Chamber Ambassadors and Our Community

BETHANY SAWYER | DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP

Think of them as the ultimate brand ambassadors for the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce.

We do.

The Naples Chamber’s ambassadors are a group of dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly each day to highlight the benefits Chamber membership. From shepherding new members to celebrating grand openings, our ambassadors are on the frontline of Chamber work.

Ambassador programs are common at chambers of commerce across the country. According to the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, ambassadors are usually community volunteers that serve on welcome committees, help with membership campaigns or act as public relations liaisons at social events hosted by a chamber.

At the Naples Chamber, our ambassadors are active advocates. They regularly seek opportunities to educate, promote and share the benefits of a Chamber membership, and play an essential role in member recruitment, communication and retention. You can find our ambassadors assisting with our monthly meetings and annual programs, as well as attending ribbon cuttings and after-hours networking events.

“We couldn’t do the work that we do without this group of enthusiastic and devoted volunteers,” said Michael Dalby, the president and CEO of the Naples Chamber. “Our ambassadors understand the value of becoming a member of the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce and are committed to making Collier County the best place in America to live, work and visit.”

But the Chamber isn’t the only one that benefits from the ambassador program. While the program is critical to the continual growth of the Chamber, it also provides ambassadors with plenty of opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Being an ambassador offers a great deal of visibility and builds credibility for a person’s own business. Since our ambassadors are among the first people to meet with members, they’re able to spread the word about their company, while talking about how the Chamber helped them.

But being an ambassador isn’t just a chance to boost their clientele base. It’s also a chance to learn more about the people, organizations and businesses that make up our great community.

That’s how Dennis Sanders, the president of Proxy LLC, views his time as a Chamber ambassador. Sanders joined the Chamber ambassadors in 2015 and said he can “think of no better position in which to be, personally and businesswise, than that of an ambassador with the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce.”

“As an ambassador, I have had the opportunity to meet and interact with individuals and business owners I otherwise would not,” he said.

Sanders said events – such as ribbon cuttings and grand openings – give him the chance to see how excited new members are about their businesses. And while he’s excited to be there, he knows his presence helps the business owner feel confident and supported.

“Being an ambassador gives me greater insight (into) what it takes to be a better citizen and business owner here in the greater Naples area,” he said. “It enhances the gift of giving one’s time and talent to the community at large.” Interested in becoming a Chamber ambassador? Click here to learn more or to apply. ​

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