When will this bill be enforced?

The New York City Process Servers  Licensing Bill has not even been signed by the Mayor yet.  After it is signed, it will not be enforced for at least six months.  During that time the DCA will have to set up proper guide lines for all process servers to follow.  NYSPPSA plans on being a big part of that process and will be informing our members of the progress along the way.  The Bill also gives the DCA an extension on the initial 6 months for parts of the bill like the GPS.

My company sends out service to NYC all the time but I am located outside of the city boundaries, do I still need to get an Agency License?

If your company uses independent licensed contractors to serve in the city, than according to the new law you WILL have to apply for an agency license.  If you forward your work to a licensed agency you will NOT need to be a licensed agency.   This was changed at the last minute prior to the change any company that forwarded work to an agency or process server would have to be licensed.  Now you have a choice.  You could get an agency license or forward the work to a licensed agency.

I am getting phone calls from software companies telling me I need to sign up  for a GPS system now to be prepared, should I?

Since the GPS process of this bill has not been set by the DCA it would be premature to sign up for a system.   There has not been a system that has been approved and the DCA, and they have informed us that they want the system to be cost effective.  NYSPPSA will be working hard on evaluating all new systems and will be informing our members on the pros and cons.  We ask our members to wait to hear from us prior to purchasing or signing up for a GPS system.  Again we have time, so let’s use this time to get it right.

Should I apply for a bond today in order to be prepared for tomorrow?

Again, the DCA has not set up the requirements for the bond, as of yet, and we have been informed that the bonding companies will not be able to bond process servers until those requirements are set.  NYSPPSA will be contacting Bonding agents to try and get the best deal for our members.  So as the committee decides the proper requirements we will be working with the bond companies.

After I get the bond, should I drop my E & O insurance?

In the case of a law suit, it is important to understand that a bond of any amount does not protect the process server nor an agency.  What a bond does is simply guarantee payment of a judgment.  The bonding company will pay the recipient of that judgment and then go after you to pay them back.  E & O insurance will not only pay if a judgment is issued against you but will also defend you in that law suit as well. So E & O insurance does have value, the final decision is up to you but NYSPPSA wants to make sure that you know the difference.

Is it true that I can now be found liable to the recipient if found guilty of improper service?

It is stated in the new bill that a process server and its corresponding agency can be sued directly by the recipient if notification was done improperly. Many of us believed that you were susceptible to a law suit prior to this bill, the only difference is now it is writing.  You will only be held liable for punitive damages if it is proven that you willfully lied about service.  Meaning you threw the service away and lied about on an affidavit. For this reason, the City council made the bonding mandatory to ensure payment if you have a judgment against you.

The NYSPPSA Proposed Substitute Bill

Read the New Bill

Support the NYSPPSA

Posted by Stephanie Mitchell, a Pensacola Process Server, Reprinted with permission by Larry Yellon, President of the NYSPPSA (Reprinted with Permission)

The newly passed bill requires all process servers serving process in New York City adhere to the following:

• Obtain a license from the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA)  and pass an examination on the New York Rules of Civil Procedure;
• Log all service attempts when serving papers with an electronic system (such as a GPS system);
• Maintain records and electronic service logs for a period of seven years;
• Independent process servers must obtain a $10,000 surety bond;
• Process serving companies must obtain a $100,000 surety bond with the city to guarantee compliance with the regulations;
• Provide a statement of employee rights and employer responsibilities to every process server under their employ; and
• Maintain signed documents that employees understand these rights and responsibilities.

The new NYC legislation (Int 0006-2010, Version A) reads as follows:

A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to process servers.

Be it enacted by the Council as follows:

Section 1.  Section 20-403 of the administrative code of the city of New York is amended to read as follows:

a. Process server license. It shall be unlawful for any person to do business as, be employed as or perform the services of a process server without a license therefor.

b. Process serving agency license. It shall be unlawful for any process serving agency to assign or distribute process to individual process servers for actual service in the city of New York without a license therefore.

§2. Section 20-404 of the administrative code of the city of New York is amended to read as follows:

a. A process server is a person engaged in the business of serving or one who purports to serve or one who serves personally or by substituted service upon any person, corporation, governmental or political subdivision or agency, a summons, subpoena, notice, citation or other process, directing an appearance or response to a legal action, legal proceeding or administrative proceedings.

b. A process serving agency is any person, firm, partnership, association or corporation, other than an attorney or law firm located in this state, or city marshal, who maintains an office, bureau or agency, the purpose of which is to assign or distribute process to individual process servers for actual service in the city of New York.

c. For the purposes of this subchapter the service of five or more process in any one year shall be deemed to constitute doing business as a process server.

§3. Section 20-406 of the administrative code of the city of New York is amended by adding a new subdivision c to read as follows:

c. Each such applicant for a process server license or renewal thereof shall be required to pass an examination satisfactorily. Such examination shall be under the supervision of the commissioner and shall test the knowledge of the applicant concerning proper service of process within the city of New York and familiarity with relevant laws and rules.

§4. Subchapter 23 of chapter 2 of title 20 of the administrative code of the city of New York is amended by adding new sections, 20-406.1, 20-406.2, 20-406.3 and 20-406.4 to read as follows:

20-406.1 Bond required.

a. As a condition of the issuance of a process server license, each applicant for such license or a renewal thereof shall furnish to the commissioner a surety bond executed by the applicant in the sum of ten thousand dollars, payable to the city of New York, and a surety approved by the commissioner. Such bond shall be conditioned upon the applicant’s compliance with the provisions of this subchapter and any rules promulgated thereunder, and upon the further condition that the applicant will pay (i) to the city any fine, penalty or other obligation the city imposes relating to a violation of this subchapter and any rules promulgated thereunder, and (ii) to a plaintiff any final judgment recovered in an action arising out of  the violation of any of the provisions of this subchapter within thirty days of its imposition. If an applicant is unable to obtain a surety bond as required by this section, and upon the provision of proof satisfactory to the commissioner of such inability, the  individual applicant may, in lieu of furnishing such bond, deposit an amount of no less than one thousand dollars in a fund to be established by the commissioner to pay (i) to the city any fine, penalty or other obligation the city imposes relating to a violation of this subchapter and any rules promulgated thereunder, and (ii) to a plaintiff any final judgment recovered in an action arising out of  the violation of any of the provisions of this subchapter within thirty days of its imposition.

b. A process server licensed under this subchapter who engages in the business of serving process exclusively as an employee of a process serving agency licensed under this subchapter shall not be required to furnish a surety bond.

c. As a condition of the issuance of a process serving agency license, each applicant for such license or a renewal thereof shall furnish to the commissioner a surety bond in the sum of one hundred thousand dollars executed by the applicant payable to the city of New York, and a surety approved by the commissioner. Such bond shall be conditioned upon the applicant’s compliance with the provisions of this subchapter and any rules promulgated thereunder, and upon the further condition that the applicant will pay (i) to the city any fine, penalty or other obligation the city imposes relating to a violation of this subchapter and any rules promulgated thereunder, and (ii) to a plaintiff any final judgment recovered in an action arising out of  the violation of any of the provisions of this subchapter within thirty days of its imposition.

§20-406.2 Responsibilities of process serving agencies.

Every process serving agency licensed under this subchapter shall:

a. Comply with all applicable state and federal laws;

b. Be legally responsible for any failure to act in accordance with the laws and rules governing service of process by each process server to whom it has distributed, assigned or delivered process for service;

c. Provide to each process server employed by such agency a written statement indicating the rights of such employee and the obligations of the process serving agency under city, state and federal law. Such statement of rights and obligations shall include, but not be limited to, a general description of employee rights and employer obligations pursuant to laws regarding minimum wage, overtime and hours of work, record keeping, social security payments, unemployment insurance coverage, disability insurance coverage and workers’ compensation;

d. Keep on file in its principal place of business for a period of three (3) years a statement for each employee, signed by such employee, indicating that the employee read and understood the statement of rights and obligations such employee received pursuant to subdivision (c) of this section.

§20-406.3 Records, Audits.

a. Every process server and process serving agency licensed under this subchapter shall retain records in compliance with section 89-cc of the New York state general business law for no less than seven (7) years of each process served.  Such records shall be retained in electronic form.  Tampering with any such electronic records shall be prohibited.

b. A process server licensed under this subchapter who engages in the business of serving process exclusively as an employee of a process serving agency licensed under this subchapter shall not be subject to  the provisions of subdivision (a) of this section, but shall be required to comply with all other applicable laws.

c. The commissioner may conduct audits of the information required to be kept pursuant to subdivision (a) of this section in order to monitor compliance with this subchapter.

§20-406.4  Educational materials.

The commissioner shall develop educational materials to be provided to all process servers and process serving agencies licensed under this subchapter.  Such materials shall at a minimum identify the laws and regulations pertaining to service of process in the city of New York.

§5. Section 20-409 of the administrative code of the city of New York is amended by adding a new subdivision c to read as follows:

c. Upon application for renewal of a license issued pursuant to this subchapter, applicants subject to subdivision (a) of section 20-406.3 of this subchapter shall certify in writing compliance with the record keeping provisions of such section.

§6. Subchapter 23 of chapter 2 of title 20 of the administrative code of the city of New York is amended by adding new sections 20-409.1 and 20-409.2 to read as follows:

§20-409.1 Violations and penalties.

Any person who, after notice and hearing shall be found guilty of violating any provision of this subchapter, shall be punished in accordance with the provisions of chapter one of this title and shall be subject to a penalty of not less than seven hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars for each violation.

§20-409.2 Civil Cause of Action.

Any person injured by the failure of a process server to act in accordance with the laws and rules governing service of process in New York state, including this subchapter and regulations promulgated thereunder, shall have a cause of action against such process server and process serving agency, which distributed or assigned process for service, in any court of competent jurisdiction for any or all of the following relief:

a. compensatory and punitive damages, provided that punitive damages shall only be awarded in the case of willful failure to serve process;

b. injunctive and declaratory relief;

c. attorneys’ fees and costs; and

d. such other relief as a court may deem appropriate.

§20-409.3 Reporting.

Twenty-four months after the local law that added this section becomes effective, the commissioner shall submit a report to the speaker of the council regarding the effectiveness of these provisions on effectuating proper service and improving oversight over the process service industry. Such report shall include, among other things, the results of audits the commissioner has completed of process servers and process serving agencies, including information regarding their compliance with the provisions of this subchapter.

§ 7. Subchapter 23 of chapter 2 of title 20 of the administrative code of the city of New York is amended by adding a new section 20-410 to read as follows:

§ 20-410  Electronic record of service.

A process server licensed pursuant to this subchapter shall carry at all times during the commission of his or her licensed activities and operate at the time process is served or attempted an electronic device that uses a global positioning system, wi-fi device or other such technology as the Commissioner by rule shall prescribe to electronically establish and record the time, date, and location of service or attempted service.  All records created by such electronic device shall be maintained in an electronic database by the process server, or if such process server is acting exclusively as an employee of a process service agency, by the process service agency, for seven (7) years from the date such record is created.

§8. This local law shall take effect one hundred eighty days after enactment provided, however that the commissioner of consumer affairs shall take all actions necessary for its implementation, including the promulgation of rules, prior to such effective date and except that section 20-410 shall take effect sixty days after the adoption of rules promulgated pursuant to such section.

This article is posted courtesy IRBseach, LLC.

IRBsearch offers The Most information, The Best data sources, and The Fastest delivery for locating people, businesses, and their assets. With one click you can search billions of records in just a fraction of a second.

I am pleased to announce the contest winner is John Virgili, a video surveillance specialist based in Sarasota, Florida. The new surveillance course coming soon to PIeducation.com will be titled “SURVEILLANCE: Obtaining Evidence that Stands up in Court”. Thank you, John, for your submission… we hope you enjoy your $200 gift certificate to the IRBstore.com!

We want to thank the below individuals for your course title submissions, too; it was a very difficult decision. Thank you for participating and helping spread the word about PIeducation.com:

• C.R. “Bob” Brown
• Rick Nelson
• Darrell Webber
• Linda McCarley-Schiro
• William Pope
• Debra Ferrara
• Kevin Thompson
• Billy Engle
• Marsha Kerrigan
• David Pelligrinelli
• “Denise”
• Bill Golodner
• Mitch Davis

If I missed someone on this list a BIG, HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who entered!  If you haven’t already, you can stay updated with the latest news, announcements and contests like this by subscribing to Pursuit Magazine (for free) on our home page and also becoming our fan on FACEBOOK.

Warmest Regards,

Stephanie Mitchell

Manager of Continuing Education and eLearning, CompassPoint Investigations
Managing Editor, Pursuit Magazine

This article is posted courtesy IRBseach, LLC.

IRBsearch offers The Most information, The Best data sources, and The Fastest delivery for locating people, businesses, and their assets. With one click you can search billions of records in just a fraction of a second.

Which leads me to announce our first contest!

We will award a $200 IRBstore.com gift certificate (http://IRBstore.com) to the investigator who submits what we feel is the best title for our new online Surveillance course.  We will also choose a runner-up winner and award him or her a free PIeducation.com course, an $89.95 value.

You can post your suggested titles in the comments section below or email them to me at info@pursuitmag.com. Be sure to leave your contact information too. Entries must be submitted to us before 5:00pm (CST) on Wednesday, January, 27 2010 in order to be eligible. On Thursday, January 28, 2009, we will announce the winner here on Pursuit Magazine and notify the winners by email.

If we end up using the winning title for the course, we will acknowledge the winner in the courses’ “acknowledgments and bibliography” section too.

Enter as many suggestions as you want but please do use Google to check whether the title is sufficiently original.   Remember, all entries must be submitted to us before 5:00pm (CST) on Wednesday, January, 27 2010.

Have fun, thank you and good luck!

Warmest Regards,
Stephanie Mitchell

Manager of Continuing Education and eLearning
http://www.pieducation.com

Managing Editor, Pursuit Magazine
http://www.pursuitmag.com

Surveillance Course Outline

INTRODUCTION TO SURVEILLANCE
The Surveillance Objective

PREPARING FOR THE SURVEILLANCE ASSIGNMENT
Pre-surveillance Investigations
Getting the Right Information from the Client
Choosing a Surveillance Vehicle
Necessary Surveillance Equipment and Gear

CONDUCTING SURVEILLANCE
Visual Surveillance
Mobile Surveillance
Tailing Methods and Tactics
Positioning and Setting Up
Rural Surveillance
Blending
Night Surveillance
Making Positive Identification of your Subject
Your Own Powers of Observation
Managing Confrontation
Being Approached by Law Enforcement
Courtesy Surveillance Notification
Pretexting
Pretext Scenarios and Examples
Counter Surveillance Indicators
Surveillance Tricks of the Trade
Summer Surveillance Considerations
Winter Surveillance Issues
Managing Emotional and Physical Stress
Improving Your Surveillance Product

INVESTIGATIVE REPORTS
Investigative Notes
An Investigator’s Guide to Writing Well
The Surveillance Report
Writing Excellent Surveillance Reports
Emerging Internet Tools for Pre-Surveillance Checks and Surveillance Reports
Using Internet Mapping & Imaging in your Surveillance Report
Submitting the Final Report: Security, Compatibility and Portability

COLLECTING THE EVIDENCE & PREPARING FOR COURT
Laying a Foundation for Trial
What is allowed on Surveillance Video?
Editing Surveillance Video for Court
Editing Digital Photography for Court
Tips for the Surveillance Investigator Testifying in Court

NEW TECHNOLOGY AND SURVEILLANCE METHODS
Wireless and Remote Image Transmission Technology
GPS Tracking Devices
Surveillance over the Internet
Video over IP
Computer Monitoring

THE LEGAL ASPECTS OF SURVEILLANCE
Laws and Traffic Violations
Criminal Trespass
Use of Criminal Instrument
Interception of Communications
Use of Pen Register or Trap and Trace Device
Access to Stored Communications
Installation of Tracking Device
Disorderly Conduct
Obstructing Highway or Other Passageway
False Alarm or Report
Harassment
Stalking
Theft
Roping and Entrapment
Surveillance Case Law

Common Surveillance Terminology

This article is posted courtesy IRBseach, LLC.

IRBsearch offers The Most information, The Best data sources, and The Fastest delivery for locating people, businesses, and their assets. With one click you can search billions of records in just a fraction of a second.

Without a doubt, missing persons cases are truly among the most challenging assignments professional investigators face in their career.  There are many  tools available in the investigation of missing persons cases; all fifty states have missing person clearinghouses and some of them provide via their website’s search-able bulletins regarding missing persons, photos (if available),  descriptors of the missing person and other information regarding the missing persons’ case.

Now there is a free online national database recently introduced and available to the general public. The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, also known as NAMUS.  This particular database contains information that has been entered by medical examiners and coroners nationwide. You can search the database by using descriptors such as sex, race, distinct body features and even dental information.

I find it to be a great source to assist the work and efforts of many individuals and organizations who investigate missing and unidentified persons.  The following video discusses the immediate impact is has had thus far:

For more information, visit http://www.namus.gov/.

This article was written by L. Scott Harrell and is posted courtesy IRBseach, LLC.

IRBsearch offers The Most information, The Best data sources, and The Fastest delivery for locating people, businesses, and their assets. With one click you can search billions of records in just a fraction of a second.

Pursuit Magazine is proudly announcing the launch of our new private investigator job website, Our PI job board will provide career seekers the perfect place to find private investigator jobs and agency recruiters with a much needed vehicle for targeting professional investigators. PursuitMag.com has become a crucial resource for industry professionals looking for fresh content related to agency marketing, news, industry events, legislation, technology and gear.

You can visit our PI job and career portal at http://pursuitmag.com/jobs – but hurry!

Job seekers can post their resumes online and recruiters can search resumes for free at Pursuit Magazine’s Private Investigator Jobs but only until January 1, 2010 when we plan to charge a small fee for each.

We understand that recruiting and developing talent is a challenge for this industry, so employers will always be able register and post job vacancy announcements for free and job seekers will always be able to search through and apply for those jobs for free.

Lastly, I want to thank you for being great fans of Pursuit Magazine.  I hope that you will find the Pursuit Magazine job site to be a natural addition to the world’s leading online publication and professional investigator web portal already reaching 150,000+ monthly visitors and several thousand subscribers.  We also hope that you will tell a friend about us.

We wish you a Merry Christmas, a joyous Holiday Season and a hugely prosperous New Year!

“In Relentless Pursuit of your Success”

Stephanie Mitchell
Manager, Continuing Education and eLearning
Managing Editor of Pursuit Magazine
IRBsearch, LLC

http://www.PIEducation.com
Online Continuing Education for Private Investigators
Accepted in TX, TN, IA, OK, KS, OR, SC, LA, KY and NM.

http://www.PursuitMag.com
The Journal of Professional Excellence for Investigators
Subscribe and read past articles and issues, all for FREE!

This article is posted courtesy IRBseach, LLC.

IRBsearch offers The Most information, The Best data sources, and The Fastest delivery for locating people, businesses, and their assets. With one click you can search billions of records in just a fraction of a second.

We join the rest of our blessed nation on this Veterans Day in remembering the sacrifices and bravery of America’s 25 million veterans. We honor you now and always and thank you for your incredible sacrifice of selflessness, loyalty and devotion to this country.

Stephanie Mitchell's Brother and Father

While training, certification and other association business was discussed by committee chairpersons, one of the main topics of discussion centered on proposed Alabama Senate Bill 24 that has been pre-filed for 2010 legislative consideration and heavily favored by the APIA Board of Directors in attendance. This legislation, known as the Alabama Private Investigators Licensing and Regulatory Act, would create a commission to regulate and license Private investigators in Alabama. All new private investigator applicants will be required to pass an examination administered by the commission designed to measure knowledge and competence in the investigations field and investigators will be required to have 6 hours of continuing education each calendar year.

Association members in attendance elected new officers for the 2010 Board of Directors and enjoyed a free lunch at Mr. Wang’s Chinese Restaurant, but the real highlight of the day was special guest speaker Nancy Kersh. She is an amazing woman and we were all deeply moved by her story…

The Nadia Kersh Story

November 2008 – After several years in Guam, Nancy and Kevin Kersh were very excited to be returning to the U.S. As a military family, they traveled quite a bit and Kevin had just obtained a position at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. They were particularly excited about the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday and a visit from their daughter Nadia and their grandson.

Before they could even settle in, on November 5, 2008 Nancy and Kevin received frightening news that their daughter Nadia had been missing since November 3, 2008 and that foul play was suspected. Nadia Kersh was last seen on surveillance video leaving her work at the Tria Market in Homewood, Alabama for her lunch break on November 3, 2008. Nadia apparently left her job in the early afternoon to pick up her 1 year old son from day care but never arrived.

The very next day in West Birmingham, AL, Nadia`s car was found abandoned and her purse was found in a nearby wooded area by some railroad tracks. The Homewood Police Department, FBI, and other federal, state, and local agencies have been actively investigating this case for over a year. It is believed Nadia was a victim of a violent crime and the Homewood Police Department is building a case against their prime suspect.

Now, One Year Later…

Nancy discussed her very personal experiences of facing a missing person crisis and how she dealt with it. She shared some very important personal experiences and issues as a result of being approached by private investigators during the early stages of the investigation into the disappearance of her daughter.

Keep the following in mind when dealing with the families of missing person’s cases:

• A private investigator should always keep in mind that although the first 48 hours following the disappearance of a person are said to be the most critical in a missing person’s case, they are also the most emotional and chaotic for the family. This may not be an appropriate time to solicit your services. It is often a good idea to leave the early stages of an investigation up to law enforcement when foul play is suspected.

If and when you do offer your services to a family:

• Treat missing persons and their families with respect
• Do not forget to convey to them – “I am so sorry for what you are going through….” It is so important to remember that family members’ lives have been turned upside down. Mrs. Kersh said that “I’m sorry…” were the two most important words she never heard.
• Expect the family to ask questions; it is their right after all.
• Recognize that family members may not be able to think rationally or make decisions for some time. Give them the space they deserve. Leave your business card rather than trying to make a hard-sell or calling them.
• Cooperate fully with law enforcement.
• Keep the family informed. Family members have a right to information.
• Never discount their hopes or their fears.
• Respect the rights of individuals, act within the boundaries of the law and be professional.

I cannot begin to imagine how extremely frightening, stressful and difficult it must be for families going through such an experience. The Kersh family is a true testament of strength, courage, and determination. You are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.

Thank you Nancy, for sharing Nadia’s story…

If you have any information on Nadia Kersh’s disappearance, please call Homewood Police at 332-6262, or leave a tip with the Homewood Police Department Website.

Want to learn more? Head to www.HelpFindNadia.com

Stephanie Mitchell
Managing Editor, Pursuit Magazine

This article is posted courtesy IRBseach, LLC.

IRBsearch offers The Most information, The Best data sources, and The Fastest delivery for locating people, businesses, and their assets. With one click you can search billions of records in just a fraction of a second.

Video of Council Member Garodnick Announcing Reform of Fraudulent Process Service on September 3, 2009. Garidnick wants legislation requiring New York process servers and agencies to have a surety bond, or insurance in order to be licensed due to rampant and fraudulent default judgments.

As a specific case in point, a White Plains, NY woman by the name of Margaret Murtagh has filed a complaint against a law firm and process serving company for… allegedly filing a false affidavit of service stating that she was served a complaint regarding a collections matter.

This is not exactly a new issue in New York involving defendants Zwicker & Associates and American Legal Process. In July of 2009 the New York State Attorney General filed a suit against thirty-five different law firms, including defendant Zwicker, all of which employed American Legal Process. This particular suit alleges almost 100,00 default judgments were entered in the New York Courts based upon false affidavits prepared by process servers who were employed by American Legal Process.

To view the latest complaint see: http://www.courthousenews.com/2009/10/20/DefaultJs.pdf

This article was written by L. Scott Harrell and is posted courtesy IRBseach, LLC.

IRBsearch offers The Most information, The Best data sources, and The Fastest delivery for locating people, businesses, and their assets. With one click you can search billions of records in just a fraction of a second.

A chamber of commerce is comprised of many business owners whose primary goal is to further the interests of businesses. You will find that a local Chamber does not limit the number of people who can join from any one profession or industry. You will meet and network with many business owners from various industries that may eventually broaden your client base and reach.

Here are ten very important reasons to utilize your local Chamber of Commerce as a marketing tool:

1. Making New Business Contacts – Chamber members gain access to hundreds of prospective customers for their business. You can obtain a directory listing, mailing labels and contact lists by being a member of your local are Chamber. Local Chamber events also allow you to introduce yourself, your business, and network with other members of the Chamber.

2. Effective, Low Cost Advertising Opportunities – Advertising opportunities through the Chamber are generally only available to members. The Chamber often develop and maintain relocation packets and newsletters they disburse to other potential business owners, current business owners, potential residents and current residents inquiring for specific services. Most Chambers also offer a directory listing in print and on their web pages. Advertising on the chamber website is often very effective and inexpensive.

3. Publicity & Exposure – Many local Chambers allow you to put company-related materials on display at their events or in their lobby. Three business showcases each year give our members an additional way to promote their products and services to the public, as well as fellow Chamber members. Member business can also gain publicity and exposure through a free ribbon cutting. Finally, our weekly Chamber Link newsletter is a way to share your information with other Chamber members.

4. Ongoing Training for Business Professionals – Some Chambers hold training seminars to provide a way for Chamber members to continue their business education.

5. Member Discounts – Many Chamber businesses offer member to member discounts on their services. In addition to business and government connections, membership in your local chamber often will offer your business a variety of benefits including group health care insurance access, advertising opportunities, discounts from local merchants, reduced BWC premiums and more!

6. Credibility - Many members of the community consider Chamber membership to be a sign of a reputable, established business. Chamber of Commerce organizations receive hundreds of phone calls each year from individuals checking to see if a business is a Chamber member.

7. Recommendations and Referrals – Remember, while all of the people you network with at the Chamber provide services, they also need services, or may know someone who does. From tourists to new residents, people call the local Chambers for service referrals all the time. As a member, you are generally put on a referral list. This increases your customer base and revenue that much more.

8. Supporting your Community – As a Chamber member you are also supporting many other business owners thus supporting your community as a whole. Trust me…those efforts do not go unnoticed. People will remember you.

9. Free Services – Local Chamber groups sometimes offer a variety of free services to their Chamber members. My Chamber organization offers free new member orientations, free Notary Public services, free use of the office equipment at our Chamber office, such as the fax machine and scanner. We are also able to post job openings and view resumes of people looking for jobs in the area for free. Additionally, our Chamber sponsors local legal associations providing small business owners an opportunity to bounce off ideas, issues and strategies in an informal setting via free one-on-one counseling sessions. What a great way to meet attorneys!

10. A Chamber Exists to Serve Members – Local Chamber groups are generally very proactive on issues affecting legislation and local economic development in their area. As a business owner it is important for you to stay abreast with such issues that may affect your business.

Just simply becoming a member of your local Chamber is not enough to make this marketing and networking tool work. You have to put some work and effort into your membership…Here are some tips on making this marketing campaign work.

* Find a Chamber- Show up and sign up.
* Volunteer to be a guest speaker for one of their meetings or events.
* Get involved – volunteer for a committee or event. Chambers sponsor golf tournaments, networking events, annual meetings, auctions, business expos, job fairs or other events that are ideally suited for your offerings, thus gaining some valuable exposure.
* Write articles for their newsletters and/or publications.
* Become a leader – Join a Board of Directors.
* Get to know your Chamber staff, ask how you can be of assistance to them. Before you know it you will be on a first name basis!
* Hand out lots of business cards and brochures at events and meetings. Many Chambers allow you to leave such material in their offices on display racks and such.
* Be an Active Member and Expert in your Field
* Listen to others! Remember at meetings you are there to listen. Go to network and gather information. Ask questions and demonstrate genuine interest in other members and businesses. Be professional and you will be remembered.
* Mingle. Don’t congregate with the same people over and over. Meet and greet new members. Sit with a new group of people every time you go to a meeting or event. Broaden your horizons and networking base.

Every business owner should make it a point to investigate their local chamber of commerce. Find out where the office is and request a membership information package. Before joining sign up for an event or two to see whether the membership is a good fit for you and your business. As I said before, many Chamber groups allow you to come to one event for free to check things out. During the process of choosing your Chamber group make sure you have chosen one that knows how to hold successful networking events and has a strong and thriving membership with proven leadership.

You can find your local Chamber at ChamberFind.com

ChamberPeople – For some added social networking check out this chamber-focused social network complete with discussion boards, member blogging, and easy networking with your peers: ChamberPeople.com

This article was written by Stephanie Mitchell and is posted courtesy IRBseach, LLC.

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