The Business Before Hours program of the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce serves two purposes:

        -   It allows the Host to showcase its business, services and facilities to the business community

        -   It offers Chamber members the chance to meet one another and network in a casual, relaxed
            atmosphere and usually draws a different crowd from the Business After Hours events.

The following provisions and guidelines have been established to assist in the positive outcome of the Business Before Hours program.

Provisions:

1.        The Host must be an active Chamber member in good standing.  The Business Before Hours event may be co-hosted by 2 or more Chamber members with the permission of the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce.

2.        The guidelines listed must be followed.

3.        The Chamber is responsible for marketing the Business Before Hours event via fax and/or e-mail, the Chamber’s Up and Coming Events and in the newsletter, Return On Investment.  If the Host(s) wishes to send out additional invitations, the Chamber MUST approve it before being mailed.  Invitations will be faxed and/or e-mailed out at least twice to members.  The Chamber’s phone number should be used as the RSVP, (762-2611 x 551).

4.        Host for the Business Before Hours Event:

        $750 Host – The Chamber designs, faxes and/or e-mails the invitation, and provides nametags for the event.  The Chamber will serve as the RSVP center for the event as well. The Chamber will provide the Host a copy of all business cards collected at the door within one week of the event.

Guidelines:

1.        The space where the Business Before Hours is planned should accommodate approximately 100 people.

2.        The parking area should be designated that is adequate, safe and well lighted.

3.        If an outdoor Business Before Hours is planned, an alternate plan must be developed in case of bad weather.

4.        Door prizes are optional; however, attendees enjoy & usually expect the drawings.  The welcome and remarks will begin at approximately 45 to 30 minutes prior to end of event.  Drawings for door prizes will follow.

5.        The Business Before Hours can be held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays from 8-10 am or 7:30-9:30 am. 

Easy to handle finger foods are recommended.  It is very important to have enough food and beverages.  Running out can cause the host great embarrassment. 

6.        The Chamber staff and Ambassadors will handle registration, which includes nametags and collection of business cards.  The Host is responsible for supplying one (1) registration table and trash can for registration.  Following the event, the Member Services Director takes the business cards collected at registration back to the Chamber to review.  After reviewing for non-members, the cards will be mailed to Host for future follow-up.

2008 Agreement

 I have read and understand the guidelines.  By signing this agreement, I am agreeing that my company will host the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce Business Before Hours on the date stated below. 

I also understand there is a $750 Host fee must be paid prior to the event and if cancellation occurs within 90 days of the specified date, my company is still responsible for the Host fee.