Benefits of HABCC Membership
Networking and Fellowship - The HABCC holds about 6 Business After Hours socials per year at members businesses, creating an opportunity for HABCC members to showcase their businesses and demonstrate their hospitality. These events are extremely pleasant and enjoyable occasions. Many members feel that if the HABCC existed only to sponsor the BAH events, the price of membership would be worthwhile.
Business Meetings - The HABCC holds quarterly business meetings per year. These dinner meetings are very informative. Subjects range from our annual legislative report to current items of interest to the Hanover business community. Attendance at the dinners ranges from 100 to 150.
Political Representation - A primary reason for the existence of the HABCC is to represent its members at all levels of government. The HABCC has been extremely effective for over twenty years as the voice of the Hanover business community. The HABCC is prohibited, because of its 501(c)(6) status, from direct support of political candidates. However, HABCC members are active in political elections and have established a reputation as a formidable proponent of business interests.
Government Assistance and Budgetary Oversight - The HABCC works with local and state government to help provide those services and systems necessary to keep Hanover vibrant and future-focused. It has been a major supporter of the new Hanover sewage treatment facility. In addition, HABCC representatives spend many hours each year in oversight and input to the county government budget process.
Government and Public Service Partnerships - The HABCC has established very good relationships with the county government administration, law enforcement, fire and rescue services, and other divisions of the Hanover County government. The HABCC regularly partners with government to create the best possible result for its members and county citizens.
Graffiti Abatement Program - The HABCC believes that graffiti in the county opens the door to more severe crimes. It has worked closely with area law enforcement officials to identify and remove graffiti as soon as it appears. The HABCC maintains a fund for payment for the removal of graffiti.
Hanover Open Golf Tournament - The HABCC held its first charity golf tournament in 2004 with the goal to raise scholarship money to assist Hanover County high school seniors who intend to pursue a college degree in business. The 2006 Hanover Open was held at The Hollows golf club in Montpelier, netting over $3,300 for scholarships to be awarded in the spring of 2007.
Insurance and Other Services - Since the fall of 2003, the HABCC has been a partner in ChamberSolutions, which provides a variety of health, life, disability insurance and other services to HABCC members under advantageous terms and conditions.
HABCC is the County's Largest Business Organization - The HABCC is not only the county's biggest group, with a membership nearing 450, but it also enjoys a membership that is nearly twice that of the other business organizations in Hanover County.
