What is the Chamber of Commerce? The Chamber of Commerce is the salesperson of our community and businesses - unceasingly promoting our products and services - and at the same time is your watchdog - protecting your interests. The benefit of belonging to our Chamber is full-time representation and year-round results. What Do You Receive From the Chamber? Business contacts developed through association with successful business people in Chamber activities. Opportunities for personal growth and leadership experience by working with fellow members on civic and business affairs.

Manchester Chamber Annual Window Walk in downtown Manchester

An opportunity to work collectively for the benefit of the business and professional community on a city as well as state level.

A sense of pride and personal satisfaction in sharing in the achievement of the goals of the Chamber in making Manchester and Delaware County a better place to live and do business.

The prestige of your name on the Chamber's membership roster as visible proof that you believe in the community and are doing your share to help support and enhance the economy on which we all depend.

What Does the Chamber Do For Me?
The Chamber "writes" a blanket policy of community insurance. It ensures you that someone (an organization guided by private business) is out there doing all the things you simply can't be doing to improve the local economy, because you have your own business or profession to look after. If someone calls Manchester and Delaware County, YOUR Chamber answers.

Agricultural Affairs: the function of this committee is to enhance the relationship between agriculture & business.

Ambassadors: the ambassadors serve as the goodwill and hospitality arm of the Chamber.

Education: the function of this committee is to foster the relationship between business and education through participation in the S.T.E.P. 1 - Job Shadowing Program and the School to Work initiative.

Industrial Relations: the function of this committee is to enhance and strengthen the relationship between business and industry through tours of area industries.

Membership: the function of this committee is to retain and recruit members of the Chamber.

DREAM & DREAM +: the focus of this committee is to develop a long-range community enhancement plan that would benefit the whole community.

Retail: the focus of this committee is to bring business and dollars to the retail sector through promotions.

Downtown Design: this committee assists with the Downtown Incentive Program by reviewing loan and grant applications to improve business properties in the downtown. Historic preservation, retention and recruitment of businesses is the goal of this program.

Tourism: this committee is developing the marketing of the Manchester area as a great place to visit.

The bottom line… We do the things most people think just happen.

BENEFITS & SERVICES

Agricultural Affairs and Ag Tours
Ag Appreciation Luncheon
Annual Awards Reception
Business After Hours
Chamber Ambassadors
Chamber Membership and Networking Directory
Chamber Gift Certificates / Chamber Bucks
Chamber Monthly Newsletter
Christmas Promotion and Window Walk
City, County and State Maps
Commercial and Retail Development
& Task Forces
Community Resource Center
Community Tourist Information Center
Community Quick Reference Guides
Community Clubs and Organizations List
Developing Dynamic Leaders Program
Downtown Incentive Program
Education - School to Work & Career Fair
Elected Officials Luncheon
Farm Safety Program
First Dollar Awards
Golf Outing
Hot Line - Emergency Calls
Industrial Relations, Industry Tours & Seminars
Information on State and Federal Grants & Loans
Liaison with Small Business Development Center
Liaison with IA Dept. of Economic Development
Long Distance Phone discount program
Membership Visitation Program and Plaque
Professional Staff Luncheon
Publish Delaware County Records Weekly Bulletin
Publish Dubuque County Records Weekly Bulletin
Retail Promotions and Events
Small Business Start-up Assistance
Telephone Directories
Visitors Guide Brochure
Wage Survey Information
Manchester Web Site Links

Members of:
Association of Business and Industry (Iowa ABI)
Iowa Chamber of Commerce Executives (ICCE)

CHAMBER PRIORITIES

Agriculture: to strengthen the rural/urban relationship and to promote the importance of agriculture to our area.

Communications: to create and maintain community partnerships and to serve as the organizational vehicle for area groups, businesses and residents.

Community Enhancement: to promote and encourage businesses and residents to maintain and enhance the appearance of community property.

Education: to promote youth leadership, community service and career opportunities through cooperation with area schools.

Historic Preservation: to encourage the visual quality and historic role of the downtown area with design guidelines.

Information: to serve as the hub for community and business information through Chamber publications, new resident/relocation packets and the Manchester web page.

Leadership Training: to develop dynamic community leaders by sponsoring leadership training sessions.

Retail: to encourage cooperation while also continuing to promote and create activities that will strengthen the retail climate in our area.

Retail Revitalization: improving the retail areas by retention and recruitment of businesses and the marketing of Manchester as a destination through incentive programs.

Tourism: to develop marketing materials that will promote area attractions and events.