expect from Constant Contact. Click here to sign-up.

Networking
The Plainwell Chamber holds networking events by hosting 5:01 Parties, Spotlight on Business and Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies throughout the year for our members and the general public. These functions are a great way for members to meet new business leaders in the community, keep up-to-date on current events in the area and promote your business.

Allegan County Chamber and Business News
The Plainwell Chamber of Commerce and its members are highlighted monthly in Allegan County Chamber & Business News. This publication is also where business announcements, promotions and new employee information can be submitted free. Distribution is made as an insert to over 10,000 subscribers of the Allegan County News, Union Enterprise and Saugatuck- Douglas Commercial Record. Special advertising rates are offered only to Chamber members.

Free Bulk Rate Mail Service
Chamber members have free access to the Plainwell Chamber’s bulk rate mail stamp. The bulk rate provides a significant postage savings to our members. Bulk mail must be 200 plus pieces and postal bulk mail procedures must be followed (please see USPS.com).

KALAMAZOO REGIONAL CHAMBER AFFILIATE PROGRAM
Through an affiliate membership with the Kalamazoo Chamber of Commerce, the Plainwell Chamber of Commerce is able to offer several significant benefits to our members, including discounted workers compensation insurance, health care insurance, several networking events, and others.

Affiliate benefits include:

Group health insurance - Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Michigan
Contact: Clearwater Financial, Inc. - Debbie Clark at 866-549-4434

Chamber member businesses can purchase group health insurance through the Chamber's Blue Cross/ Blue Shield buying group, serving businesses with 1-99 employees. Blue Cross/ Blue Shield of Michigan is a nonprofit health care plan that is committed to providing all Michigan residents access to high quality care. The company provides or administers health care benefits to more than 4.8 million members through a variety of health care products.

The Traditional Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Community Blue and Blue Preferred PPOs and Blue Choice Point of Service products are the most frequently chosen health benefit plans for the state's businesses. The Blues also offer prescription drugs, dental and vision plans. Visit www.bcbsm.com for additional information.

Discounted workers' compensation insurance - Accident Fund Insurance
Contact: Ron Jackson Insurance at (269) 685-6804 - www.ronjacksonins.com

Participate in one of the most comprehensive and rewarding workers compensation plans in Michigan - the Group Program from Accident Fund Insurance Company of America. Chamber members receive a 5% up-front discount on their workers compensation policy through the Accident Fund Insurance Company of America. Participants also have the opportunity for a dividend payment that could result in offsetting a substantial amount of the insurance's premium.

Dividend payments are based on the group's loss performance and could be as much as 15% or even more. There is no minimum premium requirement to participate. Visit www.accidentfund.com for additional details.

Group Life, Short-term & Long-term Disability Insurance – Mutual of Omaha
Contact: Clearwater Financial, Inc. - Debbie Clark at 866-549-4434 – www.cwf4u.com

As a member of the Plainwell Chamber of Commerce and affiliate of the Kalamazoo Regional Chamber of Commerce, businesses can take advantage of less restrictive group Life insurance plans along with Short / Long-term Disability Insurance offered through Mutual of Omaha. Benefits are available to Chamber members with two or more enrolled employees on a guaranteed issue basis.

SCORE - (the service corps of retired executives)
SCORE is a group of retired executives with a variety of business experiences who have volunteered to assist entrepreneurs to start a new business, purchase a business, or increase the profitability of existing businesses. This assistance includes counseling in the preparation of a business plan, financial analysis, marketing, management, capital acquisition, and loan application. SCORE also sponsors business seminars and workshops. For more information contact a SCORE representative at 269-381-5382 or by email.