If you’ve ever wondered what being a member of a Chamber of Commerce actually means, you’re not alone. Whether you're a startup launching your dream in downtown Christiansburg or a seasoned business expanding near Virginia Tech’s campus, understanding the value of Chamber membership is an essential step in growing your impact.

At the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce (https://www.montgomerycc.org), we hear this question all the time—because the term “Chamber of Commerce” sounds a little old-school at first. But in reality? Chamber membership is one of the smartest, most future-focused investments a business can make.

Let’s unpack what membership really means—and why it might just be your secret weapon for long-term success.

You’re Not Alone Anymore

One of the biggest advantages of joining a Chamber is that it immediately connects you to a community. In Montgomery County, that community includes more than 700 members—businesses, nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and institutions—spanning Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Riner, Shawsville, Radford, the greater New River Valley, and beyond.

You’re not just paying dues. You’re building a network that shows up for you, refers your business, collaborates on new ideas, and rallies during hard times.

You Gain a Local Partner Who’s Rooting for You

At the Montgomery County Chamber, we’re not just offering a seat at the table—we’re pulling out the chair, giving you the mic, and helping make sure your voice is heard across the county and beyond.

As a member, your business benefits from:

• Advocacy at the local and state level

• Access to programming that helps your business grow

• Connections with institutions like Virginia Tech, Radford University, and New River Community College, all of which contribute to a skilled and engaged local workforce

• Inclusion in the Chamber directory, which is heavily visited and SEO optimized for Montgomery County business searches

When people Google “event venues in Christiansburg” or “accountants near Virginia Tech,” we want them to find you.

You Get Support That Grows With You

The needs of a new small business look very different than the needs of a decades-old employer—and we get that. That’s why we’ve created flexible, scalable support structures for members.

Whether you're:

• An entrepreneur needing to build brand awareness,

• A mid-size company looking for workforce development resources, or

• A nonprofit hoping to reach new audiences,

...our Chamber team is here to connect you with the right tools, events, and people. We don’t offer one-size-fits-all support. We offer the right-size-for-you support.

Events Aren’t Just Social—They’re Strategic

Chamber events aren’t just about small talk and business cards anymore. They’re about intentional networking, skill-building, and collaborative growth.

Our events include:

• Business After Hours

• Small Business Workshops

• Industry-focused Lunch & Learns

• Annual meetings and regional conferences

• Community-wide celebrations and fundraisers

You don’t need to attend everything. But when you show up, your business gets seen—and remembered.

Check out what’s coming up on our calendar:
Explore the Montgomery County Chamber Events
https://business.montgomerycc.org/events/calendar

Your Business Gets Seen

Members of the Montgomery County Chamber benefit from a variety of visibility opportunities, including:

• Spotlights in our newsletters and social media

• Referrals through our directory and inquiries

• Participation in community campaigns like GiveLocalNRV, Leadership NRV, and Women’s Leadership Conference

• Hosting or co-hosting events to showcase your location and services

Visibility is more than advertising. It’s about recognition, trust, and staying top-of-mind when someone’s ready to buy, donate, or refer.

It’s a Credibility Boost

Let’s be honest—perception matters. Chamber membership signals to the community that you’re serious about your work. You’ve chosen to be part of something bigger than yourself, and that builds confidence with customers, partners, and even potential employees.

In the age of Google reviews and Facebook rants, credibility and positive association with a trusted organization like the Chamber can go a long way.

You’re Investing in the Region’s Future

Being a member doesn’t just benefit your business—it benefits the community. Through our Chamber Foundation's programs, scholarships, and leadership initiatives, your dues help shape a stronger local economy.

Your membership helps support:

• Scholarships for both high school students and working professionals

• Teacher recognition through our Teacher of the Year fund

• Workforce readiness partnerships with New River Community College, Virginia Tech, and Radford University

• Economic development initiatives that bring growth to our region

When we invest in one another, we all rise.

Okay, But What’s the Catch?

No catch. Just commitment. When you join, you get what you put in.

Some members attend every event. Others join committees, mentor new entrepreneurs, or use the Chamber as a marketing partner. Still others quietly benefit from being listed in our directory and receiving warm referrals from our staff and partners.

There’s no wrong way to engage. But the more you participate, the more you gain.

So… How Do You Join?

Easy. You can fill out a membership application online or connect with our team to talk about what level of involvement makes sense for your goals. We offer different tiers and benefits depending on your size, type of organization, and focus.

Ready to learn more?
Email us at marketing@montgomerycc.org or visit our website at www.montgomerycc.org