Real Return Demonstrates the Chamber’s Success

The Chamber is proud to be the premier voice of the business community in the 11-county Greater Philadelphia region. By this time, you should have received in the mail Real Return, our new report on the defining characteristics of our success. It uses members’ own words to describe why Chamber membership is so necessary and rewarding. The Chamber delivers Real Return, an unbeatable combination of exemplary leadership, access, energy, and service-all in your interest and all for the region’s economic future. If for some reason Real Return has not made it to you, or if you would like more copies of Real Return, please contact Debbie Klein at 215-790-3792 or dklein@greaterphilachamber.com.

Below is an excerpt that illustrates one facet of all that the Chamber has to offer through the words of Tim Checetto, Sales Manager, Consolidated Technologies, Inc.

Tim Checetto, Sales Manager, Consolidated Technologies, Inc.
Location: Princeton, NJ (Mercer County)
GPPC member since: 2006

Unlike other business groups that are made up of the same people from the same companies from the same town, the Chamber’s coverage allows me to be active in one business organization that puts me in front of a variety of decision-makers across the region. That’s why the first thing I did when I was asked to open our office in Princeton two years ago was to join the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.

I am an active member because I know I will make new contacts at every single Chamber event. And that’s what membership is all about for me.

Simply put, Consolidated Technologies sets up companies with their VOIP, phone systems and data networks. If you need a dial tone and data at your desk, we can help you. This is where the Chamber helps me. It not only gears specific events toward different groups — such as small or large businesses, or non-profits — but it also spreads events across the 11 counties in the region.

For instance, I have attended a few of the events in the County Breakfast Series and networked with businesspeople, with whom I later closed deals.

The Chamber also hosts events in its office that attract members from all over the region. I can’t think of a better use of my time than attending the Corporate Speed Networking workshop. Where else can you make a quick sales pitch and exchange business cards with over 30 prospects in one hour? It would take months to even get that many decision-makers on the phone.

Another benefit of membership I utilize is reserving the Chamber’s conference rooms for our educational seminars on IP telephony. The Chamber is located at The Bellevue, a regional landmark in Center City Philadelphia that certainly impresses prospects. And its close proximity to regional trains allows me to host numerous prospects who prefer not to come to Princeton to see our demo room. The free use of the conference room saves me time and money and is also technologically equipped with computers, a projector and anything else that I need.

I host these seminars because I like to educate prospects on what we offer and what can help them solve their problems. If we can’t do business with another member, I still like to answer their questions. In return, if I don’t close a deal, I know I will receive referrals from those members whom I help. And Chamber referrals hold clout because of the great reputation the organization has.

Going forward, I plan on becoming even more active with the Chamber. I already know it works.

-Tim Checetto