Let’s get right to it—because if you’re here, you’re asking yourself the question every business owner has asked at some point:

Is it really worth joining the Chamber?

We get it. You’re running a business. Your time is tight. Your budget is tighter. And you want to make sure every investment actually moves the needle.

So let’s talk about what membership in the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce means in real, practical terms—and why hundreds of businesses across Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Radford, and the New River Valley continue to say, “Yes, it is.”

1. You Get Out What You Put In (But You Don't Have to Do It All)

The most common misconception about joining a Chamber is that it’s only worth it if you attend every event or volunteer for every committee.

Not true.

We structure membership to meet you where you are. Some members:

• Attend monthly events and build strong referral pipelines

• Use the Chamber as a marketing partner

• Leverage our advocacy on zoning, taxes, or business policies

• Find new talent through our educational partnerships

• Connect with other professionals for support and collaboration

Others stay mostly behind the scenes—benefiting from directory exposure, staff referrals, and credibility alone.

There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for “using” your membership. But if you show up in the way that fits your goals, the value adds up fast.

2. Visibility That Makes a Difference

Think of how many businesses operate in Montgomery County. Now think of how many stand out.

Chamber members are part of a trusted network that we highlight regularly through:

• Our online member directory

• Social media features

• Spotlights in our newsletter

• Referrals to local residents and partners

• Opportunities to host events and raise their profile

Whether you’re a new café in downtown Blacksburg, a nonprofit in Radford, or a service provider working out of your home office, visibility matters—and the Chamber helps amplify your voice.

3. You're Backed by a Team Who Advocates for You

We advocate for small business every single day—on the local and state level.

You may not have time to attend town council meetings or track legislation in Richmond. But we do. And we speak up for the issues that affect:

• Taxes

• Infrastructure

• Childcare access

• Workforce development

• Internet and transportation needs

This means that even when you’re focused on your bottom line, your Chamber is working behind the scenes to protect and promote your interests.

4. You’re Part of a Community That Cares

Yes, the Chamber is about business. But it’s also about belonging.

Our members support one another in good times and in tough ones. We celebrate your milestones, attend your ribbon cuttings, and recommend you when someone asks, “Do you know anyone who…?”

And when challenges arise—like during the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, or economic slowdowns—the Chamber becomes a hub for timely updates, resource sharing, and community response.

Being part of the Chamber means being part of something bigger.

5. Opportunities You Can’t Get Anywhere Else

Let’s be clear: membership isn’t just warm fuzzies. There’s tangible value.

Members of the Montgomery County Chamber gain access to:

• Exclusive business resources

• Sponsorship opportunities

• Event participation

• Connections with elected officials and economic leaders

• Workshops and trainings

• Leadership programs like Leadership New River Valley

• Partnerships with Virginia Tech, Radford University, and New River Community College

Where else can you find all of that in one place—local, relevant, and tailored to your growth?

6. It’s Not Just for Big Businesses

We hear this all the time:
“I’m too small for the Chamber.”
Or: “I can’t afford to join just yet.”

Here’s what we say in return:

• Some of our most active members are solo entrepreneurs, freelancers, and new startups.

• We offer tiered membership options designed to fit all kinds of budgets.

• The connections you build early on through the Chamber can make all the difference down the road.

• You don’t have to be big to benefit. You just have to be willing to engage.

And if you’re a nonprofit? We have a special membership tier tailored just for you.

7. The ROI Isn’t Always Immediate—but It’s Real

Let’s be honest: Chamber membership isn’t a vending machine. You don’t drop in your dues and instantly get a new client or five-star review.

But over time, the return shows up in ways that matter:

• A local business refers you to a big opportunity.

• Your name comes up in a conversation with town staff.

• A Chamber-led training helps you avoid a costly mistake.

• You gain access to a partnership that accelerates your growth.

The Chamber builds long-term value—not just quick wins.

8. Still Not Sure? Try Showing Up First

You don’t have to sign the dotted line right away.

If you’re still unsure whether joining is “worth it,” here’s what we suggest:

• Attend a Chamber event (many are open to the public)

• Talk with a current member about their experience

• Schedule a quick conversation with our team to discuss your business goals

• Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop

Once you see the community in action, we think you’ll understand the value.

Explore our calendar at:
https://business.montgomerycc.org/events/calendar

Ready to Join?

If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably already thinking about how the Chamber could support you.

We’d love to talk about the ways we can make membership work for you.

• Visit: www.montgomerycc.org

• Email: marketing@montgomerycc.org

• Come to an event: https://business.montgomerycc.org/events/calendar