Building a Web Presence for Your Business

This Power Lunch is all about the importance of recognizing that a web presence is an opportunity to expand a business or organization's client base. This power point will show resources, tips, and tutorials that are either free or inexpensive, helping businesses create a dynamic presence that makes them relevant in today's technological age.

Emergency Preparedness Power Lunch

On December 6, 2011, the Chamber hosted an Emergency Preparedness Power Lunch with Al Whitaker, Director of the Greenbrier County Emergency Management Agency. He discussed the importance of having an emergency plan for both your home and your business.

Emergency text messaging and emails have been used at universities in the past years to alert students of dangers on campus, and it has now been extended to include community members with Nixle, a free service to stay connected to important information. Greenbrier County Emergency Management is linked to Nixle, and you can be, too, by signing up online or texting your zip code to 888777.

For more information on developing an emergency plan, visit ready.gov or click to view the following publications for businesses: 

Every Business Should Have a Plan (booklet)
Business Continuity Plan (template)
Emergency Response Plan (template)
Emergency Response Plan Resources  (template)
Risk Assessment  (table)

Hospitality and Customer Service Training

· More customers leave because of a failure to meet their expectations than any other reason.
· 68% of lost customers leave because of an attitude of indifference was expressed.
· On-the-spot resolution will bring 85% of your customers back to you.
· Satisfied complainers will tell five people about their problem, and how it was resolved.


Join us on Friday, October 14 for an interactive Hospitality and Customer Service seminar. Our dynamic duo, Barbara Frame-Cook and Kim Donahue have received rave reviews from previous Chamber workshops and will use their wit and expertise to help you and your employees have a positive impact that will bring return business to your door.

Barbara will present the first segment on Attitude, Demeanor and Appearance… How to present yourself from the inside out, as you “only make a first impression once.”

The second part of this seminar hosted by Kim Donahue of the Small Business Administration, will be focusing on recognizing key moments in customer service that will keep lifelong customers.

We will also have an optional speed networking activity in the afternoon. Shoney’s will be providing lunch!

Presentations from this event will be available in December.

Making the Most out of the Members' Portal
Power point on learning how to navigate our new members' portal and ChamberMaster, as well as how to update your online directory listing. 

Information on the new WV Affordable Health Care Act
As presented by Gibbs Kinderman and Perry Bryant with West Virginians for affordable health care at our power lunch on September 21, 2011. A non partisan discussion about making the most out of the current guidelines.

Building a Business Plan
Kim Donahue with the Small Business Administration's presentation on building a long lasting buisness plan. 

Social Media for Business
A Power Lunch presentation by Erica Bell on making the most of social media for you and your small business.

Strategic Advantages and Opportunities for Small Businesses in a Challenging Marketplace