What comes to mind when you think of the Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce (WACC)?

You might think of our signature events, such as the Music & Arts Festival or perhaps our summer Golf Tournament. Or maybe it’s putting your networking skills to the test at a Business After Hours Happy Hour. Attending events is fantastic, but the full benefits of Chamber membership go well beyond these gatherings.

The business landscape is evolving quickly, and smart spending matters more than ever. The bright side? Chamber membership is designed to lighten that load, giving tools and support that make a lasting difference when you put them to work.

Whether you're brand-new to the Chamber or have been a member for years, you might be surprised by just how many benefits are quietly working in the background to support your business.

Here are three powerful membership benefits that many people don’t realize are included in all WACC memberships and can give your business a boost.

Online Profile Page: With a WACC membership, you get free online real estate for your business. Being a Chamber member doesn’t just plug you into the local business community; it also improves your online visibility.

When your business is listed in the Chamber’s online directory, you gain a strong, trustworthy backlink from a highly reputable site. This tells Google and other search engines, “Yes, this business is legit,” helping you show up more prominently in local searches.

A 2024 Harris Poll survey, conducted on behalf of ACCE, found that 81% of U.S. adults agree that their local chamber of commerce is a trusted resource and partner for businesses. In a world where people have no idea who or what to trust online, that is BIG.

Plus, since online Chamber directories often rank well on their own, giving your business another opportunity to be discovered even if someone hasn’t visited your website yet. It’s a simple perk that quietly increases your visibility while you focus on running your business. We know you have so much to offer, and we want others to see that too.

Public Chamber Calendar: Did you know the Chamber offers a public-facing community calendar where you can post your company’s events, workshops, and even special promotions? It’s an easy, free way to get your name in front of more people and highlight the great things your business is doing.

Every time you add an event, you’re also creating more online visibility for your brand. Chamber event pages often show up in search results, meaning your business can appear in places your own website might not reach yet. These listings can send more traffic your way, build credibility, and signal to search engines that your business is active and relevant in the community. It’s a small step with a surprisingly big payoff and is available to all Chamber members.

Regular Lunch & Learns – Interested in ways you can learn & grow professionally without breaking the bank? Grab your favorite lunch and join us ten times a year as we bring in experts to share practical insights on the topics that matter most to your business. Whether you’re exploring how to use AI or hoping to level up your networking skills, there’s a session for everyone, and it's included in your membership.

Sometimes the greatest value comes from the people you meet and the conversations you didn’t expect to have. Every event you attend is also another opportunity to make shared connections with fellow Chamber members and non-members who attend separately.

If you’re ready to get more out of your membership, OR if you’re not even sure where to start, we’re here to walk alongside you. Click here to connect with our team, and we’ll help you uncover the benefits, opportunities, and connections waiting for you with the Westerville Area Chamber. Your Chamber membership can do more than you think. Let’s make it work for you.