Businesses, the public can both win big at Thursday's Chamber Showcase

ROCHESTER - Food, raffles, prizes, information, socializing.

Thursday's Chamber Showcase at the Rochester American Legion is going to have something for everyone, and everyone is invited.

For Greater Rochester Chamber President and CEO Laura Ring, it's the organization's signature outreach event of the year.

"This is the one event that we do each year to let members and prospective members know what the chamber does and has to offer," Ring said last week.

Ring said there will be a table dedicated to each major chamber event throughout the year, as well as a table featuring community news, tourism information and the various chamber committees.

"It's like a trade show for the chamber," she added. "We want to make sure our members know what we have to offer and how they can get involved. And for the public to know about the community and what the chamber can offer."

One specific program would be the Chamber discount cards, which cost $5 and provide discounts at 60 town businesses.

Thursday's 12th Annual Chamber Showcase Business After Hours will be held at American Legion Post #7 at 94 Eastern Avenue in Rochester from 5-7 p.m. The event is hosted by the American Legion Post #7 and event co-sponsors to date include Unitil, Berry Surveying & Engineering and iHeart Media as the chamber's media partner.

There will be several raffles throughout the evening with prizes donated by various Chamber member businesses. One lucky attendee will also win the $500 Grand Prize Raffle, sponsored by D.F. Richard Energy.

Information table sponsors include ConvenientMD Urgent Care, Cornerstone VNA, Cross Insurance-Somersworth, Granite State College, The Homemakers Health Services, TitlePro LLC, The Village at Clark Brook Apartments, Wentworth Home and Yankee Thermal Imaging.

Businesses interested in Chamber memberships are can attend and take advantage of the new member incentives that will be available the night of the Showcase. Current Chamber members can also bring guests that may be interested in joining to the event.

Business that join the Chamber by submitting an application with payment of their membership investment by March 15 will receive savings upon joining including having the normal $25 application fee waived, a free promotional e-blast, an Enhanced Website listing for one year and 2 Chamber Discount Cards to use at a number of businesses.

The Chamber Showcase also educates the public on how the Chamber benefits the community. A Community Information Table will also be available on how the public can utilize the Chamber by obtaining business referrals, area street maps, Rochester community magazines, visitor guides, dining guides, legislative guides, relocation information, and discounts offered with Chamber Discount Cards.

Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy "A Taste of the Chamber," featuring hors d'oeuvres from several member restaurants and caterers including the American Legion Post 7, 110 Grill and Lilac City Grille, Revolution Taproom & Grill and The Castle on Charles.

The Chamber Showcase and Business After Hours is free to attend for Chamber members, non-members, the general public and their guests. It also serves as an informal mixer that provides an opportunity to make new business contacts, renew acquaintances, and meet fellow Chamber members.

To learn more or to register to attend the Chamber Showcase, visit www.rochesternh.org or call the Chamber office at 603-332-5080.

(Material supplied by the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce was used in this report.)