Beginning today, more than 300 Chamber members will take to the phones as they seek to recruit 500 new members during the Greater Austin Chamber's "Get in the Game" 2005 Membership Campaign Drive. The campaign begins today, April 25, and runs through May 20. During this time, Chamber members hope to recruit new businesses by explaining to them the benefits of being a member.

"Networking with the Chamber has increased my bottom line," said Helene Barnett, Westaff Branch Manager. "In 2005, I will have over a half-million dollars in sales in prospects from the Chamber. I have been to events and received orders for staffing right there! Even if you are a very busy person, you can make time for the Chamber. It is definitely worth your time."

With several major initiatives underway, Chamber membership has never been more valuable. The Chamber is leading regional economic development efforts with Opportunity Austin, an aggressive job creation program aimed at creating 72,000 new jobs and adding $14 billion in positive economic impact by the end of 2008. With examples like Freescale announcing that Austin will be home to its global headquarters, Advanced Micro Devices’ plans to construct a new 825,000 square foot campus, and the decision by Home Depot to locate its Technology Center here, the Chamber is already chalking up success throughout the region. The Chamber's new Entrepreneur and Small Business Owner Council brings small business professionals together to share best practices and operating ideas. The small business initiative is designed to give existing businesses more tools for success in an effort to strengthen the Chamber's voice on behalf of the business community.

"What we have accomplished would not have been possible without the strong support of our members," said Chamber Chair-Elect Tim Crowley, President of Community Banking Group for Frost Bank. "Continued outreach to new membership and talent is a key to our success and the successful operation of the Opportunity Austin plan."

Membership campaigns have proven to be a successful process for increasing membership. Last year, the 2004 "Get on Board" campaign recruited more than 300 new members.