Imlay City Chamber of Commerce serves the community

Multiple opportunities to be involved with Chamber

 

Editor’s note: The following article was submitted by Imlay City Chamber of Commerce president Sheryl Davis.

IMLAY CITY — Have you ever wondered what the Imlay City Chamber of Commerce can do for your business or how it supports our community?

The Chamber plays an active role in strengthening local businesses and fostering community engagement in many meaningful ways.

Over the past year, the Chamber has responded to numerous inquiries from individuals seeking specific local businesses, helping connect customers with our members. We also regularly share member posts on social media to increase visibility and drive potential customers to their businesses.

Now let’s talk about cash–Imlay Cash. The Chamber offers a convenient and impactful way to support local businesses through this program. Anyone can purchase Imlay Cash from the Chamber and redeem it at participating businesses.

Those businesses then submit the Imlay Cash to the Chamber for reimbursement. This program directly contributes to the local economy without costing participating businesses any out-of-pocket expense.

As a thank-you for membership, every Chamber member received an Imlay Cash certificate to use at a participating business.

The Chamber also provides members with the opportunity to showcase their goods and services at NO COST in the Tri-City Times Spotlight section.

Assistance is even available to help members put their Spotlight articles together. In addition, we have hosted multiple ribbon-cutting ceremonies this year, FREE of charge.

Each accompanied by photos and articles shared on social media and in the Tri-City Times.

Educational opportunities are another key benefit of Chamber membership. We hosted several Lunch and Learn events covering a variety of business-related topics, with lunch provided and FREE to our members.

Our newly revamped website was designed to serve as a valuable resource hub for businesses, and we continuously work to keep members informed about current laws, regulations, and available resources.

This year we also resurrected the ambassador position within the Chamber. This person helps wherever they are needed in areas such as volunteering at events, attending ribbon cuttings, communicating with members, and talking with potential new members. We are thrilled to bring this position back to the Chamber and consider it to be a great asset to our members and the community.

Community involvement remains at the heart of what we do. This year in January, we hosted the annual Chamber Dinner Dance, recognizing individuals and organizations through the Merit Award, Organization of the Year, and Citizen of the Year.

While this is not a free event, it provides a wonderful evening of connection, celebration, dining, dancing, and community pride.

March brought the annual Chamber Auction. An evening filled with fun and great deals. This event is a fundraiser to help with the cost of running the Chamber. A portion of the money raised helps to put on the annual Summer Fest.

In May, Garage Sale Mania returned, offering registered participants increased visibility through a Chamber created map that helped drive shoppers to each sale. This map was available on our Facebook page for anyone interested.

August featured our annual Summer Fest, a FREE community event made possible by countless hours of dedication from committee members and volunteers throughout the year. This event is also FREE to our community with generous sponsorship money from businesses throughout our community.

In September, we hosted the Reality Check Assembly for Imlay City High School freshmen. This interactive event provided valuable financial education, with local Chamber businesses showcasing real-life expenses and everyday financial responsibilities.

Due to its success and positive feedback from students, educators, administrators, and participating businesses, the program will continue on for years to come.

It will also be offered to the senior class in May. Many students shared that they were surprised by the true cost of adulthood. Truly a “reality check.”

October was filled with three impactful events. We kicked things off with the Imlay City High School Homecoming Tailgate, showing our students that the community supports and stands behind them.

This was followed by the Chamber Chili Open at Castle Creek Golf Course which was a day of golf, fun, and fellowship. The month concluded with the annual Merchant Trick-or-Treat event, a FREE community favorite that brought more than 1,500 people into our downtown area.

December wrapped up the year with Winter Fest, another FREE community event featuring a lighted parade, tree lighting, a live nativity, children’s crafts at local businesses, first responder vehicle displays, warming stations, and Lunch with Santa (available for a small fee).

There was also a Kringle Market hosted by the Imlay City DDA.

In addition, the Chamber Board selects a family or organization each year to spread Christmas cheer.

This year, we chose the residents of Maple Vista. Board members personally shopped for, wrapped, and delivered gifts, entirely separate from membership dues. It was a heartfelt experience that brought joy to both the recipients and our board.

As you can see from this year in review, the Imlay City Chamber of Commerce offers numerous ways to support local businesses while remaining deeply committed to community involvement.

If you are interested in becoming a member, please visit our website for more information.

From everyone on the Imlay City Chamber of Commerce Board, we wish you a prosperous and successful 2026.

Sheryl Davis
President of the Imlay City Chamber of Commerce