At one point I was completely against joining a chamber of commerce as I saw it as an expensive chicken lunch once a month and cheesy name tags but thanks to the Westfield Chamber and recent years, it has changed my mind.  Several years ago I joined the chamber board and was excited to see as Jack Russell took over as Director, to make some really progressive changes and since then Steve Latour, who has taken it to the next level.  We now have an engaged and relevant business community working for its members while providing great content for Westfield.  So below are my 3 reasons you should call Steve at (317) 362-5655‬ or email him directly at slatour@westfieldchamberindy.com to sign up today. 

Networking – Remember when you would go to a luncheon or coffee and see the same people as last weeks meeting? It was a waste of time and you were paying to be there, so it was a frustrating process.  Today the Westfield Chamber has done a good job of hosting some great networking events like the YPN coffees or the informative luncheons.  They also do great with connecting businesses as we inquire about new members and who may be a good referral.  I am a big fan of great events that have the ability to grow my business and help others, which is exactly what the Chamber has been doing quite well.

DWA – Downtown Westfield is the heart of the community and as hard as we have tried to move our downtown north and west with development, it has held strong so far.  The Downtown Westfield Association is an organization, managed by chamber staff that focuses on the central business district and being an advocate for current and future businesses.  They also put on the best events in our city as well as part of the planning for the downtown.  The DWA holds an annual event, the Dinner Party on Union and it is the largest single day fundraiser in they city.  The money goes towards special projects like the Christmas in Lights decorations and the new SR 32 streetscape planning.  The DWA is also heading up some new strategic planning for downtown connectivity and economic development modeling.  They also handled events like the Farmers Market, Party on the Patio and numerous other fun ways to connect.  When you join the Chamber you can also be a part of the DWA making it a real double opportunity for you to be engaged.

Community Engagement – It is easy to say “whats in it for me” or writing off those you may meet at these events, but I see it as an honor to be able to help a new colleague make a connection.  One of the way these organizations work is that there are several tiers of attendees, from the person that started a job that day to the CEO with 30 years of experience.  We badly need both and all in between to have a successful business community.  If you have any experience or leadership skills, the Westfield Chamber is a great place to exercise them.  You would be surprised how important an email intro can be or taking the time to have coffee with a new sales person, but also how rewarding it can be personally.  

So whether you are just starting in business, retired or charging hard up the corporate ladder, joining and participating in your local Chamber is as important as ever.  I would encourage you to start by contacting the Westfield Chamber and asking questions on how to get started.  If you are a small business with a store front or location you can sign up for the basic membership and begin making an impact locally.  If you put some effort into it it will be one of the best professional decisions you can make.  #bestfield

Curt has been in the Indianapolis Real Estate business for over 15 years and spent his first years learning all aspects of commercial management and brokerage.  He has had great success in managing existing commercial projects and new retail and office developments.  Curt specializes in building owner representation and purchases in the Westfield Indiana market as well throughout the Indianapolis Metro area.  Curt is passionate about growing the local Westfield community and in his free time  volunteers with Student Impact and raising 2 children with his wife Jennifer.