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What is the M2M program?
The Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce M2M program is one of many benefits of Membership in the Chamber. The program has been in existence for years but in a limited format. The Chamber is enhancing and re-launching the Member to Member Benefits Program (M2M) to provide a value added service to our members.

How Does the Program Work?
Participating member businesses provide benefits in the form of discounts for products and/or services, and in turn receive recognition in the form of advertising and exposure and potentially much more business.
Members receive additional benefits with their purchases at participating M2M Chamber businesses by presenting their valid, personalized Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce Membership Card.

Who has cards?
Each Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce member will be issued one personalized card for each vote they hold as per Chamber bylaws. The range is from a minimum of one to a maximum of five per member.
Chamber members can purchase additional personalized cards for their staff at a cost of $10 per card per year. The first issue of cards is expected to be 1000.

What are the advantages for me to provide a benefit?
By participating in M2M your business will receive the following:

• Featured on a dynamic new page on the very active Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce website, abbotsfordchamber.com.  The page will be accessed via a prominent display advertisement on the home page and a banner on the front page of every section on the website.
• Participating member businesses will each have their own listing, complete with logo, outlining the details of their M2M offer including a link to their own website.
• The launch of the M2M program will be the major feature in The Chamber Voice newspaper. The Chamber Voice is distributed to 3800 Abbotsford businesses via Canada Post direct mail. The electronic version is posted on the Chamber website.
• In addition to media releases, interviews and press coverage, the Chamber will place advertisements with local media during the month of September highlighting the program and participating M2M Chamber members.
• Your business will receive an incredible amount of exposure and promotion simply for signing on to the M2M program. On site signage and branding will be developed.
  

The Biggest Advantage for your business is that right from the start ONE THOUSAND Abbotsford business people will have a personalized card identifying them as a Chamber member and qualifying them for the M2M program. The Chamber will work diligently to brand the M2M program and create a strong perception of value which will ensure participation.

Who can participate in offering M2M Benefits?
Any Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce member may provide benefits.
Members of other Chambers of Commerce may participate in the program by providing benefits, as approved by the Membership Committee, provided they do not conflict with Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce members. For example, typically businesses providing accommodation, and food and beverage services in cities such as Vancouver, Kelowna, Calgary or Victoria do not compete with local members.

How do I participate?
You would provide a discount or other benefit to customers that show you their valid Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce Membership Card. Your discount/benefit is listed and promoted by the Chamber as a benefit of your membership.

Once you register and are processed, you will receive an email confirming your participation in the program. You must begin participation at that time.

All Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce members will receive their Member to Member Benefits update monthly via “e-blast” and in The Chamber Voice or upon joining the Chamber.

When does the program start?
The program will begin with a soft launch and issuing of cards in August 2009 and the hard launch will take place during the month of September 2009.

When is the deadline for participation?
You may register for the M2M program at any time. The website, notices and printed materials will be updated as quickly as possible on a regular basis.

If I participate in the program and provide a discount or other benefit, how do I know who to give it to?
Anyone who is a current member of the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce will be issued a membership card and is eligible for any benefits you agree to provide.

Are there any limitations to what I can provide as a benefit?
All discounts and benefits of any kind will be subject to review by the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce. To be a program participant you must offer a minimum of a 5% discount or similar value to be fair for the advertising and recognition your company will be receiving as a M2M program participant.

Am I obligated to provide the benefit forever?
No, you are not obligated. You may cancel your participation at any time, in writing, and your information will be deleted from the program.

What kind of benefit should I provide for Chamber members?
That is up to you: whatever works for your business. Some may choose a straight discount (5% to 30% off any or select purchases) or for others a different kind of benefit such as free delivery, a gift card with purchase over a certain amount, a free 1 year warranty with the purchase of a vehicle, a free system tune up for computers, a free oil change with purchase and so on. You should be comfortable offering your benefit for the entire year.

How do Members find out where to get discounts/benefits?
A complete, up to date list is found on the website at www.abbotsfordchamber.com
A listing will be e-blasted once a month and posted a minimum of quarterly in the award winning The Chamber Voice monthly newspaper.

If someone comes into my business and says they are a Chamber member, but cannot produce a membership card, what should I do?
You are not obliged to provide them your agreed discount/benefit. Members will be clearly advised that the privilege is inextricably linked to the physical card.

I want to participate. What do I do?
To provide a discount or other benefit, complete a registration form, available on line on the Chamber website www.abbotsfordchamber.com , and return to the Chamber.  The most expedient method to sign up is to contact La Vonne Bandsma, Office Manager at 604 859 9651 or email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Program Outline 

Application Form