In this episode, Kurt is joined by Paul Friedlander from the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce. As the Membership Director, Paul handles all memberships and relationships, past, present, future, and potential, and makes great connections with people in the community. Listen to find out more about how a Chamber of Commerce can potentially be of real value to churches or religious congregations.

Key Takeaways:

[1:19] Kurt welcomes this episode's guest — Paul Friedlander

[2:49] What happens when you join a Chamber of Commerce?

[3:40] Paul shares an example of how his Chamber has helped a church to grow by providing networking opportunities.

[5:05] In today's world, it's important to go out and make relationships, to get people into church.

[7:05] It's about connections — a Chamber of Commerce offers a platform for members of the church to come out and make those connections.

[8:35] Kurt highlights that a ribbon-cutting is a great photo opportunity that indicates the type of relationship the congregation has with the community and vice versa.

[9:55] Paul relates the story of a young girl who joined the Chamber two years ago after recognizing it as an excellent opportunity, and even received a scholarship through her networking efforts.

[12:13] A Chamber of Commerce also offers training and courses for minimal costs.

[13:41] Social media doesn't take over for physical touch.

[15:00] Even email has an art to it. If that is missed, it can confuse things. It is sometimes faster and more efficient to just have a meeting.

[17:54] Once part of the Chamber, both parties will share a give-and-take relationship that is mutually beneficial.

[19:54] When you become a member of a chamber, everybody in your congregation is now considered a member of the chamber.

[21:31] How does the Chamber provide a resource for knowing where there are needs for the community that need to be addressed?

[26:50] Check out the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce online!

Mentioned in This Episode:

God’s Business

God’s Business on Facebook

God's Business: Making Church Leaders Less Stressed and More Effective by Leveraging the Experience of Others, by Kurt M. Glacy

West Pasco Chamber of Commerce