Sammamish Chamber sets up new platform to promote local businesses
Even though Sammamish does not have a central commercial district, it has well over 135 small businesses.
To help these businesses get noticed by the public, the Sammamish Chamber of Commerce is launching a new website, Shop Local Sammamish, on Oct. 1. This site will let businesses post their ads, discounts and coupons.
“Shop Local Sammamish will function very similarly to Groupon,” Julie Honn, executive director of the Chamber, said. “The goal is to help build community.”
Honn and her team decided to build the website after hearing that many small businesses within the community wanted one.
“Since Sammamish has a lot of home-based, family businesses rather than brick-and-mortar ones, we’ve had to get a little creative on how to increase visibility,” Honn said. “One of the Chamber members – Ram Dutt, co-founder of Meylah – suggested the idea of a digital business platform.”
Chamber members will pay $10 per month to post on the platform. The non-member fee will be $30 per month.
Shop Local Sammamish will help businesses promote their events and discounts. Additionally, consumers can buy directly through the site, often at a lower price. For an extra, one-time fee of $25, the Chamber can advertise events and discounts on behalf of these businesses.
“The Chamber of Commerce has a pretty substantial social media presence, so we’ll help share deals with a wider audience,” Honn said.
Besides social media, the Chamber will also endorse businesses at local events, such as the weekly farmers market and annual holiday bazaars.
The revenue from these membership fees will go towards supporting the Chamber’s operations.
“The Chamber is a nonprofit. Our funds allow us to host events, give sponsorships, and improve our infrastructure,” Honn said.
So far, 26 out of 135 Chamber members have joined Shop Local Sammamish. Honn hopes to add more businesses to the directory, even those from outside Sammamish. She believes that Shop Local Sammamish can make a considerable difference in improving the business climate.
“Sammamish has a population of around 65,000 that could serve as potential consumers – they just need a place to find these businesses,” Honn said.
Learn more about the Sammamish Chamber of Commerce, and Shop Local Sammamish.
