Membership & Sponsorship Campaign Q&A with Ann LaFavor, Owner of LaFavor, Etc.
Year after year, the Gwinnett Chamber’s Membership & Sponsorship Campaign meets and exceeds its goals, and that wouldn’t be possible without strong and determined campaign leadership. The Chamber’s eighth all-volunteer led campaign, titled “And They’re Off: The Run for $1.075 Million,” kicked off in August and needed only a few short weeks to reach the halfway mark toward the goal. Volunteers don’t lack for motivation to raise funds, as those who generated $11,500 or more were eligible to go on the reward trip to The Westin Resort & Spa in Los Cabos, Mexico. This this issue, Gwinnett edge speaks with Ann LaFavor, owner of LaFavor Etc., who has participated in the campaign for the past seven years and served as a vice chair during the 2013 campaign.
GETTING INVOLVED
Q How has your involvement with the Chamber helped your company grow as well as expand your customer base?
A My first experience with the Gwinnett Chamber Membership & Sponsorship Campaign was as a Chamber Ambassador. I got involved because I realized the Campaign was a great opportunity for small businesses, such as mine, to get exposure on a shoestring marketing budget. I also saw our Campaign as a way to help fellow members learn about Chamber programs and events that can help to grow their businesses. Additionally, being a part of the Campaign gave me the chance to introduce quality companies to the Chamber.
Being a one-man operation, I understand that small businesses cannot always afford to sponsor expensive events. Through the Campaign, I learned of programs and sponsorships that small companies can benefit from to help market and grow their companies.
GROWING
Q How has your business grown over the years and
brought new jobs to the community?
A As an active volunteer with the Campaign, I have been able to market my company without a hard sell. The visibility given by speaking about the Chamber and its opportunities for business growth helps to identify my business as a go-to company. If my company can assist such a respected chamber, it helps us stand out from similar companies.
GIVING BACK
Q How have you given back through community service or civic or charitable activities?
A I encourage any company seeking business growth to get involved and join the Campaign for so many different reasons. As a team you are listed in Campaign marketing materials. Furthermore, marketing of the Campaign by the Chamber gives organizations free publicity.
The Campaign is not only a team building activity, it also gives employees a fun opportunity to compete to win numerous prizes such as a trip for one or two to a
tropical destination each year with fellow winners. And, it is of course a great opportunity to network and build relationships.
Being a small business owner, I have also benefited from having direct access to expert mentors from larger companies who have advised me on more effective ways to grow my business. Knowing what not to do has saved me money and allowed for business growth. This alone should be a reason to get involved.
As a member of the Campaign, volunteers get to meet and network with new and different companies. By volunteering for the Campaign, you have the opportunity to prove your business and show why others should use your products and services. Most importantly, businesses get direct access to metro Atlanta’s top businesses while also helping to build a stronger and more influential chamber.
http://gwplesk.jumpsys.com/files/public-docs/edge_PDFs/May-June%202014%20sm.pdf
ArticlesPosted in 0 comments
