The Rio Vista Chamber of Commerce would love to see past members as well as newcomers coming onto the member rolls, and is offering an incentive to do so. Being a member of the Chamber has special benefits that no other organization can offer.
From June 1 thru Dec. 1, 2020, dues will be reduced by 50% for all businesses wanting to become Chamber members. You can check the various membership levels in our online enrollment form at http://riovista.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Member-Application-141223.pdf
While our offices have been closed during the COVID-19 shelter-at-home orders, the Board has still been active. We have sent out frequent email blasts with information on government programs and advice for small businesses, as well as selling gift certificates good for redemption at our local businesses. We have also been instrumental in updating local publications about “what’s open” in Rio Vista, so residents have the latest information.
While we determined that the Bass Derby & Festival would not be feasible this year due to COVID-19 event restrictions and supply-line difficulties, we are working on a number of ideas for other community-wide events to take place as restrictions are eased. We are also revamping our website so that members and visitors will be able to more easily access vital information.
Watch for another exciting new development–video highlights of Businesses of the Week–which we will be announcing in the next few weeks.
Here is a quick rundown of Member Benefits:
- Major Exposure at Rio Vista Events When we are functioning in normal times, members are offered free booth space at our summertime Sidewalk Saturday events, and reduced prices on space at the weekly Farmers Market and the annual Bass Derby & Festival held each October. Members receive early notification on sponsorship opportunities for all events.
- Website Listing You will receive a free listing in the Business Directory on our website with your logo or photo and a link directly to your website. Our website receives an average of 70,000 hits per month, consisting of people interested in visiting the city and participating in our commerce and daily life.
- Monthly E-Blast Our monthly E-Blast covering chamber activities, business news, mixer dates, a calendar of events each month and general items of interest is emailed to our members. This can publicize services or product discounts that members want to extend to just their fellow members, encouraging business-to-business activity.
- Gift Certificates As a Chamber member, your business can take part in our Gift Certificate program. At the Visitor Center, people can purchase certificates up to $100 in value and use them at any of our participating businesses. Your business would receive the full value of the certificate within 30 days of purchase.
- After Hours Mixers Starting in July, on the third Wednesday of every month, one of our members hosts a mixer so everyone can network with the other businesses in our Chamber. It gives everyone an opportunity to meet new people and visit with old friends while learning about local businesses and what they offer.
- Business of the Month Promotion Each month at our mixers, our members select (by ballot) a Retail and a Service business for the next month. These selections are publicized in articles in the local newspapers, on our website and in our newsletter. Businesses of the Month receives a unique window cling about their special status to display in their storefront windows.
- Visitors Center The Chamber sponsors a Visitors Center at 33 N. Second St., where visitors can find information on local businesses and ask for referrals to member businesses from our volunteer staff as well as purchase our Delta Map and merchandise carrying Rio Vista and Bass Derby graphics. Your business cards and flyers can be displayed and handed out here at no cost to you.
- Community Outreach In order to make other localities aware of all that is going on in Rio Vista, the Chamber pursues a number of outreach activities, including active social media pages and sites, and production of the Adventure Guide to Rio Vista and the Delta annual magazine and the popular Delta Map. We also appear in the Discover Solano and Discover Lodi publications, and interact with other Chambers in the area. Occasionally, we participate in events outside our city, such as the Sportsmen’s Expo in Sacramento. Our members are invited to provide information, materials and displays for these outreach opportunities.
- Rio Vista Map The Chamber publishes a detailed map of the Rio Vista area that is given out free to visitors. It carries advertising from local businesses with special reduced pricing for Chamber members.
- Government Representation Members of the Board and volunteer staff represent business at City Council and Planning Commission Meetings, The Highway 12 Committee, Public Safety and a number of County, State and Federal committees.
