Membership/A2Y Connect Program

Contact Julie Kedroske at julie@a2ychamber.org or Rosalind Vaughn at rosalind@a2ychamber.org or 734-665-4433.

Mission Statement: The mission of the A2Y Connect Program is to forge and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with new and veteran member businesses by way of meaningful contact that further promotes the overall mission of the A2Y Chamber.

Role of the A2Y Connect Program: A2Y Connect is a volunteer group within the A2Y Chamber made up of members:
• Committed to strengthening relationships between the Chamber and its members
• Passionate about helping members maximize the benefits of their Chamber affiliation
• Dedicated to promoting Chamber programs and services

Participation Requirements
• A Connect member must be a member or employed by a member in good standing of the Ann Arbor / Ypsilanti Regional Chamber of Commerce.
• The member must sign and submit the A2Y Connect Agreement to the Chamber to volunteer for one year of service.
• All Connect members must attend at least one Get Connected Member Orientation.
• Each Connect member is required to attend all monthly meetings. *If you miss two or more meetings we will re-evaluate your involvement in the program.
All Connect members must choose a team:
o Team 1: Event Ambassadors
o Team 2: New Member Ambassadors
o Team 3: Referral Team
o Team 4: Retention Team
(see full descriptions of the teams at the bottom the this page)

Benefits of being part of the A2Y Connect Team

Benefits to the volunteer and their business
o Networking and opportunities to make new contacts for potential sales and referrals
o Recognition and leadership presence
o Knowledge of the Chamber’s programs and services
o An opportunity to be a part of an involved group of individuals that support community service and volunteerism
o Free admission to select Chamber events

Benefits to the Chamber members
o Member-to-member interaction extends marketing reach
o Members are able to speak with one another about the value of Chamber membership

Benefits to the Chamber
o Members demonstrate support for the organization
o Member-to-Member interaction promotes the mission of the Chamber

A2Y Connect Meetings: The full A2Y Connect Group will meet the second Tuesday of each month from 4:00pm - 5:00pm in the Chamber board room. Attendance at these meetings is expected. If for some reason you cannot attend, please call the Chamber and let Rosalind Vaughn (734) 214-0107 or Julie Kedroske (734) 214-0109 know in advance. (*Meetings will not be held in August or December)

A2Y Connect meetings will generally run as follows:
• Sign in
• Introductions and informal networking
• New member information: tell us an interesting fact about a new member, a connection you made, or plans you have to engage a new or prospective member
• New member announcements and bag assignments
• Event assignments (Chamber events, Ribbon Cuttings, and Member Receptions)
• Presentation given by a guest speaker regarding a different aspect of the Chamber and its various benefit programs
• Comments, questions, concerns

Description of the Teams from the Section Above:

Team 1: Event Ambassadors
Event Ambassadors are expected to attend at least one Chamber event per month (A2Y Early Edition, Headline Lunch, Member Receptions, or Ribbon Cuttings). A schedule will be sent out 2-3 weeks prior to the events to notify all Event Ambassadors that there is a need for 3-4 members to attend. Be sure to respond as soon as possible; this program works on a first come first served basis. If you are chosen, you will receive free admission to the event.

Responsibilities include:
o Arriving at the event 30 minutes early
o Helping the Chamber staff prepare for the event
o Meeting and greeting all members (new and veteran)
o Introducing new members to existing members in the room and/or offering to sit with the new members during the meeting
o Answering questions about the Chamber, which may include recommendations to attend other Chamber events or participate in Chamber benefit/savings programs

Team 2: New Member Ambassadors
New Member Ambassadors help the Chamber retain members by delivering new member bags and serving as an important initial touch point. 

Responsibilities include:
o Delivering at least one new member bag per month within 7-10 business days after picking up the bag here at the Chamber. The contact tracking form will be generated electronically and will be sent directly to your e-mail. Please return the completed contact tracking form to Julie@a2ychamber.org or Rosalind@a2ychamber.org
o Contacting members within 7 days of receiving new member information and bag via a personal visit and include an email follow-up when possible
o Active networking and relationship building with new/existing members is expected. In addition to being a point of contact throughout the year for all members by making phone calls or meeting members in person

Team 3: Referral Team
Refer qualified potential members or sponsors to the membership sales staff utilizing the suggested tools on the website. Referrals that result in a new membership or sponsorship will be rewarded with an advertising credit equivalent to 10% of the sale. Any Referral Team Member that brings a prospective member to a Chamber event will receive free admission for themselves and their guest.
Responsibilities include:
o Identifying potential members and educating them on the value and benefits of Chamber membership
o Recruiting new members by way of meeting with them in person, over the phone, or inviting them to attend a Chamber event

Team 4: Member Retention Team
Volunteers in this group help to retain members by way of consistent and meaningful personal contact to ensure that members are taking advantage of all that Chamber has to offer.

Responsibilities include:
o Targeting members in the critical retention stage, those that have joined in the last 6 months to 1 year
o Going out on at least 3-5 member visits per month and returning the contact tracking form to the Chamber via e-mail to Rosalind@a2ychamber.org or Julie@a2ychamber.org