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Some really cool news today from The University of Colorado - Boulder. Their IFC is looking to strengthen relationships with their community – particularly the local business community – so the IFC joined the Boulder Chamber of Commerce.
From The Colorado Daily:
Since splitting from the University in 2005, CU-Boulder fraternities and the corresponding Interfraternity Council (IFC) that unites them have been working hard to re-establish relationships with various segments of the community that are no longer available to them through the university. As of Wednesday, Feb. 23, an important bridge was constructed between them and the larger community.
“Since we are not affiliated with the University anymore, we were just looking for an alternate route to legitimizing ourselves as an organization within the community,” said Benjamin Finn, IFC Vice President of External Affairs and key coordinator in leading the IFC to teaming up with the Chamber. “For us, it's a precursor to future potential business ties and relationships.”
What a tremendous idea. Of course, the challenge now will be putting the membership to work for their organization by having officers or their advisor attend meetings, turning out people to chamber-sponsored events, and demonstrating a sincerity to skeptical business owners who have a negative impression of fraternities.
I think this would be a fantastic idea for any student government, fraternity/sorority community, or other student organization looking to build its positive profile in their local community. Your chamber of commerce is made up of all the small business owners in your area. Often, some larger companies are involved also.
Chamber memberships usually cost a few hundred dollars, but getting involved could pay off in improved relationships with area businesses. Imagine how much easier it would be to go out and find sponsorships for events if you could walk in and speak to a business owner who knows you in a positive capacity from chamber meetings. I'm sure that this could also help with job searches for the IFC officers who go to chamber events and network with business owners.
The mistake would be to join, and then never attend or do anything with the chamber. Then, it's just a waste of money, because membership in a chamber alone doesn't do much for anyone. Involvement is KEY.
CU IFC Advisor Marc Stine tells me that the membership cost only $.36 per member. I'm excited to see how this investment pays off for them in the coming year or two. Done right, they could get a lot out of it.
To find out more about your local chamber of commerce, just Google your town (or nearest city name) and "chamber of commerce." See if they have a rate for non-profit organizations when you inquire about membership.
