Lexington, SC Chamber's Upgraded Website Offers More Benefits for Members, Community

LEXINGTON, SC, August 27, 2010 (Press-News.org) In particular, members and nonmembers can get "Hot Deals" from Chamber businesses that post discounted goods and services on the Chamber's site; and members without a website presence can get their own Web page within the site.

"We have a new Internet vehicle and it's a 2010 model, not a 1992," says Randy Halfacre, president and CEO of the GLCVC. "We want you to test drive it, and as you get used to its features, you can see what a tremendous marketing tool it can become for your business."

The website was enhanced, thanks to a partnership the GLCVC formed with ChamberMaster, the No. 1 provider of web-based software database solutions for chambers of commerce in the United States. The site, http://www.lexingtonsc.org, was enhanced July 30. Tracy Fredrychowski, the Chamber's website database manager, has been conducting in-house seminars for members to learn how to use it. Besides letting member businesses advertise "Hot Deals" on their own, they can post job openings and community events. As more and more members use these features, the Chamber's website will become a "community clearinghouse of information," Halfacre says. "It will become the virtual visitors center for the town and Lexington County for visitors and those desiring to relocate here."

"The site will make it easier for our members to stay connected and for their experiences with the Chamber to be seamless," adds Fredrychowski.

The Chamber already offered the Member-2-Member discount program, allowing member businesses to provide discounts to fellow members. With "Hot Deals," member businesses can offer discounts to members and now the public, regardless of membership, increasing business opportunities for members. A number of members have posted a variety of Hot Deals, from pizza and printing to temporary services and bottled water.

"In the three weeks since we've upgraded, 75 percent of our members have updated their information, added job postings and Hot Deals, and posted events to the community calendar," Fredrychowski says. "It's great that members and people in the community are visiting the new site and can navigate it with ease."

The opportunity for a small business to have a web presence is another important new feature. Cost per month is $25 for a one-page storefront. "That's a big selling tool for the mom-and-pops," Halfacre notes, "who do not have to invest a lot of money for a site to be created and maintained."

Another bonus is a business directory listing, which allows a business to include its Facebook and LinkedIn links and eight targeted keywords. For a small fee, the listing can be expanded to include a company logo, eight photographs, 20 targeted keywords, and more. The Greater Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, established in 1959, has more than 800 members. A non-profit organization, the membership-driven group is the "voice for business and community," not only locally but worldwide. For more information on its services, activities, and how to join, call 359-6113.

The Greater Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center provides a foundation on which the community builds its goals, plans, and events throughout the Lexington, South Carolina area.