When was the Muskego Area Chamber formed? What type of organization is it and how is it funded?

• The Muskego Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism was organized on March 14, 1957. It incorporated as a nonprofit 501c(6) business league organization on April 1, 1964.
• We are a 501c6 business organization with a Board of Directors who are mostly Small Business Owners or Managers. As a membership organization, the Chamber is funded by membership dues (see our membership packages here and membership benefits page) and donations/sponsorships toward its activities and events.
• We actively support and promote our business members/organizations through business awareness, shop local marketing campaigns, advertising opportunities, and events.
• We encourage you to view our  current annual report and Strategic Plan.
• We have one full-time executive director and two part-time employees as Chamber staff.

 

How does the Chamber help local business?

• Advocacy: Whenever necessary and helpful, our Chamber advocates for policies and laws that help businesses.
• Business Awareness and Promotions:
  • Business Directory: We have a robust online Business Directory with powerful SEO that brings above average hits to our website and a community Muskego App.
  • Community Guide & Business Directory: We publish an annual guide and distribute 4-5,000 printed copies. It is also offered online and through our app.
  • General Awareness: The Chamber presents Welcome Packets to New Homeowners and Teachers. All members have the opportunity to include items in these packets.
  • Shop Local/Small Business: We participate and promote our members’ deals for Small Business Season (Nov 1-Dec 31) and Small Business Saturday. Throughout the year, we focus on shop local marketing through items such as our online Holiday Guide and Summer Events & Shopping Guide.
  • Social Media: We share business information and members’ posts across our social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X.com, and YouTube).
  • Visitor Display Area: Our office is open to the public and includes a Visitor Display area for business members brochures and business cards.

What committees, programs, and volunteer opportunities are offered?

• Committees and Programs: These are described at our Committees and Programs website pages. We currently have the following committees:
  • Ambassador Team (View Volunteers): Makes connections with businesses and recruit new members.
  • Economic Development (View Volunteers): Identifies areas where the Chamber can actively promote business development.
  • Education & Mentoring (View Volunteers): Partners with area schools to organize business education and mentoring opportunities.
  • Events Committee (View Volunteers): Helps organize and implement events for business members and the community.
  • Small Business Council (View Volunteers): Organizes and promotes activities, events, and marketing opportunities that support small businesses in our area.
  • Women's Business Connections (View Steering Committee Volunteers)(View WBC Members): Offers businesswomen the opportunity to connect with other businesswomen to explore educational opportunities and business awareness.

Does the Chamber organize community events?

Our Chamber is quite active and has organized numerous events the past two decades.

• Current Events: State of the City Breakfast and Jammin’ in the Park. We also participate in/promote National Night Out.
• Past events: Taste of Muskego from 2010 – 2019, 5K Run from 2014-2015, Christmas parade/event from 2005-2017, Community Education events (sporadically throughout the years), Health & Wellness Fair from 2013-2015, and Candidate Forums (sporadically throughout the years). Past events were discontinued due to lack of resources or interest among the businesses or community-at-large.

How is the Chamber involved in workforce development?

The business members of this chamber are passionate about supporting and helping upcoming businesspeople. In the early 2000s we began a committee that continues today in partnership with Muskego-Norway School District, the Muskego High School, and area private/parochial schools to create activities and events that help our students prepare for careers.

• Business Presentations in Classrooms
• Career Fairs/Tours/Inspiration Days
• Mock Interviews
• Student Mentoring Events
• Student Scholarships

What benefits and opportunities come with membership?

Membership benefits include advertising opportunities, member events, and special ceremonies such as ribbon cuttings/ groundbreakings.

• Advertisements: Members can purchase ad space in the Community Guide, through online website banner ads/enhanced listings, and discounted prices on Valpak
• Business Helps: The Chamber office offers the following business helps to our members:
  • Certificate of Origin (signatures for exports)
  • Notarization service (This is available for both members and the public. Free to members and a charge to public.)
  • Small Business Toolkit for start ups or new/regrouping businesses
  • Business Referrals
  • Use of our copy machine at discounted pricing
• Business Spotlights: Members can be spotlighted on our website page, social media, and at the Business Spotlight table in Muskego City Hall.
• Promotional Opportunities: Members can post deals, job openings, events, and new releases on our website. These are pushed out to our social media platforms.

What fundraisers are held by the Muskego Chamber?

• Our annual Awards Gala is an evening of fine dining with 200-250 business members/guests. During the event, we highlight the past year’s achievements and present business awards. It also includes a silent auction, raffles, and wine pull.
• Our annual Golf Outing is a fabulous way to network with other businesspeople and enjoy a wonderful social day filled with golf, a picnic, and fun raffles at Muskego Lakes Country Club.
• Our Sportsman’s Raffle is a fun way to win great prizes for sports, outdoors/hunting/guns enthusiasts along with an afternoon filled with on-site raffles (meat, 50/50).

What networking is available?

• Business After Hours & Networking Lunches: Networking, social events held at area restaurants throughout the year.
• Quarterly Chamber Member Roundtables: An event that allows members to share experiences and expertise on a variety of business topics.