LACC conducts member drive

LYNN ? The Lynn Area Chamber of Commerce is conducting a membership drive and volunteers are needed to make sure the initiative is a success.Team captains and teammates are wanted, along with volunteers to staff a phone bank capable of handling 16-20 lines, according to David Solimine Jr., the chamber’s new membership chairman.March Member Madness is slated for March 26 and 27, when the chamber will holds its phone-a-thon.”Team captains along with teams of three or four are needed for one 3.5-hour shift in the morning or afternoon,” he said. “We’re also searching for an appropriate location to host that has 16-20 phone lines. If you love the thrill of competition, then we need you.”According to the chairman, the more memberships sold, the bigger the prize and media promotion earned for the team. “This is a great way to promote your business, network with other members, and help the LACC,” he said.Current team captains are Robert Fennell from the Capitol Diner, Thomas Donahue from National Grid, Susan Kreamer from Eastern Bank, Ann Mannion form Century Bank, Todd Gaito of Wayne Alarm, Lucy Dearborn of Lucia Lighting, Betty Melville from Sovereign Bank, Christine Pierce of Columbia Insurance, Harold Mindel from Metro Credit Union, Andy Giller of New Angle Glass, Al DiVirgilio of DiVirgilio Insurance, Vinnie Williams from Jazzy Sportswear, Chris Bibby of Bibby Real Estate and Nick Sarantopoulos from the Community Credit Union. After March Member Madness has come and gone, the LACC will still need help identifying new member prospects, said JoAnn Power, LACC communications director. “Network your own business while bringing new members into the chamber! You’ll be recognized for your hard work and we’ll make sure this committee has fun,” Power said.Current members of the Membership Committee are Solimine, Giller, Dearborn, Gaito and Maryanne Blatsos.The chamber is also planning a series of Business After Hours events that will be held the first week of the month. Monthly sponsorships cost $250 and include the business name and logo on all materials promoting the event, including newspaper advertisements, Web sites and e-newsletters.To reserve a sponsorship, call the chamber at (781) 592-2900.The chamber is also looking for members to join its Ambassador Committee. “If you love networking your business, meeting and greeting people, and having your picture taken, then this committee is for you,” said Power. “With a few simple phone calls, ambassadors will be responsible for organizing and attending our blue-ribbon cutting ceremonies that welcome members to our chamber family. In addition you’ll become the friendly face of the chamber meeting and greeting members as they walk into our Business After Hours and Breakfast Forum events. You’ll be the hero helping members connect with other members and making sure that no one is left on the sideline.” The Ambassador Committee does not need to meet formally in committee and can communicate via email for most planning, according to Power, noting most ambassadors should plan to attend at least 75 percent of the meetings.