Now What? How to Make the Most of Your Chamber Membership

It’s a question that pops into the minds of most new Chamber members: “Now what?”

As in, now that I’ve joined the Greater Omaha Chamber, what do I do?

Well, the short answer is: Anything. Something. Lots of things. (First, register to attend a Member Orientation.) The longer answer, of course, requires a little more diligence. Think about why you joined. Was it to grow your network? Deepen your connection to the community? Develop as a professional?

With your “why” in mind, look at our 50+ committees and volunteer opportunities. Where do your passions and interests align.

Your current talents and attributes may fit more naturally with certain opportunities. However, don’t be afraid to push yourself outside of your comfort zone. We encourage you to jump into an opportunity that will challenge you both personally and professionally.

To give you a head start, we’ve highlighted some volunteer opportunities below.

Community and Chamber Champions

We Don’t Coast Ambassadors

Are you plugged in to the Omaha scene? Do you constantly find yourself answering DMs from friends about where the best places to eat, drink and be merry are? If so, then consider joining the ranks of the We Don’t Coast Ambassadors. This crew provides recommendations to Omaha newcomers. If you’re new to Omaha, ambassadors will point you in the direction of:

• Great places to eat
• Ways to explore the outdoors
• Neighborhoods to discover
• And other hidden gems that are off the beaten path

The only requirements are that you love our city and want to share it with people far and wide.

The President’s Club

If you’re persuasive, action-oriented and love to connect with people, then this might be the place for you. The President’s Club is an elite group of approximately 20 volunteers that help grow the Greater Omaha Chamber community.

“We are always looking for passionate people who want to get involved and help Omaha and surrounding areas flourish,” said Erik Terkelsen, Chief Sales and Marketing officer, Holidynamics, Inc. “If you love sales and you love having fun, President’s Club is the group for you!”

Dave Johnson, Merchant Advocate, TSYS Merchant Solutions said: “It increases the number of people I know and the contacts I make throughout the community. [It’s] a great way to sharpen your sales skills and develop those new connections.”

By helping to promote the Chamber and grow our membership, the President’s Club plays a vital role in supporting our community’s growth.

Professional Groups

The Landing Crew

The Landing Crew is an exclusive network of corporate talent recruiters and acquisition professionals dedicated to helping Chamber members meet their talent and workforce needs.

Landing Crew members:

• Enjoy peer-to-peer learning by sharing information and best practices
• Create opportunities to recruit individuals to the region
• Serve as resources with others in their field
• Share resumes

In a very real sense, each Landing crew member adds to a rich and growing network of talent professionals. Your orbit of influencers, connections and know-how make the group and Omaha stronger.

YP Council

The Young Professionals Council advises the Greater Omaha Chamber Young Professionals (GOCYP) group. Our YPs are an engaged and energetic group of young professionals. Together, they advocate for change and inspire collaboration between community organizations. New-to-market professionals can count on YPs to introduce them to the metro’s many opportunities for young workers, ages 20-40.

Council members apply and are selected for three-year terms. They meet monthly and represent young professionals at a number of community events.

Commitment to Opportunity, Diversity and Equity (CODE)

Diversity and inclusion are two cornerstones of the Greater Omaha Chamber. As such, these proud principles and enshrined in our Commitment to Opportunity, Diversity and Equity (CODE).

To help the community achieve sustainable growth in the areas of diversity, inclusivity, equity and opportunity, we manage two key initiatives:

• CODE Employer Coalition — This group expands diversity and inclusivity in our workplaces by turning insight into measurable action.
• CEOs for CODE — This group brings business leaders together in their shared commitment to break down barriers and drive change at the executive level.

Remember, you are so much more than “just a member.” Your talents, your passions, your ambitions, they all contribute to making the Chamber a more diverse and vibrant cornerstone of the Omaha community. You make the Chamber great.

So, now what?

Attend a networking event. Participate in professional development programs. Join a council or committee and take advantage of the opportunities they present. Short answer: Get involved!