Using NACC Resources Strategically 

At the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, we provide our Members with a wide range of benefits designed to help your business grow. I always recommend that our Members use this list as a checklist to craft a roadmap for the year ahead. While these benefits are designed to help you expand your reach within the Chamber, there are some unwritten rules for optimizing the opportunities available to you. 

Business Directory by Category 

Our Active Member Directory contains over 1,000 businesses, categorized by industry. Does your business focus on specific industries or customer segments? Take advantage of the directory to target those who could benefit from your products or services. Simply browse the directory, select the category that aligns with your target market, and explore the list of businesses within that sector. 

We highly encourage our Members to use this tool as a way to connect with other vetted businesses in and around Naperville. Whether you’re looking to collaborate, solicit services, or network with industry peers, this directory is a great first step. 

Pro Tip: Are you an Engage, Community Partner, or Chairman’s Circle level Member? Send me an email at msmith@naperville.net to receive an Excel list of all our Members, complete with mailing addresses and phone numbers for easy outreach. 

Partnerships & Trading Services 

Now that you know about the directory, let’s talk about building meaningful partnerships within the Chamber. Many of our Members find great value in partnering with fellow businesses, and the NACC is committed to supporting these relationships. 

The Chamber uses Member businesses for all our organizational needs, and we encourage you to do the same! Every business that joins the Chamber is thoroughly vetted, ensuring that you can confidently collaborate with other Members. Here are just a few examples of creative partnerships that could benefit your business: 

  • Fitness Studio & Health Food Store 
  • Art Gallery & Local Café 
  • Pet Grooming & Pet Supply 
  • Yoga Studio & Organic Skincare Shop 
  • Toy Store & Children’s Bookstore 
  • Wine Store & Caterer/Restaurant 
  • Bike Shop & Outdoor Adventure Company 
  • Bakery & Flower Shop 
  • Photography Studio & Event Planner 
  • Music School & Instrument Store 

These are just a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing. No matter your industry, there are likely opportunities for collaboration that can add value to both your business and the community. 

Have a specific partnership in mind but unsure who to contact? Reach out to me! I’m always happy to facilitate introductions between Members and help foster valuable connections. 

Stay Top of Mind 
 
One of the key benefits of being a Chamber Member is access to our Member Info Hub—a powerful tool for keeping your business visible. Here’s how you can make the most of it: 

  • Member News: Share press releases or exciting updates about your business. This is your chance to showcase your achievements to our entire Membership. We also highlight these in our newsletter, The Current. 
  • Community Calendar: Does your business host events or fundraisers? Add them to our Community Calendar, which is accessible both to Members and the wider Naperville community on our website. 
  • Special Offers & Discounts: Post any special offers, promotions, or discounts you’re running. This not only helps increase visibility but also provides value to both your fellow Members and their networks. 
  • Member-to-Member Offers: Create exclusive offers just for Chamber Members. These can be a great way to encourage fellow Members to try out your products or services—and their word-of-mouth recommendations can be incredibly powerful. 

Pro Tip: If you have a newsletter signup link or other marketing channels, be sure to link them in your Member Info Hub posts. This can help you expand your reach and grow your contact list. 

If you ever have questions about how to leverage your Chamber Membership or need help getting started, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at msmith@naperville.net

Here’s to a fruitful February! 

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