About the Programs

Business After Hours Planning Guide

Quality

It is helpful for the host to plan with Chamber staff in order to present a quality event – one that will reflect favorably on the host’s business and the Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce.

Date

Business After Hours is held on the third or fourth Thursday of each month. Be sure to select the month most desirable for you and secure the date as soon as possible.  A signed copy of this agreement is needed to secure the date. Once the agreement is received, the Chamber will review the community calendar and will contact you within five business days to confirm a secured date.

Time

Business After Hours begins at 5:30pm and ends at 7:00pm. Some people arrive earlier than 5:30pm.
You may serve food and beverages as guests arrive. People tend to begin to depart following the program.

Facilities

The host should be prepared to provide a location that is large enough to entertain 50-100 individuals. A location that is accessible and has adequate parking is a positive draw for these events. The Chamber building may also be used if your site does not have adequate space.

Promotional Information

Please provide the Chamber with a 150-word story or promotion about your business and a high-quality logo prior to your event. This information will be used for press releases and website information. The Chamber reserves the right to edit the copy. Your event will be shared on Facebook and on our website to members and featured in our newsletter, “The Good Stuff”. Facebook LIVE coverage will take place during the event.

Invitations

The Chamber will invite each Chamber member via email.

Reception Area

The host is responsible for supplying one small table for reception and registration located near the entrance of the event. Guests will enter their business card for door prize drawings at this location.

Hors d’oeuvres and Beverages

The host is fully responsible for the purchasing and serving of food and beverages.

Door Prizes

Guests at Business After Hours look forward to the opportunity to win door prizes. The host should plan to provide door prizes–preferably 1-2 items that tie in with the host’s business. A 50/50 raffle will be held. The Chamber staff and Ambassadors will assist as greeters.

Program

At approximately 5:45 p.m., the crowd will be quieted for a short program. At this time, a Chamber staff member will recognize the host and a representative of the host may make a few brief comments. Following this, the door prizes will be drawn and distributed. A special 50/50 drawing provided by the Chamber is followed by short Chamber announcements.

Partnering

In the history of Business After Hours, some hosts have chosen to partner with other member businesses in sponsoring the event. This has often worked to the benefit of all involved. In any partnerships, the Chamber requests that one business be the main contact and coordinator. If this is of interest to you, please contact Chamber staff with any questions. The Chamber building may also be used if your site does not have adequate space.

Marketing

Business After Hours is a very popular event, drawing your business peers to you. It is strongly recommended that you take advantage of the occasion to creatively market your business. This can include guided tours of your facility, multiple short demonstrations in various locations, audiovisual presentation, etc. Chamber staff is willing to work with you to suggest ways to showcase your business.

Clean Up

The host is responsible for clean up after the event.