Greater Memphis Chamber

Taylor Ann Carpenter

Why I Joined the Chamber: Building Relationships & Talking Business

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Chamber Referral Month is upon us. This is an opportunity for anyone to recommend local businesses they think should join the Chamber. New members are crucial to the success of the Chamber. We need our local businesses to help us continue the growth of the city. But don’t take it from me. Take it from a new member, Antwanette Crutcher.

Antwanette Crutcher is the founder and CEO of Jasper Float Spa & Wellness Center. The wellness center offers a variety of services from a lymphatic massage to an infrared sauna session to float therapy. Crutcher joined the Chamber in March 2024 and just a month later the Chamber organized a ribbon cutting for Jasper Float Spa & Wellness.

“[It] was a fantastic way to introduce my business to the community and generate excitement.”Antwanette Crutcher Headshot

Though she has only been a member for a few months, Crutcher reflected on her time and expressed the impact her membership has already had on her business and career.

Q: How has your membership benefited your business/your career?

A: “The Chamber’s team has been exceptionally supportive and personable, always willing to go the extra mile to help me connect with other members and resources. The Chamber has provided me with invaluable opportunities to network with other business leaders, city officials, and community members… As a Chamber ambassador, I’ve had the privilege of volunteering at various events, which has helped me build relationships and stay informed about local economic trends.”

Q: What are you looking forward to by continuing your membership?

A: “I’m excited to continue my involvement with the Chamber and explore new opportunities for growth and collaboration. I’m particularly interested in learning more about the Chamber’s initiatives to support small businesses and promote economic development in our city.”

Q: Why would you encourage other businesses to join the Chamber?

A: “I would highly encourage other businesses to join the Chamber because it’s a great way to connect with the local business community, gain visibility, and contribute to the economic vitality of our city. The Chamber offers a wide range of resources and networking opportunities that can help businesses succeed. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to give back to the community and support local initiatives.”

As Crutcher mentioned, joining the Chamber has several benefits. But why should you participate in Chamber Referral Month?

A Chance to Win

This year we have a slew of prizes for those who refer a business. For starters, every referral enters you in a chance to win a yearlong Access Level membership for the Greater Memphis Chamber. On top of that there are five prize packages for the most business referrals, the most member conversions, and the most social engagement. Thank you to the many members who provided us with these prizes. Prizes in these packages include: a Ja Morant signed basketball from the Memphis Grizzlies, tickets to any Theatre Memphis show, Nothing Bundt Cake gift certificate, two tickets to the AutoZone Liberty Bowl game, two Southwest Airlines tickets to anywhere in the United State, a Jasper Float Spa & Wellness CEO Spa Package, and so much more!

Flyer for Chamber Referral Month.
Thank you to our members who provided us with these prize packages!

Refer a Business

Referring a business is easy. Think of your friends, family and people in your network who support regional growth through their business. Think of businesses, entrepreneurs and organizations who may be a fit. Scroll through your contacts, get on Facebook or LinkedIn and see who you know.

Next, use our form to submit your referral. Fill out the necessary information. Be sure you have the name of your contact, their number and email address for the business you are referring.

Hit submit and the rest is up to us! The deadline to submit is October 1st at 11:59 p.m. Winners of the prizes will be announced October 31st.

It takes all of us to grow our city. The Greater Memphis Chamber is dedicated to the advancement of our business community and our city. Join us in our efforts and refer a business today!

3 Takeaways from Launch Tennessee’s 3686 Conference

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LaunchTN hosted their 11th annual 3686 Conference on September 9-11. The conference brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and tech enthusiasts to learn, connect, and discuss the future of technology and innovation. This year the Greater Memphis Chamber had the opportunity to bring a group of small business Chamber members to Nashville, TN.

During this time, our members went to sessions such as “Meet the Mayors” where they heard from the mayors of the four major cities in Tennessee discuss economic development; or “AI for Legacy Industries” where experts discussed how artificial intelligence is providing new opportunities across different industries. Along with learning sessions, there were a plethora of other events including a startup showcase, pitch competition, networking event, and time for one-on-one conversations with other attendees.

There was so much information to glean from at the conference so here are 3 takeaways from the 2024 3686 conference.

  1. Relationship Building is Key in Economic Development.

Who you know is important in every industry, but especially economic development. Panelists at 3686 frequently discussed the importance of knowing people and expanding your network. They referred to it as the “ecosystem” of economic development.

Elizabeth Reid, Consul and Trade Commissioner for the Consulate General of Canada said, “Once you’re in the ecosystem, the ecosystem will carry you forward.”

This means your people know people who might be able to help you in your latest endeavor.3686 pitch competition stage

In that same sessions, “Going Global,” the panelists continued to discuss the ecosystem and how your network can affect your success abroad. Julianne Cox is the Vice President of International Development for Invest Northern Ireland. She explained how part of her role is to connect new businesses with local people such as lawyers and accountants who can help

them navigate the ins and outs of the country.

An event like 3686 is the perfect opportunity to start building those connections of people who know people and are willing to introduce you to those people.

“Great relationships were made, and information flowed from that event,” said Rozell Gray, owner of GXV Global.

Another attendee, Rhonda Lyons, owner of Weeden Financial LLC. said, “I am hoping to contact some of the people I met to gain more insight to help propel my current business.”

Which leads us to our next takeaway…

  1. Stay Persistent.

Imagine this: you are at a business event where you were able to meet with several fellow business owners and people who have the knowledge and resources to help you advance your next project. You exchange a few business cards and enjoy the rest of the event. The next day you reach out to them with an email that says something along the lines of “It was great to meet you. I’d love to further discuss a partnership on this project.” A day goes by—no response. A week goes by—still no word. 2 weeks—nothing. A month—silence. You’re disappointed they never responded to your email, but you moved on in looking for someone else to help with your project.

Where was your mistake? In the follow up.

It is crucial to follow up. In this scenario, you did right by sending the initial email. However, once some time passes with no response, it is nece

ssary to follow up again. Try making a phone call even.

Now say the business deal doesn’t quite work out—the timing wasn’t right. Don’t ditch that contact. Stay in touch! Grab a coffee. Engage with them on social media. Have a conversation with them at the next event.

Patricia McKinney, Director of Small Business and Member Programming at the Chamber said, “Stay persistent when engaging with potential clients—don’t wait for them to call you back!”

"Going Global" session panel at 3686

Persistence doesn’t end with people. Owning a business is hard. You’ll run into challenges. But to be successful, stay persistent.

    1. Tennessee is a Great Place for Entrepreneurs.

Tennessee is a state with so many advantages for business owners and entrepreneurs. Many people recognize Tennessee for its business-friendly climate. From locational advantages to the industry hubs; or tax advantages and a skilled workforce, Tennessee has so many factors that benefit its businesses.

“The resources here are truly empowering for those looking to take their ventures to the next level,” said Larry Robinson, CEO and Founder of Kudzukian and Co-Chair of the Chamber’s Small Business Council.

According to a recent article by CNBC, we are ranked third for economic, seventh for infrastructure and cost of doing business, and eight for workforce allowing Tennessee to rank in the Top 10 for Best States for Business.

Reflecting on experiences like this is crucial to continue to grow your business and career. It is important to take the time to find a few takeaways, but most importantly, apply those takeaways. Knowledge is power, but what is knowledge without action?