211 CLAREMONT AVE., ASHLAND, OH 44805

419-281-4584 / FAX 419-281-4585

www.ashlandoh.com / chamber@ashlandoh.com

10-29-14

PNC Bank Open House

$100

Business Before/After Hours Request Form

What is the importance of hosting an Business Before/After Hours?

PURPOSE The purpose of this event is to market your business’ products and services to other organizations, local business leaders, the Ashland community and surrounding areas.

BUSINESS CONNECTIONS Hosting a Business Before/After Hours allows you to invite other business owners/employees, city and county officials, and special guests to visit your facility and learn first-hand what your organization has to offer. The event provides great opportunities for networking and establishing new leads for your business.

BUSINESS BEFORE / AFTER HOURS / GRAND OPENING Dear Valued Chamber Member:

We at the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce are pleased to help you promote your business! A Business Before/After Hours offers a special opportunity to market your products and services to community leaders, other businesses and the community at large. This type of event can also include a Grand Opening where you specifically invite guests to come and tour your facility and meet the staff. We created this guide to help your get the most out of your event. A successful Business Before/After Event requires some planning so please contact us at least four (4) weeks in advance if possible. To schedule your event, please fill out the request form on the back page and email or fax back to us.

Need more info: Renae Osborne (419) 281-4584, fax (419) 281-4584, email renae@ashlandoh.com. BUSINESS EVENT PACKAGE INCLUDES:

o Targeted Marketing to our membership “Please be aware that this includes our promotion of your event via multiple marketing channels (ex. newsletter, e-Publications, website, Facebook, LinkedIn or meeting announcements). However, we cannot guarantee a minimum number of attendees.”

o Chamber banner/flags to mark event location o List of Chamber members who can provide refreshments, if needed o Microphone and speakers, if needed o Media or Chamber staff photographer o Press Release following the event

MEMBERS: $50 (credits may apply) NON-MEMBERS: Not available SPONSORING BUSINESS PROVIDES:

o Refreshments, if desired o Marketing of event to their targeted clients/customers

& stakeholders o Marketing/business materials for attendees, if desired

AFTER THE EVENT Process business inquiries and send thank you notes as needed

Make contact with those who left information

Conduct a debriefing session with your staff and collect their feedback Remember, you have just promoted your business. Make the most of the connections you made. You might gain a few new customers or clients.

Hospice of North Central Ohio

Armordyne Computer Solutions & Penske of Ashland

Spire Advertising

Here are some tips to make the most of your Special Event:

BEFORE THE EVENT Plan The Details:

First - We will help you choose a day when we have no other events going on as well as nothing major going on in the community

Make sure your facility is in top shape – first impressions count!

Be prepared to talk with those who attend your event – you might gain a new client or customer.

Prepare small product samples or other “giveaway” items

Plan a tour of your facility – make sure all your staff is on board. Second – Breakfast & lunch times may help bring in more people if you are planning an event with food/appetizers

Promote Attendance: Encourage all of your employees, clients, customers, family and vendors to attend the event!

Make phone calls and send flyers in your regular mailings (a sample post card template [4-up] is available for mailing - just call Renae Osborne at 419-281-4584 ext. 100)

Modify your answering machine/voice mail greeting or email to announce your event.

DURING THE EVENT Wear your company name tag or logo apparel and be enthusiastic as you discuss your products and services

Be engaged with the guests and pass out “giveaways” and business cards

Bella Blue at Water’s Edge

___ Fill out the Request Form on the back and return it to the Chamber four weeks in advance, if possible. Event must be confirmed with the Chamber Staff before promotion begins. Send via Fax (419) 281-4585 or scan and email to renae@ashlandoh.com for processing.

___ Provide a PDF flyer of the event and special graphics (if applicable) – send to the chamber along with your Event Request Form.

___ Invite the following in person or by phone:

⃝ Employees ⃝ Customers ⃝ Prospects ⃝ Vendors

⃝ Family, Friends and Neighbors ⃝ Neighboring Businesses

___ Work with Staff to plan event and tour of facility

___ Prepare your facility for visitors

___ Confirm date and time with the Chamber Staff as event approaches

___ Put out balloons or special signs to mark the event

Extra Notes: __________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________