What is the Chamber of Commerce?
What does the Chamber do for you?
Membership Benefits!
               Organization and Elected Officials              

The Ayden Chamber of Commerce currently has over 80 members who are represented by a 17 head strong Board that manages the Chamber’s business. A “one-woman” professional staff works closely with the Board of Directors and Committees to ensure the Chamber’s success in carrying out their Program of Work.

Economic Development
In 2005 the Economic Development Committee will encourage entrepreneurial activity through our newly established A.Y.D.E.N. program, especially workshops in cooperation with Pitt Community College will be offered again.  A mentor program for entrepreneurs will be started through both channels, face to face mentoring as well as online through our member only message board. Information on location and economy in Ayden will be provided on our new web-page. 
Public Parking issues, as well as additional infrastructure problems like insufficient signage will also be addressed in 2005.
In order to support residential growth the Chamber will provide an ‘incubator-like’ office space to a realtor who is willing to promote Ayden.

Special Events
In 2005 the Special Events Committee will sponsor the annual Roy Petty Memorial Golf Tournament, support the Ayden Sundown program offering sidewalk sales and free entertainment, and host the annual Christmas Parade and Market.  Furthermore, the Ayden Chamber will co-sponsor cultural events with the Town’s Art and Recreation Department.  In addition to those well-established events, the Chamber will develop new ideas for special occasions for Aydenites to come and enjoy their Town, as well as visitors to explore Ayden as an event and travel destination. 

Membership & Organization
In 2005 the Membership & Organization committee will work on improving mutual relationships between members and the Chamber Board.  To accomplish this goal the Ayden Chamber's Membership Chair will personally build relationships with each member business. To better communicate Chamber events and news, we will improve our newsletter by having it printed professionally.  Furthermore, we will post the news on the Chamber Web-Page and keep old newsletter issues on file for members to view.
Providing fellowship opportunities is one of the key-task of Chambers; The Ayden Chamber will start hosting Chamber Chats, a quarterly event offering food, fun, and fellowship for Chamber members. A new networking opportunity will be offered through our members' only online message board.  Additional membership benefits through our web-page will be added in 2005, like banner advertising and an online member directory.  An annual membership drive will be held to recruit new members.

Marketing
The marketing Chair serves as marketing and communication specialist to the Chamber’s committees. Additionally, a marketing committee will be formed to develop a marketing plan for the Town of Ayden.  The first Ayden Magazine will feature a Chamber Member Directory with a circulation of 5,000 copies.  The Ayden Chamber web site will be promoted, offering advertising opportunities to Chamber Members. 

School & Education
Schools are of special importance in each community. The Ayden Chamber acknowledges teacher's work by sponsoring a luncheon/reception for the Educators Appreciation Week. The Chamber will also continue to support the D.A.R.E. program by sponsoring breakfast for the graduation celebration. In order to promote Ayden as a Town with excellent schools, the Ayden Chamber is partner in the OASIS program. Last but not least, the Ayden Chamber will support Ayden’s High school apprentice program by encouraging businesses to provide jobs for apprentices.

Civic Liaison
A very good communication between the Chamber and the Town will be continued in 2005.  To support this, members of the Civic Liaison Committee will inform the Chamber 's Board of Directors of both, the state of the Town and of the County. 
Additionally, they will serve as representation on behalf of the Town and the County at special events and presentations.   In response to this, this committee will report to the Town Council and County Commissioners any comments and/or concerns that Chamber members may have.
They will also report to the Chamber Board what the state of other civic organizations are as well as any projects that are happening around town.  

• Networking through business activities like Business After Hours allow you to establish new contacts or refresh and tighten old ones.
• Exposure through a free listing in the Ayden Chamber Directory. You can also feel free to display information in the Ayden Chamber’s office or ask about online-advertising with the Chamber.
• Access to information, for example through the bi-monthly newsletter.
• Promoting Ayden’ s businesses as a group rather than individually also has a higher impact and is less expensive.