NCCCC program guide 2015

Emerging Enterprise Center (EEC)In 2008, the Chamber opened the Emerging Enterprise Center (EEC). The EEC is a small business

incubator program that provides affordable rental space and services to early stage companies seeking to expand and create new jobs in New Castle County. The EEC is co-located with the Chamber’s offices and has12,000 square feet available for early stage companies. Since the program started, the 24 incubator companies have created over 105 new jobs and we estimate that the companies have generated total revenues of over $21 million.

The Chamber is seeking sponsorship support to helpcover the costs of operation and technology services for incubator tenants. Sponsorship recognition will include the sponsor’s name on all related marketing material, and it can also include “naming rights” for various areas and rooms in the EEC. This innovative program provides anoutstanding opportunity to support economic growth in New Castle County.

INVESTMENT:Gold: $10,000Silver: $5,000Bronze: $2,500

Economic Forecast Luncheon………………………………………………………….February 13 The Chamber will recap the economic activities of 2014

and discuss the potential outlook for the County’s economy in the upcoming year. The annual Economic Forecast event will also feature a panel of local business experts to discuss economictrends in the county. The Economic Forecast Luncheon hasbecome quite popular, in fact, last year the event sold out.

INVESTMENT:Gold: $2,500Silver: $1,500Bronze: $500

Economic Development Luncheon……………………………………………………..October 15 Inaugurated in 2012, this annual luncheon event gathers

Delaware business, community and political leaders to celebrate economic development successes for the year, to hear from a featured keynote speaker, and to support the Chamber’s ongoing economic development efforts.


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E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P

Cutting Edge SeminarGroundbreaking research, revolutionary

manufacturing technologies and multi-disciplinary processes are being developed right here in New Castle County, Delaware. This seminar series shines a spotlight on companies that are doing cutting edge work right here in our own back yard. Past topics have included bioinformatics, nanotechnology, fuel cell technology, and solar energy.


Chamberpalooza IV…………………………………………………………………….February 20As we move into 2015, the Chamber is pleased to host Chamberpalooza at World Cafe Live at The Queen

in Wilmington. What better way to kick off the New Year and raise funds to support the activities of theEmerging Enterprise Center, than by enjoying an evening of rock and roll? This year, we are hosting a battle of the bands featuring local musicians who will compete to win the title of “2015 Official Band of the Chamber.” Make plans for a great office party tochase away the winter blues!

INVESTMENT:Presenting Sponsor: $5,000Band Sponsor: $3,000Palooza Sponsor: $1,500

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O P M E N T P R O G R A M S O P M E N T P R O G R A M S

Over the last few years, the Chamber has revamped its business education activities into a coordinated Business Education Program that is tailored to meet the needs of our members in today’s ever changing technology-based environment. We have continued to fine tune our outstanding workshops and seminars to provide the most access and value to our members.

Business Education SeriesThis year, the Chamber is offering the opportunity for a company to be the sponsor of the entire Business

Education Series, which would include the Business Fundamentals Workshops, the very popular Finding YourNext Customer seminars and the Non-Profit Forums. This sponsorship would provide an ongoing opportunity toreach the small business market and create consistent visibility every month. We are also offering the opportunityto sponsor just the Business Education Programs or the Non-Profit Forums or an individual event..INVESTMENT:

Entire Series: $7,500Business Education Sponsor (Business Fundamentals & Finding Your Next Customer): $5,000Non-Profit Forums: $2,000Individual Event: $500

Business FundamentalsThe Chamber’s bimonthly Business Fundamentals

series tackles those nuts-and-bolts aspects of running a business that everyone has to master. With an expertspeaker and a smaller class size, we tackle the toughstuff – including pricing strategies, cash flow issues,business valuation, and tax loopholes. We strive to deliver key takeaways and additional resources to get business owners and employees out the door and back to work with solutions in hand.

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B U S I N E S S E D U C A T B U S I N E S S E D U C A T

Finding Your Next CustomerMarketing, networking, and social media

are the themes of Finding Your Next Customer,a series focused on helping attendees grow their business. Combining marketing experts from Delaware firms and knowledgeable, local practitioners, these seminars deliver timely, battle-tested best practices on everything from Search Engine Optimization to social media 3.0, setting each topic in a strategic context that allows businessowners to work smart, not hard, to grow their business. This series includes valuable seminars plus networking!

Non-Profit Forum (4 times per year)The Chamber has over 90 non-profit

organizations as members and we know that operating a non-profit organization in today’s challenging economic climate requires a number of special talents and a solid connection with the business community. The Non-Profit Forum provides the opportunity for our nonprofit members to come together to obtain valuable information and promote the mission of their organization.

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Policy Makers, Movers and Shakers…………………………………………… (year-round)To provide our members the opportunity to

meet and engage in dialogue about the issues that matter to them, the Chamber will host a series of events featuring key elected officials from all levels of government. Speakers for this series include members of the Delaware Congressional Delegation, the Governor, the County Executive, and panel discussions featuring Senior State Legislators and Committee Chairs.


A Day on Capitol Hill ……………………………………………………………………..May 19 Each year, the Chamber hosts a delegation of New Castle County business leaders

on a day long visit to Washington, D.C. to meet with our congressional delegation and national issue leaders. After a day on the Hill, a reception will be held which provides an opportunity to network with other business and government leaders from our region. A Day on Capitol Hill is an excellent opportunity for members to visit our nation’s capitol and hear directly from the members of Delaware’s Congressional Delegation and their senior staff about major policy issues.


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G O V E R N M E N T A F F A I R SG O V E R N M E N T A F F A I R S

Annual Dinner……………………………………….………………………………………….March 23 The Chamber’s Annual Dinner provides our members access to elected officials and a great opportunity

for networking. Each year, we have a featuredspeaker from the world of business or politics, andpresent awards. This is the Chamber's largest event of the year and draws a crowd in excess of 750. The Annual Dinner will be held in March and for thefourth year in a row, we will announce the winner ofthe "Swim with the Sharks" video pitch competitionwhere the winning early stage company will receivestart up funding for their business. You do not wantto miss the opportunity to be part of thisoutstanding and memorable evening..INVESTMENT:

Speaker: TBDGold: $8,000 Silver: $5,000 Bronze: $3,500 Coffee/Dessert: $1,500

25th Silver Anniversary Entrepreneurial & Business Women’s Expo…….November 12This popular event provides educational opportunities

for attendees while expanding foot traffic for sponsors and vendors. The Expo is designed to motivate and inspire business women at all levels, build lasting relationships, and embrace all opportunities! Attendees, exhibitors and sponsors are provided with endless networking opportunities, outstanding educational workshops, a business resource center and motivational programs. There are over120 exhibitors and over 600 attendees.

INVESTMENT:Gold: $5,000Silver: $3,000Bronze: $1,750Success Hour: $1,500

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S P E C I A L E V E N T S S P E C I A L E V E N T S

Chamber Awards Luncheon……………………………………………………………………May 7Celebrate business success by honoring the Entrepreneur

of the Year with the County Chamber! Each year, the Chamber recognizes a local business owner who has not only succeeded with their business, but has demonstrated that the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in New Castle County. The Entrepreneurial Advocate of the Year award, Ambassador of the Year award and several other recognition awards are also presented. The lunch attracts over 300 attendees.


Chamber Charity Golf Outing…………………………………….…………………………. June 5In 2015, the Chamber

will be holding its 9th annualChamber Charity ChallengeGolf outing. A portion of theproceeds will be donated to

a Chamber non-profit. Past recipients have included the Alzheimer’s Association, United Way, member fire departments, Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, Ovarian Cancer Foundation, Bear Babe Ruth Little League, Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County and Delaware Kids Fund.

INVESTMENT:Event Sponsor: $5,000Gold: $3,000Silver: $1,500Bronze: $750

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S P E C I A L E V E N T SS P E C I A L E V E N T S

The Networking Program provides a wide range of options by offering networking at lunch time, mid-afternoonand evening. There are also several special networking events (Speed Networking and Mega Marketplace) for ourmembers to connect with their next customer.

In total, there are 30 separate networking events that can provide sponsors with an outstanding marketing opportunity to reach the small business market. Sponsorship of networking events can include display tables, presentation time at the event (when appropriate), tickets to each event and the opportunity for promotional give-aways at individual events. The Chamber will also include the presenting sponsor’s name on all printed and digital material, and signage at the event.

Presenting Sponsor (30 events throughout the year)The Chamber has already selected dates and locations for many of the networking events and we are

seeking one company to be the sponsor of the entire Networking Program. This sponsorship would provide an ongoing opportunity to reach the small business market and create consistent visibility. Over 5,000 business people participated in the Chamber’s networking program last year.

INVESTMENT: $5,000

SpringFest …………………………………………………….…………………………………April 16This is a mini trade show that features over 30 vendors and attracts over 300 people. The SpringFest

kicks off the Chamber’s official spring season and provides a great opportunity for those warm weather businesses such ashome improvement and landscaping companies to get a jump on their spring sales while providing our members access to awide range of products and services. A portion of the proceeds from the Silent Auction will be

donated to a Chamber charity organization.

INVESTMENT:Gold: $1,000Silver: $500Bronze: $250

Rockwood Ice Cream Festival………..…………..…………………..…………………. June 27 - 28Experience family fun for children of all ages at the Old Fashioned Ice Cream Festival at Rockwood.

Featuring vendors, live music, local restaurants, eco-crafters and local creameries serving the region's bestice creams, you won't want to miss this! The Chamberwill be offering opportunites for our members to pur-chase discounted vendor booths at the event.

INVESTMENT:Call (302) 294-2062 for opportunities.

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Crab Cakes & Craft Beer Fest………..…………….…………..……..…………..September 10 Join the Chamber for our first Annual Crab Cakes & Craft Beer Fest featuring local and regional craft beers

to wash down your favorite summer picnic foods. Enjoy music, entertainment and best crab cake contest!


WinterFest: Tabletop & Networking Expo………..……………..…….………December 10Join New Castle County Chamber of Commerce staff,

ambassadors, family and friends for a table top holiday mixer at itsfinest! There will be complimentary hors d’oeuvres, cash bar and aFANTASTIC silent auction to benefit a non-profit member. There isplenty of room for exhibits and vending of holiday gifts. What a perfect way to start celebrating the holidays and the end of the year!


Network at NightHeld at various locations throughout the County from

5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, the Network at Night format offers ahappy hour atmosphere with light hors d’ oeuvres and a cashbar. Network at Night has developed a very solid following of attendees who take advantage of the opportunity to exchangebusiness cards and expand their business network. The “happyhour” atmosphere has become very popular and attracts be-tween 100 to 150 attendees.

INVESTMENT:Entire Series: $1,000Individual Mixer: $150

Network at Noon Held at various venues throughout the County, the noon

time period has attracted between 75 to 100 people at each mixer. By holding this “business card” exchange during the lunchhour, it allows our members to maximize the use of their time.

INVESTMENT:Entire Series: $1,000Individual: $150

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Mid-Day Networking Mixer The Mid-Day Mixer has been added to provide our host

venue the opportunity to participate in the Chamber’s NetworkingProgram without interfering with a busy lunch or dinner time. Overthe last two years, the Mid-Day mixers have allowed our hosts toshowcase their venue, and provided another great opportunity forour members to connect with their next customers. Attendance atthe Mid-Day Mixers ranges between 75 to 100 attendees.

INVESTMENT:Entire Series: $1,000Individual Mixer: $150

Mega Marketplace………..…………….………..……….………..…………….………OctoberA unique format for a business to meet 80 to 100 other

businesses in half a day; this high speed networking format hasproven to be very popular and sells out quickly. This program isa great opportunity for our sponsors to get in front of a highlymotivated group of local businesses. The Chamber will providethe sponsor with a table top display, the opportunity for the distribution of promotional material, and the opportunity tomake comments at the event.

INVESTMENT: $250

Speed Networking (3 times per year)………..……………………………………Feb/April/JulyIt’s like speed dating for the business world! Get ready to make 24

new contacts in just 90 minutes! Participants will have the opportunity to share a two-minute conversation with the person seated opposite witheach rotation: one side of the table remains seated and the other side rotates to the right. At the close of the event, participants are encouragedto stay and further build on their new found relationships.

INVESTMENT: Entire Series: $800Individual Mixer: $250

Women into Networking (W.I.N.) (4 times a year)………..……………March/May/Aug/OctAs a supporting program for the Chamber’s Business

Women’s Expo, the Women into Networking Program (WIN)provides business women with an exclusive opportunity to expand their personal and business network at a mixer that includes networking and a brief educational presentation. Attendance at the W.I.N. events has averaged about 75 women.

INVESTMENT:Entire Series: $800Individual Mixer: $250

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2015 Sponsorship Summary

SPECIAL EVENTS

Annual Dinner Speaker: TBDGold: $8,000 Silver: $5,000Bronze: $3,500Coffee/Dessert: $1,500

Business Women’s ExpoGold: $5,000Silver: $3,000Bronze: $1,750Success Hour: $1,500

Chamber Awards Luncheon Gold: $3,000Silver: $1,500Bronze: $750

Chamber Charity Golf OutingEvent Sponsor: $5,000Gold: $3,000Silver: $1,500Bronze: $750

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS PROGRAM

Policy Makers Speaker Series Gold: $3,000Silver: $1,500Bronze: $750

Day on Capitol HillGold: $3,000Silver: $1,000Bronze: $500

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Economic Forecast Luncheon Gold: $2,500 Silver: $1,500Bronze: $500

Economic Development LuncheonGold: $2,500 Silver: $1,500Bronze: $500

Emerging Enterprise CenterGold: $10,000 Silver: $5,000Bronze: $2,500

Cutting Edge SeminarGold: $2,500 Silver: $1,500Bronze: $500

Chamberpalooza IVPresenting: $5,000Band: $3,000Palooza: $1,500

NETWORKING PROGRAMPresenting: $5,000

Spring FestGold: $1,000Silver: $500Bronze: $250

Winter FestGold: $1,000Silver: $500Bronze: $250

Rockwood Ice Cream FestivalCall (302) 294-2062 for opportunities.

Crab Cake & Craft Beer FestGold: $1,000Silver: $500Bronze: $250

Network at NightEntire Series: $1,000Individual Mixer: $150

Network at NoonEntire Series: $1,000Individual Mixer: $150

Mid-Day NetworkingEntire Series: $1,000Individual Mixer: $150

Mega Marketplace Individual Event: $250

Speed Networking Entire Series: $800Individual Mixer: $250

Women into NetworkingEntire Series: $800Individual Mixer: $250

BUSINESS EDUCATION PROGRAM

Entire Series: $7,500Business Education: $5,000Non-Profit Forums: $2,000Individual Event: $500

Documents

NCCCC program guide 2015