Membership Growing in Kent Business Group

The renewed business interest in Kent is trickling down to the , which saw another big year for membership in 2011.

The business advocacy group will end the year with 255 members. This year marks the second year in a row the chamber has more members than the previous year. In 2010, 245 businesses were members, and in 2009 the group had 176.

Lori Wemhoff, executive director of the KACC, attributes the increases in membership in part to the economy, which has rebounded somewhat since 2009 when the chamber had one of its lowest membership years.

"I think there is generally a growth in interest in being in the chamber," Wemhoff said. "I think with the economy the way that it has been, people are looking for opportunities to network. I definitely think that’s what the chamber provides."

And it's those chances to meet with other local businesses that Wemhoff also credits with keeping interest in the chamber strong.

The chamber hosted or organized 54 events in 2011, and that averages to almost five a month. The events range from ribbon cuttings for new businesses, breakfast and lunch gatherings, business after hours held at established companies and special events like the and the annual .

Like membership, attendance at the monthly luncheons and breakfasts has increased. Average attendance at the luncheons this year was 70, up from 64 in 2010, and average attendance at the breakfasts rose from 54 in 2010 to 78 this year.

Wemhoff credits some big-name local speakers with drawing in big crowds, including , Kent State University football coach Darrell Hazell in August and then-basketball coach Geno Ford in January.

"We’re always trying to provide different ways to get people involved, and it seems to be working," she said. "I try to explain to (potential members) the advantages of networking, the support of the chamber. You’ve got 255 businesses of all sizes."

And it doesn't hurt that local businesses , the , and all benefit — as members — hosting the rotating lunch and breakfast events.

The increased membership has added benefits, including a boost in scholarship money.

Wemhoff said the chamber awarded to graduating seniors this past May thanks to big crowds at kick-off and tip-off fundraising events held before Kent State football and basketball games. In the past, the scholarships have been $500 each.

Add it all up, and the Kent chamber could be en route to another big year. For 2012, the chamber already has 11 new members. And more new businesses, or potential members, will be opening up in the next year and a half as the finishes and the rest of Acorn Alley II opens up.

Wemhoff said she expects a slight bump in membership as new businesses come to town to take up residence in the new construction.

"If I’m doing my job there will be," she said. "People want to get involved and they want to meet people. I think, and I hope … they see the chamber of commerce as that tool for them."