Nashville’s GLBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLBTCC) has established business membership levels and implemented a membership drive with a goal to greatly expand the current membership.

The NGLBTCC board of directors approved the new levels in May and publicly announced them to its membership in June. The levels start at $60 for an individual membership and go up to $1,000 for a business “chairman” membership. 

During the membership drive, which runs July 1 to Sept. 15, new and renewing members will receive a discount - $10 off an individual membership and 10 percent off a business membership.

The NGLBTCC has also announced it will begin printing an annual business directory of its members, which will be distributed year-round at various venues as well as chamber events. The directory will make its debut at the NGLBTCC life, business and career expo in October. Directory listings will be limited to current (paid) members of record as of September 15 only.  Ad space will be available to members and non-members.  Watch O&AN for more details as they are announced.

“We’re pleased to be able to offer membership levels and additional benefits for our members,” said John Wade, NGLBTCC president.

Wade said the organization currently has approximately 150 members and hoped the membership drive would boost that number to more than 225.

“All membership levels renew in October of each year,” Wade added. “Membership levels, fees and benefits are subject to change as deemed necessary by the Board of Directors from time to time. Business membership fees and benefits are prorated according to month joining. Individual members joining in October - March pay the full member rate with benefits through October. Those joining in April - September pay 50 percent of the stated rate, with benefits through October.”

As part of the membership drive, the chamber will offer a 32-inch Magnavox LCD flat-screen TV (with built-in HD tuner and DVD player) to the chamber member who raises the most money during the membership drive. One of three 30 GB video iPods will be offered to individuals who sign up the most new members. One will be given away in a random drawing from all members who bring in at least one new member, and one will be given from a random drawing from all new or renewing members.

“We have some great prizes as part of the membership drive, and we think the chances to win will act as a great incentive for our membership drive,” Wade said.

The new membership levels are as follows:

$1,000 - Chairman Member

• Prominent placement of your logo and link on the Chamber's homepage
• Listing, logo and link on each monthly e-newsletter
• One complimentary exhibit space at the annual GLBT Chamber Expo
• Company logo and Web address included in 12 editions of Out & About Newspaper on the Chamber's news page
• Four complimentary employee memberships; each listed in the member directory; attendance for each at all membership meetings
• Access to benefits of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, such as supplier diversity certification
• 25 percent discount on chamber site banner advertising rates (as well as newsletters and future publications) 

$600 - President Member

• Placement of logo and link on the Chamber's homepage
• 50 percent discount on exhibit space at the annual GLBT Chamber Expo
• Two complimentary employee memberships; each listed in the member directory; attendance for each at all membership meetings          
• Access to benefits of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, such as supplier diversity certification
• 15 percent discount on chamber site banner advertising rates (as well as newsletters and future publications) 

$250 - Boardroom Member

• 20 percent discount on exhibit space at annual GLBT Chamber Expo
• One complimentary employee membership and attendance at all membership meetings
• Listing in the membership directory
• Access to benefits of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, such as supplier diversity certification
• 10 percent discount on chamber site banner advertising rates (as well as newsletters and future publications)

Not for Profit Member

Not for profit organizations can join at any of the three levels with all benefits of that level of membership at a rate discounted by 25 percent.

 $60 - Individual Member

• Along with business members, first rights to exhibit space at the annual GLBT Chamber Expo
• Listing in the online member directory
• Attendance at monthly membership meetings