New Members Learn About Waterford Area Chamber Benefits
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Oct. 2, 2025)
Waterford, MI – Lisa Kentner has gotten a lot of value out of her Waterford Area Chamber of Commerce membership, so much so that she now helps to facilitate orientation lunches for new members. The most recent was held on Sept 17, with a couple dozen in attendance to learn about the benefits.
Kentner is the owner of Marketing Instigators, which helps business owners by finding marketing solutions, so they can spend more time doing the work they are most passionate about.
She was joined by Waterford Area Chamber of Commerce Director Nikki Tippett in giving the presentation.
Tippett explained that the Chamber is a 501c6, which means it’s a not for profit business organization that is privately funded by dues and money raised at events. Their mission statement is “to preserve and promote the vitality and economic growth of the business community in Waterford and the surrounding area.”
Some of the ways they do this include networking events, educational events, and advocating for the business community. They also help to connect members so they may support each other’s businesses.
Sponsorships and volunteer opportunities also help business owners gain recognition. “If you’re getting more attention for your business, hopefully you’re doing more business.” Kentner said.
The Chamber also publishes a Buyers Guide/Community Profile, with 4,000 copies printed and distributed at events, at the library, at Township Hall, local hotels and more. “We’re making sure our members info is out in the community,” Tippett said.
In addition to this printed resource, there is an online business directory. Currently there are over 530 members!
The website also lists a community calendar, job openings, member to member discounts, and ribbon cuttings. This is supplemented by a Chamber eblast where members are welcome to make announcements, or even pay a small fee to do a dedicated email to those on the list.
“You get one new client, and it pays for itself easy,” Kentner said.
While many of the benefits are simple, there is more to be gained by engaging in events and making friends with other business owners and managers. “Just joining and not showing up to things isn’t as helpful as getting involved,” she said.
But networking can be an intimidating. That’s why Kentner dove in with some tips.
“Networking is based on the question ‘How can I help?’ and not ‘What can I get?” she said
She recommended that people go with a smile on their face and a question in their mind to ask others, like “How did you get into business?”
Kentner also suggested having goals in mind, for example finding someone with a certain skill that you might be able to hire.
She also cautioned against trapping people in a corner. Instead, she recommended trying to meet 3-5 new people at the event. And if you go with people from your company, it’s best to split up and make more new connections. Lastly, don’t talk about religion, politics, or the economy.
Once you meet people at events, make time shortly after to do follow ups. Add people to your email list, and reach out to invite them to coffee.
In addition to networking, volunteering can help you get to know even more people, and build up trust in the community.
Kentner has met many customers at Chamber events. So have other members, including those who have made extra time to serve as Chamber Ambassadors. Ambassadors volunteer to help members feel comfortable and welcome at events.
Richard Anderson has been with the chamber for six years. He owns Mobile Notary 2 Go, and is a representative for Legacy Vault which helps people with digital storage of important photographs and documents. He loves being an Ambassador as well.
“Lots of my friends are Chamber members,” Anderson said. “We’re a huge community. Like family really.”
Learn more about the Waterford Area Chamber of Commerce at https://waterfordchamber.org/
