Why the Chamber?
We know that it can be confusing to know what the Chamber does and why you should join or participate in the Chamber. Honestly, the why is different for every business and every individual, just like every Chamber of Commerce is different as they respond to the needs of their business community.
The Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce is here to make you and your business more successful. We are a membership based organization with 600+ members, so our first priority is to the member businesses and organizations that support us. We collaborate with government agencies and advocate for pro-business policies, but we are an independent entity and not a government body. We’re here to support the business community through networking, resources, and leadership on issues that impact our members through the efforts listed below.
When local businesses and organizations thrive, neighborhoods thrive, quality of place flourishes, our entire community wins… and it all starts with those invaluable connections made through the Chamber.
Keep You Informed and Sharpen Your Skills
The Chamber offers trainings, programs, and workshops to help member businesses, and their employees, improve their performance in key areas and kick their business up to the next level. We also seek to educate students and community members on topics, meetings and events that impact our community and region through the following:
- Leadercast
- Leadership Aberdeen Program
- Workforce Innovation Summit
- Webinars – Mental Wellness In the Workplace
- National Ag Day
- 4th Grade Ag Fair
- Youth Career Expo
- Self-Care Wellness Fair
- Field to Fork
- Committee Efforts – speakers and discussion around associated topics
- Ag 605
- Healthy Hometown
- PROGRESS Magazine
- Membership Directory and Resource Guide
- Weekly Email Announcements
Are Your Workforce Development Partner
Workforce recruitment and development is a key issue facing the Aberdeen community. The Chamber is dedicated to offer the following services to our members that assist them in cultivating, retaining and attracting the talent they need.
- Job Listings on social media and websites
- Partnership with HIRECLICK
- Hub City Link Program designed to get new hires connected to the community
- The Right Move Website makes getting the right information easier
- Relocation packets with community information for companies to utilize when interviewing and hiring candidates as well as those who are considering a move
- Potential candidate or new hire tours of the community
- Relocation data tracking and assistance through the Relocation Company
Serve as Your Advocate
The Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce serves as the voice of business at all levels. We take stances on important issues based on what will best serve our member businesses. The Chamber is also committed to providing opportunities for members to access elected officials, as well as candidates running for office. We engage in the public policy process to ensure our business climate remains strong and prosperous through the following efforts:
- Legislative Coffees with South Dakota Districts 1,3, and 23
- Campaign Schools for those interested in running for office
- Candidate Forums – City, County, School Board, and SD Legislature
- Pre and Post-Legislative Meetings with legislators and lobbyists
- Aberdeen Day at the Legislature
- Joint Public Policy and Lobbying Efforts with ADC
- Access to Legislative Briefings each week during legislative session
- Letters of Support for local businesses and initiatives
- State of the City Address
Help You Build Intentional Connections
Networking with the Chamber is about creating intentional connections with those in your community. Building your network is key to not only helping your business grow but in helping it thrive. When local businesses and organizations thrive, neighborhoods thrive, quality of place flourishes, our entire community wins… And it all starts with those invaluable connections made through the Chamber. We offer several networking opportunities, both structured and unstructured, to help you and your team forge the needed connections to advance your organization.
- EDGE Events for professionals ages 21-40
- New Employee Welcomes that engage your new employees with the community
- CART (Community Action Resource Team) meets each week to discuss community issues
- Golf Tournament
- Business After Hours Mixers every month connect 150+ people
- New Faculty Luncheon welcoming new teachers and school administrators
- Community Affairs Luncheons
- Collegepalooza event with NSU Students
Are the Champion for Our Members
The Chamber knows that sometimes it’s okay not to be humble, and you just need to celebrate! There is no bigger cheerleader for our members than us. We facilitate programs that recognize the successes of our businesses and citizens. We also develop programs that make our community a premier place to live and operate a business such as:
- Business Ribbon Cuttings and Ground Breakings
- Community Champions Awards Luncheon
- Top 4 Under 40 Recognition Program
- ABBY Awards for Businesses and Organizations
- Member Milestones
- Aberdeen Gift Card Program for Chamber member businesses
- Chamber Week
- Membership Directory and Resource Guide
- Non-Profit Mixer promoting area Non-Profits
- Manufacturing Month promoting our area manufacturers and their products
Promote and Market our Community
The Chamber works collaboratively with the City of Aberdeen and other community organization to promote the community. We market Aberdeen’s attributes, opportunities and resources to local residents, day trippers and those looking to relocate here. We also develop programs that help us engage with the public and drive beautification efforts. Some of our efforts include:
- Maintaining the Community Website – aberdeensd.com
- Working with the City to showcase Aberdeen with banners, holiday decorations and new utility box wraps
- Produce the PROGRESS Magazine and distribute around the community
- Produce the Membership Directory and Resource Guide as a one-stop resource for members and the community
- We help keep Aberdeen beautiful through the Residential Clean-Up with the City and County
- Promoting “Live Local” and “Shop Local” messaging
- Promoting Community Relocation
