The Effingham County Chamber of Commerce did more than exceed its goals for its membership drive. The target was simply smashed.

Chamber members signed up 170 new members, surpassing easily the goal of 100 set for the drive, which began just three weeks ago.

“We’re still counting, too,” campaign chairman Michael Lee said.

The numbers also reflect the perception of the Chamber in the community, according to Chamber President Freddy Long.

“It says that people have seen the Chamber in action, and they have trust in the Chamber and what it’s done in the area,” Long said.

Along with the 170-plus members, the Chamber also took in more than $34,000. But the numbers of the new signups is what has Chamber leaders delighted.

“It is indicative of the growing business climate we have in Effingham County,” Lee said, “and of the movers and shakers we have here at the Chamber who want to help make Effingham County a place to do business.”

Long was equally surprised and thrilled by the membership’s drive success.

“It’s a win-win situation for everybody involved,” he said. “It’s going to give us more presence in the community, and they’re going to have the advantages of the programs we have.”

The Chamber is starting an entrepreneur-friendly program, an effort to spur new businesses and aid existing start-ups.
The Chamber also has health insurance packages for small businesses.

“Our health benefits and our entrepreneur friendly initiative are going to help these businesses out,” Long said.
The drive culminated with a two-day “telethon,” an event that pitted Long’s and Lee’s teams against each other, but also fostered a greater camaraderie between Chamber members, Long said.

“All that was good-spirited,” he said.