​The Purpose of the Fort White Business Council is to strengthen the economic base of Fort White, advocate on behalf of the business community and enhance the quality of life for our citizens.
The Fort White Business Council helps businesses succeed through education, marketing and networking. Together, we are the conveners and collaborators for business in our region, and we build up our community.

Fort White Business Council Members

How Does The Business Council Help Me Build My Business?

As A New Member: Ask About Your "New Member" Only Benefits

• New Member Recognition: New members are recognized via our Facebook Group which is directly linked to the Lake City-Columbia County Chamber Facebook page. 
• Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies:  Arranged for new and expanding businesses or to announce a new location, these ceremonies are best if scheduled within three months of project completion or business relocation.​  
• Marketing Opportunities: We have a diverse offering of marketing opportunities from print to social media. Currently they include: Press Releases, Website Ads, Monthly E-News Ads, County Map Ads, Coupons & Discounts & more.

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  Accessing Our Network of Partners:

• Defining Your Role:  We want to learn about your business. What challenges are you facing? Where do you see your business in 5 years? How can we partner with you? 
• Time Commitments:  Beyond your financial investment in the Chamber, we want you to engage. For some that may mean participating in committees, for others it is attending networking events and yet others it is all about the marketing. You decide what works for you.
• Being Most Effective:  We like to know what are your expectations of us. How do you define your specific R.O.I. (return on investment)? Name 2 things that we must do to make this investment a smart business decision?
• Networking : After-hours socials are scheduled each month and sponsored by members to provide an opportunity to network with business leaders. This is also an excellent opportunity to showcase your business for other members.
• Community Projects: Get involved in shaping your community. We have a variety of community partnerships in place working on everything from recreation parks to community gardens; from apprenticeships to water conservation.
• Partnerships: We have a broad network of partnerships we have designed and developed specifically to address the needs of our member businesses.

Continuing Your Investment:

• Special Programs:  
• Mailing List:  Current membership mail labels are available to members only.  Fee involved.
• Relocation Inquiries:  Monthly list of selected relocation inquiries, available upon member’s request.
• Demographics:  Available for Columbia County.
• Publications:  Members are invited to stop by for useful publications located in the Chamber office.
• Member Decal :  your membership decal will identify your business as one that supports your community.
• Referral Program : The Chamber refers only to members when responding to inquiries. Promotion through distribution of the membership directory is ongoing throughout the year.
• Brochure Display : Members can display brochures on a space available basis.
• Networking : After-hours socials are scheduled each month and sponsored by members to provide an opportunity to network with business leaders. This is also an excellent opportunity to showcase your business for other members.
• Education: Membership luncheons with topics and speakers pertinent to current issues. (Fee involved)
• Signature Events: Access to our premier business events such as our Chamber Ball, Economic Summit and Leadership Series
• Committees: Want to help us design our benefits, services and programs? Join a committee and share your input.​

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Not only will your membership help you define and Build your business, we also give you the opportunity to define and grow Our community.