In my walkabouts around the Appomattox business community, business owners — especially those belonging to the Chamber of Commerce — inquire, “What do I get from being a chamber member?” This is an excellent question, and one of my own when first coming aboard as well. Currently, businesses receive some discounts between other member businesses. There are advertising opportunities through the chamber magazine, which is currently distributed throughout Central Virginia and spreading.

More importantly, the chamber promotes connections with the business community where needed. The chamber also puts on a fundraiser in the form of Bike Night later in August, which affords for some advertising opportunities. Yet, there needs to be more.

There’s more to this in the current issue of the Times Virginian newspaper. Support local journalism by purchasing the issue at a local newsstand or subscribing at www.timesvirginian.com/subscriber_services to receive the print edition or view the full article in the e-edition version.