Make the Most of Your Chino Valley Chamber Membership in 2026

Your Membership Action Plan

Often times we ask our Chamber members how we can better support them and their business and often their response is something we already do for our members. We recently posted a YouTube video to make sure our businesses are aware of all the opportunities you can take advantage of as a member of the Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce. 

To make it simple, we created a Membership Action Plan and a Transformational Membership Action Plan—a practical checklist of the most valuable ways to turn your membership into real results in 2026. In a recent Chino Valley Business Beat interview, I sat down with Chamber members (and our team) to highlight what is working for them and how you can apply it immediately.

Watch the video How to Make the Most Out of Your Membership with the Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce in 2026 here – https://youtu.be/pASl6-7qA3Y?si=uQGcsAYVovoAErcf

Below is the plan—broken into clear steps you can take this month.

1) Start With a CEO Appointment (New Members)

When a new member joins, one of the first things we do is invite them to schedule a quick onboarding conversation with me. The goal is simple: align your membership with your business goals so you know where to focus.

During that conversation, I ask four questions:

• Tell me about your business.
• Why were you considering joining?
• How can the Chamber best help you?
• How can you support the broader business community?

Member spotlight: Brian Panamakathan (Photography/Video/Marketing) shared that this conversation helped clarify what he wanted out of the Chamber and highlighted opportunities he could immediately plug into—especially the Ambassador Program and Leadership Program. He also spoke to the value of a Chamber that is future-focused and willing to test new ideas (including technology and new formats for engagement).

Action step: If you are a new member (or if it has been a while), schedule a check-in. A short conversation can save you months of guessing.

2) Get Involved in a Chamber Committee (Relationships Multiply Here)

If you want deeper connections and faster momentum, committees matter.

Member spotlight: Emilee Sutherland joined after attending a Women’s Council event and immediately noticed a different tone—more relational, more welcoming, more intentional. She chose to get involved because working with people builds stronger relationships than simply meeting them once.

She also highlighted something important: committees are where you help shape outcomes. When you are part of planning an event or program, you are automatically building trust and credibility with other leaders.

Action step: Choose one committee tied to a major event or initiative and raise your hand. Consistent involvement compounds quickly. (Link to Volunteer Opportunities Page)

3) Use the Events Page and Attend Strategically

You do not need to attend every event to get value. You do need to attend intentionally.

Member spotlight: Ini Udott (California Bank & Trust) explained her system:

• She checks the Chamber events page regularly.
• Registers early.
• Adds events to her calendar.
• Shows up ready to connect.
• Follows up afterward.

The key takeaway: events create the first touchpoint, follow-up creates the relationship.

Action step: Pick 1–2 Chamber events per month that match your goals in 2026—networking, learning, visibility, or hiring.

4) Follow Up After Events (This Is Where ROI Happens)

A common mistake: collecting business cards and never reaching out.

Ini shared that she intentionally follows up after meeting someone:

• “We met at this Chamber event…”
• “What does your availability look like?”
• “Let’s connect outside the Chamber and learn how we can support each other.”

That approach builds real trust, which matters in every industry—especially in services, finance, and high-consideration decisions.

Action step: After your next Chamber event, follow up with three people within 48 hours.

5) Join the Leadership Collaborative (High-Trust Network)

Our Chino Valley Leadership Collaborative is a 10-month program designed to connect leaders across industries and help them build meaningful relationships outside of their usual circles.

Team spotlight: Julia Cabrera shared what makes it powerful:

• Leaders from different industries learn together.
• Participants tour organizations and meet executive teams.
• Members complete a community good project.
• The relationships often lead to collaborations, business growth, and long-term partnerships.

The real value: it shifts membership from transactional to transformational.

Action step: If you are interested, reach out to our team to get on the interest list for the next cohort – https://www.chinovalleychamber.com/chino-valley-leadership-collaborative/

6) Participate in Roundtables (Help Shape Local Solutions)

Roundtables bring business owners together—often by industry—so we can identify challenges, trends, and opportunities, then coordinate solutions with partners like Chaffey College.

Julia shared how these conversations:

• Help education partners align training with real workforce needs.
• Create collaboration within industries.
• Generate actionable follow-up, not just discussion.

Action step: Watch for industry roundtables and attend when one aligns with your business. If your industry is not represented yet, tell us – https://www.chinovalleychamber.com/roundtables/

7) Engage in Advocacy (Start With the “Affairs” Part)

Advocacy is not just politics—it is problem-solving.

Julia explained that Chamber advocacy starts when a business says:

• “This issue is impacting my company.”
• “Here’s what we’re seeing in our industry.”
• “We need help navigating a challenge.”

From there, our role is to convene, listen, and take action—sometimes through policy, sometimes through partnerships, sometimes through practical support.

Action step: Attend a legislative webinar, join the Sacramento trip – https://www.chinovalleychamber.com/sacramento-trip/, or bring an issue to our team so we can help route it – https://www.chinovalleychamber.com/advocacy-and-policy/

8) Use Workforce Development Resources (Funding May Be Available)

Our workforce work exists to help businesses hire and grow.

Team spotlight: Renay Mehta highlighted key opportunities, including:

• On-the-job training funds that may help offset wages for new hires.
• Support for businesses hiring justice-impacted individuals, including dedicated funding opportunities.

If you are hiring in 2026, you should be talking to our team before you post your next job opening.

Action step: If you plan to hire this year, reach out and ask what funding or programs you may qualify for – https://www.chinovalleychamber.com/workforce-development/

9) Share Your Success (Your Story Helps the Whole Network)

We want Chamber members to win—and we want the community to hear about it.

Member spotlight: Dan Munoz (Red Wing Shoes) shared several examples of Chamber-driven outcomes:

• Connections with major employers and enterprises.
• Opportunities to introduce products and services directly to decision-makers.
• Hiring a strong long-term employee after attending a job fair.
• Being connected to key community leaders through the Chamber network.

One of the biggest takeaways from Dan’s story: even if you cannot attend a lot of events, being connected to the Chamber network can still generate meaningful outcomes.

Action step: If something positive has happened because of your membership, tell us. We will amplify it – zwelborn@chinovalleychamber.com

10) Use the Website Tools You May Be Overlooking

Your membership includes visibility tools many businesses never use.

Here are the big ones:

Optimize Your Business Directory Listing

Your listing is not just a profile—it is a credibility tool and an SEO advantage. A well-completed listing helps other members find you and strengthens your online footprint.

Submit Member News for Email and Social Promotion

Depending on your membership level, you may receive opportunities for Chamber email promotions. Use them early in your membership to introduce yourself and build awareness.

Claim Your Plaque and Schedule a Ribbon Cutting

Every new member receives a plaque and has the option to schedule a ribbon cutting—one of the fastest ways to generate local visibility and introduce your business to the Chamber network.

Use Hot Deals and Member-to-Member Deals 

You can promote offers through the Chamber website—either for the public (Hot Deals – https://business.chinovalleychamber.com/hotdeals) or specifically for members (https://business.chinovalleychamber.com/membertomember) 

Download the MemberPlus App

This makes it easier to connect on the go and find nearby Chamber businesses when you are out in the community.

Use the Business Directory to Hire Local and Buy Local

If you are searching for services—legal, marketing, manufacturing, HR support, insurance, and more—the directory is one of the most practical Chamber tools available.

Action step: Log into your member portal this week, update your listing, and explore at least one feature you have never used before.- https://business.chinovalleychamber.com/list

Final Word: Your Simple 2026 Challenge

If you want a practical way to maximize your membership, start here:

1. Attend one event this month.
2. Meet three people.
3. Follow up with all three.
4. Join one committee or program this quarter – https://docs.google.com/document/d/1S8qxEnoHk0ultfbGDjgH_J_PwS6pZf03RSLEz9pYemI/edit?usp=sharing
5. Use the directory to hire or buy local once. – https://business.chinovalleychamber.com/list

That is how Chamber membership turns into momentum.

If you need help identifying the best next step for your business, reach out to our team. We will help you build a plan that fits your goals.

Question for you: What is the one Chamber resource you want to use more in 2026?

Watch the video How to Make the Most Out of Your Membership with the Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce in 2026 here – https://youtu.be/pASl6-7qA3Y?si=uQGcsAYVovoAErcf