Posted by bakercounty

Throughout November, Americans are reflecting on all that they're grateful for as the Thanksgiving Day holiday approaches. And with good reason. Studies show that having an attitude of gratitude can reap health, social and career benefits. For business owners, showing appreciation to our clients, customers, suppliers and other vendors will surely reap financial benefits for our companies.
To that end, the Baker County Chamber of Commerce offers these eight great ways to show just how thankful you are to those who help make your business a success.

1. Write a thank you note. Emailed letters are wonderful, but penning a handwritten message and dropping it in the mail adds a personal touch that's largely lacking in business today. 
2. Create a loyalty program that gives rewards to your most reliable customers. This can be as simple as a discount offered on the anniversary of the customer's first big order placed. 
3. Find out which charitable causes your best customers support and give a gift or in-kind donation in their name.
4. Throw a party. Once or twice a year, hold a customer appreciation event such as a wine tasting or family-friendly picnic. 
5. Spotlight top customers with a thank you on your website and social media sites. 
6. Send an unexpected gift, such as a $5 gift card to a local coffee shop or a new book on a topic that may interest a particular customer. 
7. Provide learning opportunities that help your customers better understand and use your products and services for their own enrichment. For instance, a pet grooming business might hold a workshop or webinar on how to make one-of-a-kind pet collars. 
8. Pay it forward. If your clients have businesses of their own, refer them to others who may benefit from their products or services. Or, help connect a customer who has a particular skill or talent with a company looking for new hires.

How do you show appreciation to those who help make your business successful? Post your tips on our Facebook Fan Page.
From all of us here at the Baker County Chamber of Commerce, have a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday.

Posted by bakercounty

This month, all of America honors and celebrates its military veterans. After serving so valiantly in our nation's Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard, many continue being of service to their communities by opening and running successful businesses.
According to the 2007 Census Bureau's Survey of Business Owners, a top source of data on veteran-owned businesses and their owners,

• There were 2.45 million businesses nationwide with majority ownership by veterans.
• Of these firms, 491,000 were employers.
• These veteran-owned firms reported $1.220 trillion in annual sales, 5.793 million employees, and an annual payroll of $210 billion.
• Veteran-owned firms represented 9.0 percent of all US firms.
• Of the survey respondents who were veteran business owners, 8.3 percent had service-connected disabilities.

Research shows that Florida ranks third among the state with the most veteran-owned firms, following California and Texas, and leading New York and Georgia. Industries with the highest veteran-owned firms include:

• Finance and insurance - 13.2)
• Transportation and warehousing - 12.7
• Mining, quarrying, oil and gas - 12.4 percent
• Construction - 11.1 percent
• Professional, scientific and technical services - 10.9 percent 
• Manufacturing - 10.5 percent

In multiple studies and surveys, military service has proven a major factor in American entrepreneurialism. In fact, the self-employment rate for veterans consistently has been higher than that of non-veterans each and every year since 1979 according to data collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Military experience is an even stronger predictor of self-employment than graduate level education. In the private sector workforce, veterans are at least 45 percent more likely than those with no active duty military experience to be self-employed, research shows.
These statistics come as no surprise to us here at the Baker County Chamber of Commerce. Military service invariably reflects a deep sense of dedication to one's community and a commitment to excellence. We salute all of our nation's brave veterans and enjoy helping those returning to civilian life to succeed in their own businesses.
If you're a veteran looking to set up shop in Baker County, contact us at 904-259-6433 to find out how a Chamber of Commerce membership can help you achieve your entrepreneurial goals.