overview

Membership Campaign

For the 2024 Membership Campaign, we have a new theme: “Building a Legacy for Cobb”.

Whether it’s the cranes you see in the sky, the work of hundreds of members on committees, our Economic Development efforts recruiting and retaining high-quality jobs, or the next generation of leaders moving up through the ranks of your organizations, all of our involvement here becomes part of Cobb’s legacy.  It’s a great way to communicate the power of membership.

 

But this year there is a “Brave” twist. I think our campaign leaders and volunteers are CHAMPIONS for Cobb, giving time and efforts to make connections and help the Chamber continue our Mission. So each Division is competing as a different decade of the hometown team we know and love. We already know what many members discover on their own: The Cobb Chamber is a special place to grow and build relationships that are both professionally and personally rewarding. So we are teaming up to help make Cobb the home of the most determined trailblazers and innovators where businesses succeed and people prosper. And when you see those homeruns going over the wall, that’s your brave 2024 Campaign Division Chairs leading us all to the playoffs.

Quick Links

Important Dates

February 12 – Marquee Monday Campaign Kick Off
February 15 – Campaign University
February 28 – *Engage Luncheon
February 29 – Campaign University
March 7 – Campaign University
March 14 – Campaign University “Last Chance U”
March 19 – *Engage Luncheon
March 20 – Deadline Campaign Turn-In #1 *
March 25 – Campaign Party #1
April 16 – Meet the Chamber Reception
April 23 – Deadline Campaign Turn-In #2/Mid
April 23 – Team Captain Mid-Point Meeting
April 30 – *Engage Luncheon
May 17 – Deadline Campaign Check-In #3
May 21 – *Engage Luncheon
June 18 – Deadline Campaign Final Turn-In
June 20 – Campaign Victory Party
July TBD – Big Trip

*Can attend one ENGAGE for personal training and additional ones only if your renewal(s) are going to attend.

Contact:
Emily Walls

770-859-2325

Campaign Leadership Team

britton-chris_orig
Chris Britton
Brasfield & Gorrie

2024 Campaign Chair
678-581-6400

Joy, Dan
Dan Joy
Rule Joy Trammell & Rubio

Division Chair
770-661-1492

Crossman_ Lisa002- headshot 2
Lisa Crossman
Cobb & Douglas Public Health

Division Chair
770-514-2300

Al Martin headshot
Al Martin
Georgia Power Company

Division Chair
770-618-5177

Delaney, Kris
Kristen Delaney
Cobb EMC

Division Chair
770-285-9296

Sunday, Lisa
Lisa Sunday
SouthState Bank

Division Chair
678-385-7530

Campaign Divisions

AL MARTIN's Division
  • 1885 Grill
  • Georgia Power
  • LOUD Security Systems, Inc.
  • Superior Plumbing
Lisa Sunday'S DIVISION
  • Four Hats Inc.
  • Professional Team
  • SouthState Bank
Kristen Delaney's DIVISION
  • Cobb EMC / Gas South
  • Delta Community Credit Union
  • Synovus Bank
  • Carr, Riggs & Ingram
Lisa crossman'S DIVISION
  • Leadership Programs
  • Pinnacle Financial Partners
  • MetroAtlanta Ambulance Service
Dan Joy's DIVISION
  • Atlanta Braves
  • Brasfield & Gorrie
  • New South Construction 
  • Rule Joy Trammell & Rubio
  • Thomas Congrete of Georgia

Chamber Overview

Use the following information to help with talking points as you speak with prospects and renewals.

Where Ambition Belongs

Becoming a member of the Chamber means that you’ll gain access to a host of empowering resources including talent development programs and substantial member savings partnerships, all while forging relationships with economic and community impacts. You’ll also enjoy invitations to our calendar of engaging events, from inspiring roundtable discussions to easy-going social functions.

But most importantly, membership means joining the ranks of Cobb County’s foremost movers, shakers and innovators. Being a Chamber member means that you’ll never have to go it alone. Here, you’ll be given a seat at the table, an opportunity to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, gain valuable prospects and opportunities, and benefit from the perspectives of people with relevant, local experience.

Advocacy

We believe in creating jobs, promoting business, strengthening Cobb, and you. Through our advocacy efforts, we ensure that our county is a healthy place to do business. Activities at the local, state and federal government affect your business. Our government affairs committee and chamber team work on your behalf regarding issues such as economic development, transportation and infrastructure, taxes, regulations, education, health care and much more.

The Chamber advocacy efforts extend beyond the Georgia legislative session. Throughout the year, the Chamber hosts various events, trips and leads efforts regarding important local government topics and economic development assets.

 

Member Benefits

Members enjoy access to a wide array of inspiring events, supportive benefits, and thoughtful resources. Whether it’s attending a signature event, applying for an award program, marketing your business through sponsorship opportunities, or gaining professional development, our extensive list of member benefits helps companies make valuable connections with other professionals and local businesses.

 

In addition, our programs and events offer a diverse set of experiences from discussion in intimate groups to keynote addresses at large-scale events and after-hours networking to classroom-setting seminars. We also help companies save thousands through exclusive cost-savings programs on things like insurance and office supplies. Many companies find these savings alone pay for their membership.

Select Cobb

Devoted to fostering strong economic development in Cobb County, SelectCobb is the Chamber’s strategy that works to attract, recruit and retain high-quality jobs. SelectCobb helps drive opportunity home and keep Georgia the number . It is the mission of the Cobb Economic Development team to strengthen our local economy and drive the creation of jobs and investment.

The teamwork in Cobb provides prospects a full service offering to a variety of location possibilities. Each entity works together and plays a crucial role in not only the recruitment, but also the retention and expansion of Cobb businesses. The Cobb Chamber serves as the single point of contact for economic development initiatives for both new and existing businesses. SelectCobb efforts have an enormous positive ripple impact on the Cobb business community. Just last year, our SelectCobb team brought in more than 2,300 new high-quality jobs and over $523 Million in new investment for both new business recruitment and existing industry expansions. This brings our total since SelectCobb started 11 years ago to over 45,000 high quality jobs and nearly $6.2 billion in new investment throughout Cobb.

These results are because of strong partnerships with our economic development partners at the state, Cobb County Government, our cities, utility partners, development authority, CIDs, WorkSource Cobb, Cobb Travel and Tourism, our school systems, universities and SelectCobb investors.

Important Campaign Events

Engage

Why should You Come?

  • Refresh your knowledge of all of the programs and services the Chamber offers to be able to relay to prospects.
  • Invite your eligible renewals to revisit why they joined (especially if they have not attended one or there is a new decision maker).
  • Network with the other members who attend.
  • Enjoy a complimentary lunch!

Campaign University

Why should You Come?

  • Learn how campaign works.
  • Listen to best practices and testimonials from seasoned volunteers.
  • Learn about the Chamber’s onboarding and retention plan for members.
  • Hear about the changes for this year’s campaign.

Meet the Chamber Prospect Reception

Why should You Come?

  • Bring new membership prospects to hear testimonials that will highlight the value of membership.
  • Networking opportunity for prospects to meet key leaders and experience a Chamber event.
  • Hear valuable chamber insights from leadership to help solidify and close membership sales.
  • Enjoy a beverage & light hors d’oeuvres

Who Makes It Happen

Campaign Chair

  • Selects Campaign Leadership.
  • Leads Campaign check-ins and Victory Celebration.
  • Reports to the Chamber Board of Directors.
  • Sets and achieves Campaign goals.
  • Recruits corporate teams to join the Campaign.
  • Supports the Campaign Leadership Committee and all Campaign volunteers.
  • Works with Chamber staff to conduct trainings.

​Division Chairs

  • Assist Executives and Captains in setting their Campaign goal.
  • Recruit corporate teams to join the Campaign.
  • Work with your company’s team and other teams in their Division to achieve team goal.
  • Work with Campaign teams to achieve team goals.
  • Manage team production by:
    • Working with assigned team leaders on a regular basis.
    • Actively encouraging executive involvement.
    • Attending leadership and team meetings (when needed).
    • Participating in Campaign Kick-off, campaign check ins and Victory Celebration.

Team Executives

  • Sets team goal with Division Chair and Team Captain.
  • Recruits a Team Captain who will be given full responsibility for meeting the team goal.
  • Gives Team Captain support and encouragement.
  • Communicates support to each team member and encourages them to do their very best.
  • Supports Team Captain and team members by providing internal incentives where appropriate.
  • Participates in Campaign Kick-off, Campaign check-ins and Victory Celebration with your team.

Team Captains

  • Understand how campaign works.
  • Listen to best practices and testimonials from seasoned volunteers.
  • Learn about the Chamber’s onboarding and retention plan for members.
  • Support team members in sales efforts to ensure team meets goal commitment.
  • Encourage team members to attend campaign events.

Team Members

  • Understand how campaign works (Attend Campaign University!)
  • Listen to best practices and testimonials.
  • Learn about the Chamber’s onboarding and retention plan for members.
  • Work to recruit membership and advertising to reach team goal.

Chamber Staff

  • Supports all volunteers in sales efforts through training, materials and events.
  • Always available to answer all volunteer questions.
  • Meets our chamber team goal.
  • Recruits prizes to reward volunteers for their efforts.

Team Goals and Prizes

Team dollar and new member goals are pre-determined by Campaign Leadership in conjunction with the Team Captain and Team Executive. Everyone who produces will earn a prize based on production. Minimum team goal is $12,000.

All Team Captains who meet their team goal of $30,000 or more by the final turn-in may earn “The Big Trip” in July. Teams may have one team captain for every $30,000 of their goal.

  • One team captain qualifies for each $30,000 in production.
  • For teams with only one person acting as Team Captain, Team Executive and sole producer, if $16,500 in production is reached, they are eligible to go on the Big Trip as their only prize.
  • If the team captain cannot go on the trip they cannot transfer their spot to someone else.

Note: There are no adjustments to goals or team captains after February 12, 2024

July 2024

The Big Trip

Join Campaign Leadership and other community volunteers on a four night trip to a to-be-determined tropical location. This a wonderful opportunity to hang out with old and new friends alike – and there is plenty of time to do your own thing, too. The trip includes round-trip airfare, transfers, accommodations, taxes and fees for two.

Earn your spot by selling $16,500 in new members, eligible renewals (2022 & 2023), ads and ad renewals by June 18, 2024. If you cannot go on the scheduled dates, you must choose another prize.

Earn your trip spot automatically by meeting your team goal of $30,000 or more by the final turn-in. You will not choose the Big Trip as your prize for individual production, but you are eligible to choose another prize. If you cannot go on the scheduled dates, you must forfeit the trip. If a team has more than one team captain, one team captain qualifies for each $30,000 in production.

$16,500+ in production earns individuals not only the big trip, but also a “Campaign Achievement Award,” which will be given at Annual Dinner. $25,000+ in production means you can choose a prize off the board in addition to the Big Trip.

The top producer of the overall campaign will receive an upgraded Big Trip room!

For teams with only one person acting as Team Captain, Team Executive and sole producer, if $16,500 in production is reached, they are eligible to go on the Big Trip as their only prize.

For teams with only one person acting as Team Captain, Team Executive and sole producer, if $16,500 in production is reached, they are eligible to go on the Big Trip as their only prize.

At the Victory Celebration, volunteers receive individual prizes for production. These prizes range from trips and tickets for sporting events to electronics and gift certificates to various restaurants and stores.

You can still win your spot on the Big Trip without producing $16,500!
  • Big Trip Individual Drawing – Anyone who sells at least three new members will have their name put in the Big Trip drawing, which will be awarded at the Victory Party. Each new member after three will allow your name to go in the drawing an additional time. Your name may go in the drawing as many times as you earn.
  • Big Trip Team Drawing – Teams with a goal of at least $12,000, but less than $30,000 who meet their goal are also placed in a separate drawing. It is up to the winning team to determine the individual member that gets to go on the trip.

Note: Due to IRS regulations, all Big Trip attendees must receive a 1099 Form.

New Membership Sales

The Cobb Chamber offers three membership levels for for-profit businesses, as well as separate rates for non-profits and sole proprietors.

Breakdown of membership level benefits and other supporting resources available at Member Resources.

  • Make sure new members fill out the application completely.
  • Obtain a check payable to the Cobb Chamber or credit card information. We accept VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. If necessary, have the new member mail the check and application directly to the Chamber or complete the online application.
  • Help member determine the proper category where the business should be listed – refer to category listings on cobbchamber.org. Remember, Premier and Chairman’s Circle members receive multiple category listings.
  • Be sure to put YOUR name and company on the “Who helped you join?” line.
  • If a member is joining online, be sure and ask them to indicate your name.
  • Chamber staff works to get your member involved. The member is provided with a 30/60/90 day action plan as a guide.
  • A letter of welcome from the President and CEO, Sharon Mason, is sent to express our appreciation along with their membership decal, member ID and password, and cost savings information.
  • A welcome email is sent with the Member ID and password for the Members Only website section.
  • Each new member is invited to the next ENGAGE: a private event for new members. At this event, they will meet other members, hear more about their benefits and ways to get involved.
  • The new member is placed on the chamber email distribution list.
  • The new member will be added to the Membership Directory on our website, cobbchamber.org.
  • A Chamber Ambassador will call the new member to help them take advantage of benefits.
  • Please notify the Chamber campaign staff if working on a prospect for membership or advertising. Notes are kept in a database and if another volunteer inquires about the company, they will be told another volunteer is already speaking with them.
  • As not all volunteers share information with the Chamber, Chamber staff cannot always protect the prospect from being pursued by multiple volunteers. We respectfully ask that if a volunteer knows someone else is already speaking to the prospect, that prospect does not get pursued by multiple volunteers.
  • If a volunteer walks in the check, or the membership application comes in with a volunteer’s name on it, they are the ones who will receive the credit.

NOTE: If 60+ days go by and you have not spoken to the prospect again, we cannot prevent someone from contacting them.
Please continue to update Chamber staff on progress.

  • Any business or professional firm is eligible for membership; the Cobb Chamber has members throughout Cobb and other counties.
  • Think about clients, vendors, neighbors, etc. who may benefit from membership.
  • There are more than 46,000 businesses in Cobb County – the Chamber only has 2,600+ members.
  • Before beginning, check to see if your prospect is already a Chamber member by using the cobbchamber.org Business Directory, or by calling the Member Development Department at 770-980-2000.
  • When you first start talking to a prospect, please ask if they have already spoken to someone about membership. Conflicts will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
  • Former Chamber members must have been dropped for at least six months to be sold as new members again.
  • The Cobb Chamber has sales representatives on staff. When you are signing up a new member, YOU make the sale. Please don’t ask the prospect to call the Chamber main number to get the sales pitch. If you need assistance from Chamber Campaign staff for specific questions, reference our directory on page two.

Credit Guidelines

New Members

  • No promised memberships will be credited, only payment in hand.
  • All membership sales count year-round toward Campaign production. Any membership sold by June 18, 2024, will count toward your team’s 2024 production.

Any membership sold after June 18 will be credited toward 2025 production.

Note: Only full payment of Signature memberships will count. Quarterly or semi-annual Signature membership payments are not permitted.


All changes to team member credit awarded by the Team Captain to team members MUST be made in writing by 2 p.m. on June 14, 2024. No exceptions.

Renewals

  • Only 2022 and 2023 renewals are eligible. Advertising renewals do not expire.
  • If an individual leaves their team, ownership of their renewals remains with the team.
  • If a company forms a new team, then all eligible renewals purchased by this specific company will go with the company’s new team (If the team is formed prior to the February kick-off).
  • No discounting of dues is accepted. If amount turned in is lower than the invoiced base renewal amount, you will not receive credit.
  • Invoices are mailed one month prior to anniversary date. All membership renewals due April, May, June and July will be mailed an invoice in early March. All ad renewals will be mailed an invoice in March.

Print Ad Sales & Web Partnerships

Print Ads
The Cobb Chamber has two print ad sales opportunities.

The Business Guide is a full color publication used for recruitment of business and general economic development prospects. Each year, 7,000 copies are distributed.

The Insight Visitors Guide is a full color publication provided to newcomers to Cobb via the Chamber, real estate professionals and schools. Each year, 5,000 copies are distributed.

Note: Copies are also posted on the Cobb Chamber’s website, which has 41,000+ views monthly.

  • Ads may be sold to Cobb Chamber members only! Please check cobbchamber.org or with the Membership Department if you are unsure of a company’s membership status.
  • A fully-filled and signed contract and full payment are required to receive credit for ads.
  • If the ad is under a different name from the purchaser, please note on the contract. For example: Cousins Properties might purchase an ad for The Avenue East Cobb.
  • Please check with the Chamber campaign staff about availability before selling ads.
  • The Chamber can now create artwork for an additional fee. You must inform the ad purchaser of the following:Artwork is due on or before the August deadline for the Business Guide and Insight Guide.
  • If artwork is not of suitable quality, a fee may be charged to improve it enough for use.
  • Publisher will only accept artwork in camera-ready, digital formats. See ad contract sheet for more details.
  • Website Sponsorships have a separate contract! Please make sure you use the correct one.
  • Sponsorships are available in multiple locations on the Chamber website. See contract for location choices.
  • Payment is due in full with the signed contract.
  • Website sponsorships are valid for one year.
  • Please check with the Chamber campaign staff about availability before selling ads.

Overcoming Objections

  • Not only does the Chamber have many valuable resources to help your business grow, they also continuously work to attract and retain businesses in Cobb. This is a great way for the Chamber to bring in more jobs and strengthen our economy, especially during this time of recovery.
  • You can’t afford not to join. You need to market your business to increase your sales and the Chamber is one of the most affordable ways to do that.
  • Utilizing the Chamber’s Member Advantage Programs can essentially pay for your membership. Many companies find that the discounts they receive on office supplies and insurance often pays for their membership investment.

  • Briefly summarize benefits over the phone.
  • Offer 15 minutes of your time to bring them some available materials and discuss the information.
  • Can we briefly discuss all of the benefits so you can make a more informed decision?”

  • Would you like to join us at our upcoming Meet the Chamber Breakfast and see if anything resonates with you?
  • Did you know once you join your whole company is a member? The chamber offers ways for individuals at every level of your organization to get involved and build valuable relationships.
  • The Chamber works to strengthen this market, and the stronger the market is, the better your branch.
  • Although your head office may be located elsewhere, your branch is affected by local regulations and taxes, you draw your workforce from the local population, and you share interests with locally-owned businesses.
  • Taking advantage of networking and marketing opportunities will only increase your branch’s sales.
  • Many benefits require no investment of time. Some examples include economic development, pro-business advocacy efforts working on your behalf, marketing benefits, cost saving programs, and having a listing on our online business directory for members.”
  • Spend a few minutes a month reviewing the newsletter, and get involved when you have the time.
  • We have gatherings at all times of the day and evening. If one of these opportunities could help your business, could you find the time?
  • Once your company joins, everyone at your organization becomes a member and can participate. If you don’t have the time, could you engage someone else on your team?
  • The Chamber is a dynamic organization. It constantly changes to respond to the needs of the business community. Although our mission remains the same, our programs are different from just a few years ago.
  • Imagine if there was not an organization to advocate for businesses to elected officials, or actively recruiting new companies to move into this market?
  • Ask questions about their involvement; i.e. “What were your goals when you joined the Chamber in the past?,” “Did you get involved at all?,” “Did you attend any events?,” and most importantly, “Did you or your staff members attend functions which present good opportunities for your business?”
  • The Cobb Chamber is one of the largest county-based chamber in the state.
  • The Cobb Chamber is one of the key economic development agencies for Cobb County.
  • The Cobb Chamber lobbies at the county, state and national levels, which benefits your business.
  • Do you pay taxes here? Do you live here? Do you use the schools and public services? Do you hire employees who were educated in Cobb County, Marietta City Schools, or one of our colleges?”
  • If the answer to any one of these questions is “yes,” then you are a part of this community, and you have a stake in our quality of life, for yourself and your employees.
  • In fact, more than 80 percent of our members have less than 50 employees.
  • Many of our programs focus specifically on small business.
  • Each year the Chamber names the Top 30 Small Businesses of Cobb County and the Small Business of the Year.
  • That’s exactly why you need the Chamber – to “get the word out” about your business and make new contacts.
  • We offer great exposure with our new business ribbon cuttings.
  • If you are a first-time business owner, the Chamber can help you develop the new skills you’ll need to run your own business. You can also get advice from other business owners through one of our targeted programs.