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Business
Referral Line
352 726-2801

 
YOUR CHAMBER
Questions & Answers

What is the Chamber of Commerce?

The Citrus County Chamber of Commerce is a volunteer-driven organization that serves as Citrus County's leading business advocate. The chamber is people and businesses, all of whom realize they can be better heard collectively, rather than individually. The chamber is not a civic club, charitable organization or department of government.



What does membership in the chamber do for me?

A strong member base is essential for the chamber to accomplish its mission to promote, improve and enhance the region. The chamber will promote your business, introduce you to prospective clients and provide netowrking and educational opportunities. Your investment also guarantees a strong local economy to keep our business community strong. Even if you don't have time to get personally involved, you will still reap benefits from your membership through the contribution you make to your community.



How many members does the Citrus County Area Chamber of Commerce have?

We currently have more than 1,015 members. The exact number fluctuates, according to new members added and to members who drop their membership.



Doesn't the chamber primarily serve the needs of big businesses?

No. As a matter of fact, more than 90 percent of our members are small businesses, with five or fewer employees. The chamber is designed to be of benefit to any size business, and offers varied opportunities to accomodate different needs.


How much does it cost to be a member of the chamber?

Membership pricing is based on the number of full-time employees (Two part-times = 1 full-time). There are a few exceptions.
Click here for a dues-rate schedule, or call one of our offices: Inverness (at (352) 726-2801); Crystal River (at (352) 795-3149); or Homosassa (at (352) 628-2666) for more information.


I would like to volunteer to serve on a committee or task force. What do I do?

We have lots of choices for you! Check out the opportunties available for you with our
Task Force. This page will direct you to the appropriate contact information.

 




I would like to let my customers and vendors know I am a member of the chamber. Can I use the chamber's logo on my letterhead and business cards?

Absoloutely!
You can download a Chamber logo, and you may incorporate the phrase, "member of" or "proud member of" along with the logo. You may NOT use the phrase "in association with" or "sponsored by" or any other wording that implies anything other than membership




It seems like the chamber is always trying to raise funds, and is always asking for donations. Wht happens to all the money?

The chamber is a not-for-profit organization, and relies on membership dues, grants, donations and different forms of non-dues income. These public/private monies are necessary to represent the business community to the best of our ability.



How can I find out more about Chamber events and meetings?

Visit the
chamber calendar for the latest information about programs, events and meetings.



How can I schedule a ribbon cutting for my business?

Call your chamber office at (352) 795-3149.



Does the chamber only refer business to members?

Yes.



How could I become a chamber Ambassador?

We love our
Ambassadors! For more information about the Ambassador program, call Suzanne at (352) 726-2801. You can also visit our relocation section of this Web site.


Questions about Community and Governmental Affairs

Why is the chamber so involved in legislative issues?

As the leading organization representing the business community, it is vitally important to represent the needs of the business community. One of the ways the chamber accomplishes this is through the annual
legislative agenda. One of the main questons we ask ourselves as we prepare the legislative agenda is, "Is it good for business?"



How does the chamber decide what issues to support?

The chamber receives input and guidance through a variety of resources, includig staff, members of the chamber, committees, community members and the chamber's board of directors.



What does the chamber do to improve the quality of life in our area?

The chamber has a number of
committees that monitor and advocate for quality-of-life issues, as demonstrated through the chamber's mission statement. The committees review, monitor and discuss issues of importance to our way of life. For example, transportation is critical to both economic development and quality of life. When it comes to environment, it is important for the chamber to monitor and assess air and water quality (such as stormwater, wetlands, etc.). The chamber provides input to governmental leaders about critical decisions that affect the quality of life.



Is the Citrus County area equipped with adequate health care facilities?

One of the greatest strengths of the Citrus County area are the
medical faclities. We have the highest rates of hospital beds and doctors. The capacity of an area to treat medical and health issues is considered bo be a very important factor for overall livability. Fortunately, Citrus County has some of the best facilities along the Nature Coast of Florida.



Does the Citrus County area have a good school system? What about higher-education opportunities?

The Citrus County area has excellent schools in the
Citrus County School District. It has excellent programs, combining rigorous academics with cutting-edge technology. Higher-education opportunities are available at Central Florida Community College's Lecanto campus and Withlacoochee Technical Institute. Depending upon the needs of students, individuals have available a wide variety of opportunities to further their education needs.