Page 19 - LRCC FOCUS June 2020

MEMBERS GET MORE

Lansing Regional Chamber Connections Move Online

BY: MICHELLE RAHL, VICE PRESIDENT OF MEMBER ENGAGEMENT, LANSING REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

I REMEMBER A SIMPLER TIME when my daily concerns were the traffic, my most popular ways to connect, grow, and thrive. Our partnership with
email inbox, or what was on the menu for dinner that night. Our current MessageMakers allows us to transition Economic Club online seamlessly.
situation is much different and more complex as we navigate the ongoing The format takes various components of the popular in-person program
realities of the COVID-19 pandemic. and weaved them into an innovative and exciting virtual experience. We will
continue to tweak the program to meet
But the more things change, the more the needs of the membership.
they stay the same. And one business need
that has not changed is the importance of Taking large-scale networking online
relationships and connectivity. We realize is a daunting task, but the technology
now more than ever the value of those available to business leaders allows us
networking events, cups of coffee, and to be agile and innovative. Utilizing the
impromptu conversations. ubiquitous Zoom platform, we were able
to welcome 100 members into a virtual
One of the primary functions of a chamber Member Mixer. Breaking the group into
is to serve as a convener of people, and to smaller breakout rooms mimics the feel
be a trusted source of information. Both of a real networking event and gives
of those needs have been amplified during folks a chance to make a more intimate
the COVID-19 pandemic. We have connection.
provided the most current and needed
information for businesses to take the Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the
next step through the robust and thorough mandated social distancing, the landscape,
Resources page on the Lansing Regional and the way we do things may look
Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) website. different. However, the LRCC is excited
to find new ways to continue to convene
A more fundamental shift was required the Lansing community and still offer a
to meet the connectivity needs of the lineup of speakers who are subject matter
membership, and how to take our successful events and programming and experts, prominent business professionals, and leaders in their respective
shift them to the digital space. Our first efforts were webinars focused fields.
specifically on COVID-19 topics and immediate business needs. The
LRCC’s membership team also launched intimate Chamber iChats to meet We hope the return of Economic Club and our Member Mixers, albeit in
with industry-specific sectors of our members. digital form, signal somewhat of a return to normalcy. We recognize that
it cannot be business as usual, but we all strive to do business as much as
We are most excited about the launch of the virtual versions of the Lansing possible. Until we can see you again in person safely, we look forward to
Economic Club and Member Mixers. These two events are some of our seeing you at an upcoming virtual event! n

5%

Up-front savings on your

workers’ compensation
premium *

Accident Fund offers group discount rates
to members of your chamber of commerce.

FIND AN AGENT NEAR YOU * IA, KS, MO, NC, TN, TX
AccidentFund.com/Groups and WI do not allow for
the 5% up-front discount
due to state filings.

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