Testimonials

Our Chamber members make their membership work for them!
The best way to make your Chamber membership work for you is by getting involved and that can be accomplished by attending one of several monthly luncheons, educational workshop, networking functions or serving on a committee. You can sell your business better than anyone and the more people you meet, the more the doors of opportunity will open for you to gain new clients.  The sky is the limit for creating business relationships and expanding your customer base.

 

I think the Portage Area Chamber of Commerce is staffed by individuals that collectively care for the business community in the Portage Area. Signature events are well planned and staffed properly. New ideas are always solicited and welcomed. The purpose of the Chamber is to promote and help businesses in the Portage area be successful.  The PACC does an excellent job of providing workshops and educational opportunities for its members.  The Chamber is also always looking for ways to better the community and to provide the opportunities for families to enjoy themselves at Chamber sponsored events.  Marianne and her staff are always there to answer questions and do the legwork to provide valuable information to the Board of Directors so that intelligent decisions can be made.  They also do an excellent job getting members to volunteer their time for Chamber sponsored events. The PACC is not afraid to try new ventures. Being a member also opens up opportunities to attend timely workshops and access to health insurance for small businesses.  Like anything else in life, you get out of something what you put into it.  The PACC certainly provides numerous opportunities for businesses and individuals to get involved at a level that is comfortable to them.
Dave Voelker
General Manager, Bonded Collectors

Both of my businesses are Chamber members for several reasons, but first and foremost, it is for the greater good of the business community and working to support and grow our local economy.  I believe that being a Chamber member brings credibility to my businesses.  It also gives me a good opportunity to network with fellow business owners and managers.
Susan Weyh
Owner, Maid Spotless, Inc.

As someone who didn’t grow up in the community and having the position I do, joining the Chamber has been invaluable in not only the amount of other business owners I’ve been able to meet, but also it’s taken me far less time to get integrated into town and I’ve met more people than I would have on my own.  The Business After 5 events and other Chamber functions have allowed me to get to know other recognizable individuals in town in a social setting, making it far easier to approach them than if I were to just walk into their business.  Also, many of these contacts I’ve made have turned into customers here at my business and I believe without my ability to forge those relationships at Chamber functions, I would not have had near the success I’ve had here in Portage over the last couple years.  You have to get involved and you only get out of it what you put in!
Nathan Baumann
Bank Manager, Associated Bank

As a newly established business in Portage, we have been a member of the Chamber for about a year and a half. We have found it to be one of the most effective ways to get our name into the community. The events that the Chamber provides, have been very beneficial for us grow. As we attend these functions, we have been able to network and establish business and personal relationships. Our Chamber membership is our most economical form of advertising that we have.  We are looking forward to our second year in the Chamber, as it instills a sense of pride in our hometown.
Andy & Jamie Donnelly Murphy,
Owners, Murph's Chop Shop

Cardinal FG is a strong supporter of the Chamber of Commerce because it offers us an opportunity to network with other local businesses while serving as an excellent source for information relative to area activities.  Through phone calls, e-mails, and multiple business meetings; the Chamber is integral in the communication loop for our area.  It is the single largest source for information about news in our community from educational opportunities to expanding businesses.  The common  bond that area businesses share through the Chamber helps all of us be better stewards to our community and for the citizens of our community to better understand the businesses that drive our economy.  From business decisions to annual golf outings, we know that we can count on the Chamber of Commerce in Portage to help unite our efforts as we deal with the issues and concerns of our community. 
Ernie Curley
Plant Manager, Cardinal FG