Join the Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce and watch your business grow
By Patricia Nugent
It’s often said that success in business is more about who you know than what you know.
By joining the Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce, you get an edge with both the “who” and the “what.”
“Our vibrant and active group enjoys a bevy of networking opportunities, workshops and training for professional development, economic development resources and discounts on things like worker’s comp, shipping, healthcare and benefits,” says Chamber CEO Karen Tercek.
There are currently about 550 members in the association, and they are always adding more. About three-fourths of the group is made up of small businesses with less than 10 employees, and one-quarter is larger companies like Lubrizol.
Practicing Your Elevator Pitch
“We provide an outlet for businesses to grow their business in the community and thrive,” she says. “Through our monthly coffees, workshops and after-hours events, people get a chance to share their ‘elevator pitch’ and promote themselves to other like-minded business owners.”
To kick off the year, they host an annual awards luncheon and in the spring, collaborate with other organizations to host a Lake County-wide business expo and job fair.
“Our members tap into us as a resource, too,” she says. “When Covid hit, we stayed out in front of it, making sure our members had access to all the latest guidelines. We helped them through the process of PPP loans. And now that the labor shortage and supply chain crisis are causing issues for many business owners, we’re hosting job fairs and providing helpful strategies so they can grow their business in the current climate.”
One of the biggest community-wide events the Chamber sponsors each summer is the Willoughby Arts Fest, set for Saturday, July 16, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Willoughby.
“The day brings more than 10,000 people to downtown to enjoy our charming shops and restaurants, fine artists in a juried show, plus musical performers and food trucks,” says Marketing Manager Dana Wolfe.
New businesses that are Chamber members get the VIP treatment for their opening ceremonies. They even receive a big bow for the perfect ribbon-cutting and a visit from city officials, all coordinated by the Chamber.
And to foster growth and development for the younger community, Dana says each year they also sponsor a scholarship to a local high school senior to attend college or school for certification for jobs that are in demand in Lake County.
What Current Members are Saying
Bill Snow, owner of Rad Air Complete Car Care Center in Wickliffe, joined the Chamber before he opened his business to get a head start.
“Although the Chamber offers many money-saving programs, I find the networking and relationship-building to be the most valuable aspect of being a member. If you are looking to grow your business and be involved in the community, the Chamber is the right place to be.”
And Kathy Longo, director of sales for Emerald Glen Title Agency, says that over the years she has made many business contacts that have turned into business for her company.
“I decided to join a few committees and be a board member and saw what a difference it made,” she says. “Get involved—and watch your business grow!”
The Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce serves Eastlake, Kirtland, Wickliffe, Willoughby, Willoughby Hills, Willowick and the villages of Lakeline and Timberlake. It’s headquartered at 28 Public Square in Willoughby. Call 440-942-1632 or visit WWLCChamber.com for more information.