Chamber of Commerce - FAQs

What can the Chamber do for my company?

Activities of the Chamber
The De Soto Chamber of Commerce assists its members and the community by:

Being a resource for area businesses to grow and succeed.
Attracting new business to broaden De Soto's tax base and strengthens the economy.
Promoting De Soto as a great place to live and work to potential residents.
Providing business referrals - an exclusive benefit for Chamber members.
Creating and maintaining a climate for business growth and strong quality of life.
Staying in tune with governmental activities which impact area businesses.
Providing increased visibility for your business.

What are the benefits of being a Chamber member?

Benefits of Membership
Being a member of the De Soto Chamber of Commerce has its advantages! As a member, you receive the following outstanding benefits:

Membership Directory
Each June, the Chamber produces its Chamber Membership Directory, which lists all members by category, as well as alphabetically. This directory is very popular, as it is distributed to all businesses, potential residents and prospects. Directory advertisements opportunities are available. Members also enjoy the exclusive referrals from the directory as copies are included in the New Resident Packet...what a great way to introduce yourself to new members of the community!

Internet Presence on Chamber websites
Members receive a free listing in the Chamber's online Membership Directory. The listing provides basic company contact information. For a small yearly fee, a company can have a direct link to the member's web site. For those companies that do not have a web presence, a basic web page can be produced to provide information about your company. For more information, please contact the Chamber office.

Chamber Luncheon Sponsors
What a great way to publicize and promote your company! The Chamber has sponsorships available for your company sponsor a Chamber luncheon. Sponsors have the opportunity to showcase their company at the meeting as well as receive recognition as the monthly underwriter.

Employment Opportunity Advertising
To assist in member's recruitment activities, the Chamber has created a special online Position Announcements section, where members may post employment ads at no charge.

Informational Resources
Need demographic or other resource information? Contact the Chamber office, which provides free research!

Networking Opportunities
Meet business people and community leaders at Chamber events, which provide wonderful opportunities to network and give your organization visibility in the community through Coffees, After Hours and other networking events. These events provide great networking opportunities and the promotion of your business!

Chamber Luncheons
Held monthly on the second Thursday of each month at various businesses throughout our community, these networking events are attended by Chamber members, representatives and community leaders. These meetings provide great opportunities to highlight your businesses and services. Check the Community Calendar for upcoming Chamber Luncheons, and bring a guest!

Chamber Fundraising Activities
We're constantly finding ways to promote the Chamber and provide funding for additional initiatives that will promote your business! Stay tuned as we develop new and exciting fundraising activities that will again provide your company with additional networking opportunities!

Ribbon Cuttings/Ground Breakings/Grand Openings
Welcome De Soto's newest businesses and introduce your business and its services! These functions are free to all new businesses in the community and are a great way to network.

Annual Business Meeting
The Chamber Annual Meeting will be held in January of each year. This is a well-attended event which in 2010 had an attendance of over 185! For more information, please visit the Community Calendar.

Perhaps the biggest benefit of your Chamber membership comes from involvement with the organization and its special events. Your participation in the Chamber builds a better community while building professional relationships by networking with fellow members. The Chamber encourages its members to participate in Chamber activities by becoming an event sponsor, donating in-kind items, serving as volunteers and attending the events. We're constantly working on ways to improve our services and provide even more benefits to you!

What are the membership dues and how do I join the Chamber?

Membership Dues, 2011

Membership dues are based on the number of full-time employees:
0-5 employees?? $150?
6-50 employees?$215
51+ employees? $425

New memberships are prorated by quarter. The membership drive campaign begins in November and should be remitted by January 31st.

Join the De Soto Chamber of Commerce!

To join the De Soto Chamber of Commerce, contact Sara Ritter, or click on Join the Chamber to pay via credit card and submit online.?Checks can be mailed to: De Soto Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 70, De Soto, KS 66018.

Other Useful Links

City of De Soto

De Soto U.S.D. #232

De Soto High School News

Johnson County Library - Business Information

Kansas Chamber of Commerce and Industry

State of Kansas