What Does Clint Eastwood & The UBCC Have In Common?

Pam Sawyer and Clint Eastwood have a driving philosophy in common.

They believe you get out of something what you put into it.

For Eastwood, the comment was about life.

For Sawyer, it was about UBCC membership.

“Chamber membership requires engagement. You get out of it what you put into it… It’s also a great way to promote your business,” Sawyer said. 

An account executive for Comcast Spotlight in North Wales, Sawyer is active on the membership committee and recognizes the long-term value of engagement in her business dealings partnered with chamber membership.
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While Eastwood (sadly!!) isn’t a UBCC member, his career is an example of going the distance, being invested and fully engaged. After all, his is a household name.

The same philosophy carries over to every facet of life: Work, education, hobbies and special interests, family and business relationships, friendships and community involvement – whether that’s on a ball field, inside a boardroom or as a member of a professional organization.

Imagine being on a ball team where both competitors sit on the sidelines, sadly staring at each other. It wouldn’t be much of a game.

Same holds true for leadership: A board that isn’t engaged and working together toward a common purpose isn’t getting much done.

Think of membership as your passport to engagement. We set the table, provide the feast, and set up the seats. You come to the table.

Looking for your way in?

Maybe you enjoy networking - we’ve got both evening and early morning card exchanges where different members host a cocktail and refreshment time at the end of the work day or coffee and light faire before starting, usually at their business location or an area eatery.

“This Chamber [provides]…opportunities to meet and network with new people,” Sawyer said. What’s more, you can promote your business in a friendly relaxed, environment.

Networking events are free with your membership. At the non-member price of $25, count the cost. Go to eight events: that’s $200 of value, for a few evenings to network, enjoy a drink and meet new people.

“The chamber is a place to get to know the Who’s Who of local business leaders on a more personal level, and that is what helps bring about a sense of community," said John M. Olson, vice president of wealth management for Janney Montgomery Scott in Allentown.

What about education? The chamber offers both virtual and face-to-face training opportunities. In fact, up to 10 sessions of web-based education is included with membership.

Anyone in your company can take advantage of that training. That’s right, anyone. From HR to safety, business management or social media, there are thousands of titles from which to choose.

What’s more, web-based learning is compatible with most devices and it’s self-paced, so you choose the time the bell rings and class begins.

Do you prefer a more tangible setting, with a live presenter and peers at the table? Attend a breakfast or lunch workshop or seminar at the chamber’s Quakertown office - Not only will you learn something new or grow existing skills, breakfast (or lunch) is on us.

Think about it: How much would professional development cost, if you hired an expert, took time out of the workday to organize the event and hosted it yourself? Probably more than the cost of your annual membership.
What about help with marketing your business?

“The first decision we made was to join the chamber and it turns out to be our best decision. Any questions or issues…are usually answered by the statement 'call Tara or Tracy, they'll know,’” said Mike McGrory, co-owner of SERVPRO Upper Bucks in Perkasie.
How much would you pay for a professional mentor or coach? Probably thousands.

Who couldn’t use some help along the way- either to grow existing skills or tackle new business frontiers.

UBCC helps make that connection. The chamber’s partnership with SCORE, a nationwide organization dedicated to the advancement of small business, is staffed with executives who want to share what they’ve learned along the way and help guide your success.

Don’t forget to pay it forward-

Volunteer!! The chamber’s various committees are the organization’s lifeblood. From the golf outing in June to our wildly popular Foodie event in October, we bring the community together in fun ways.

It’s also a great service opportunity, too. “Join a committee, go to events and get involved, that’s when you will really see the benefits of your chamber membership,” Sawyer said.

Some groups meet monthly throughout the year, while others need a burst of organizational activity for a brief period to get the job done. Many hands make light work.

Vicky McClatchy, a mortgage loan originator with Supreme Lending is a membership committee member. When McClatchy joined, her excitement was contagious and she embraced committee work with zest.

“I’d been to other chambers, but I had no idea before coming to (and joining) UBCC, what a chamber could be like,” McClatchy said.