Member Benefits
For more than 100 years, the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce has supported a thriving local economy by connecting businesses, promoting growth, and encouraging leadership. With over 700 members, we provide networking, advocacy, education, and community-building.
The Chamber works to strengthen the business climate and help businesses succeed.
A group of like-minded people
A dues-dependent organization of people who work together to promote, advocate, and advance the collective interests of its members and in the business community.
A department of the City
The Chamber is a non-profit organization (501c6). WE work closely with city, county, and state government, but are not directly funded or overseen by any of their departments. We have no political influence over city-related departments or projects.
Visibility through community involvment
For over one hundred years, the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce has been working to make Watertown and the surrounding area one of the best places to live, work, and raise a family. Our broad reach across Northeastern South Dakota unites businesses and community members.
Membership Benefits
Chamber Website
Online Business Directory Listing – Visitors to watertownsd.com can find your listing by searching by category, keyword, employee/representative names, or viewing an alphabetical listing.
Job Openings – You can post job openings that are available to other members to view and apply.
Member Promotions – Post your promotions, sales, lunch specials, etc. to our web page for the community to view.
Community Calendar – You are able to post your event (Customer Appreciation, Grand Opening, etc.), which will be listed on the Events Calendar on watertownsd.com. Events posted to this calendar are showcased in the “Upcoming Events” in the Weekly Snapshot Newsletter.
Membership Referrals
Each year we receive hundreds of inquiries about products and services offered by businesses in our community. This is our opportunity to send you business! Only Chamber members are referred. Do not miss out on this valuable opportunity to reach customers.
Sponsored Special Events
Advertising Opportunities
A special opportunity unique to members only: purchase ad space in the weekly Chamber Snapshot: each week over 1,500 newsletters are e-mailed to our members in Watertown and the surrounding communities. Showcase your business with website banner ads, to be featured on the Chamber’s home page or Business Category pages or with a customized e-blasts. The Chamber also has access to three digital billboards placed strategically throughout town at a discounted rate for members.
Networking For Your Business
Chamber After 4 Socials
An event hosted by Chamber members once a month, designed as a time to cultivate new business relationships and meet with new customers and potential clients.
Merry Mix & Mingle Membership Showcase
This showcase gives businesses who are not equipped to host Chamber After 4 Socials the opportunity to take part in a special event, creating the ideal atmosphere to present your business to the rest of our membership. This event is vendor fair style and kicks off the holiday shopping season.
Representation of the Issues
The Chamber of Commerce works diligently to stay current on issues that affect our members and the way they conduct business. The Chamber acts as a spokesperson on issues of taxation and legislation that affect our community and state.
You As A Leader In The Business Community
Volunteer Opportunities
The Chamber of Commerce consists of a number of different committees that affect every aspect of business; this is a great chance to get involved in the thriving community.
Leadership Watertown & Leadership Lab
These programs are the Chamber’s answer to the constant need of developing community leaders. These training series come with the highest of recommendation from its graduates. Leadership Watertown is a great introductory course for up and coming leaders, while Leadership Lab builds on principals of Leadership Watertown and expands them in a hands-on, skills-based setting.
Committee Involvement
With many committees to become involved in, you are sure to find one that sparks your interest, and one where your input would be valuable to grow and enhance Watertown.
Business Workshops and Training Seminars
Each year the Chamber of Commerce is proud to present a wide range of workshops and training sessions to accommodate the needs of both business owners in our community, as well as their employees.
Exclusive To Chamber Members
Chamber of Commerce Membership Signage
A proud way to identify your business as a Chamber member. It represents your company’s commitment to the future of our business community. Be sure to post your membership sticker where everyone can see it.
Watertown Bucks Gift CArds
Membership gives you the ability to opt into and accept “Watertown Bucks” in your place of business. Last year over $500,000 in Watertown Bucks were spent in the businesses of our members.
Ribbon Cutting, Groundbreaking & Grand Opening Ceremonies
The Chamber is a great resource to assist your company in its groundbreaking, ribbon cutting, and grand opening celebrations. These are an effective way to introduce your new or expanding business to the Watertown community. Ceremonies are held FREE of charge to Chamber members. Coverage for ribbon cuttings and ground breakings is published in our weekly Chamber Snapshot newsletter, on our website calendar of events, and Watertown Chamber Facebook page.
Chamber Snapshot
Each week, an e-mail is sent to the Chamber membership to inform you of activities happening that week in the Watertown area.
Membership Listings
An entire list of physical or mailing addresses of our membership is available at no cost, and mailing labels are available at a nominal fee to our members.
Special Discounts
Chamber membership brings special discounts for members at Chamber events during the year, including the Watertown Winter Farm Show, as well as discounts on seminars and workshops sponsored by the Chamber. In addition, Auto Owners Insurance offers a discount exclusive to Chamber members. (Contact your local agent for details)
