The Member to Member Educational Program aims to address the need for accessible, high-quality professional development opportunities within the Chamber community. It empowers members to deliver educational programming that enriches the skills and knowledge of fellow members while fostering collaboration and mutual growth.

The Chamber recognizes the immense talent and expertise within its membership base. By creating a formalized structure for sharing educational resources, this program provides members with a unique opportunity to showcase their knowledge, strengthen their professional brand, and contribute to the development of the local business ecosystem. Simultaneously, attendees will gain access to valuable insights and practical tools that can positively impact their businesses.

This is a structured, accessible program where Chamber members can submit educational opportunities for review and approval. Approved programs will be promoted through Chamber communication channels, including email, website, and social media. This initiative will not only enhance the professional development offerings for our members but also reinforce the Chamber’s mission of leadership through engagement, advocacy, and partnerships.

Eligibility:

• Must be a current Chamber Member to submit an educational opportunity
• Must fill out the online form for consideration
• Must follow program rules and guidelines

Submission Guidelines:

• Submission for educational opportunity must be forty (40) days in advance of the event (or four (4) business weeks)
  • Please keep in mind of holidays and business closures when submitting
• Educational opportunities should provide value and align with professional development or industry-related learning
• Event dates must be only available on business days and during business hours
  • Breakfast events will be between 7:30-9:00am. Breakfast events must include beverage service and some breakfast options for in-person events.
  • Lunch events will be between 11:30am-1:00pm. Lunch events must include beverage service and a lunch option for in-person events.
  • Afternoon events will be between 2:00pm-3:30pm. Afternoon events much include beverage service and could include snacks for in-person events.
• The Chamber reserves the right to review and approve submissions to ensure they meet quality standards
  • Sales pitches will be denied
  • Any content not aligned with the program’s intent will be disallowed
• Educational opportunities must align with Chamber mission and vision
  • Mission: The GBCC provides leadership through member engagement, business advocacy, and civic partnerships to strengthen our community and business environment
  • Vision: Greater Bloomington will be a vibrant community in which to live, learn, invest, and work with collaborative support from a thriving business sector

Promotion Details:

• The Chamber will promote approved educational opportunities through email, online calendar listing, and social media (content (graphics, copy, etc.) will be provided by the Chamber member)
• Members are encouraged to share the opportunity within their networks
  • These opportunities are exclusive to our Chamber members, however, you may personally invite your network to these educational opportunities

Fees and Costs:

• Specify if there is a fee to submit or participate for the Chamber members attending the educational opportunity – this is only available if CEUS or assessments are offered
• All fees incurred for in-person, virtual, or hybrid events will be covered by the Chamber member providing the educational opportunity (i.e. venue fee, catering, technology rental, etc.)
• A fee of $400 as administration cost for the Chamber staff to promote event
• Chamber member can request to use the Chamber’s event management system for registration for an additional charge ($150)

Disclaimer & Program Guidelines Acknowledgment:

• Submitters must agree to the program disclaimer and program guidelines

Chamber Responsibilities:

• The Chamber will promote approved educational program through email, online calendar listing on Community Calendar, and social media
• If the Chamber is providing the event registration, the Chamber will provide the registration list to the Chamber member one (1) week prior to the event as well as when the registration closes
• Chamber staff will be invited to attend the event, but not required
• Chamber will provide a list of dates and times that don’t conflict with other Chamber events
• If Chamber member would like a post-event survey, the Chamber will create one for the Chamber member to send out and the Chamber will provide results to member

Chamber Member Responsibilities:

• Chamber member providing educational opportunity will cover costs of event (i.e. venue fee, catering, technology rental, etc.)
• Providing content for educational opportunity, any handouts needed, technology
• Providing copy and graphics for promotional marketing to the Chamber
  • The Chamber will request a minimum of a social media graphic (500x500 pixels) and a banner graphic (1600x900 pixels) to use for promotional materials
  • The Chamber does allow usage of Chamber logo and Member to Member Educational Program logo upon request
• Chamber member should provide beverage service at a minimum for in-person or hybrid events; snacks, breakfast service and lunch service is highly recommended for in-person events
• If the Chamber member would like a post-event survey, the Chamber member will be responsible for sending out the survey link
• Providing materials to the Chamber including slide deck, handouts, and registration list (if hosting their own registration) post-event 

Other:

• Chamber member can request to use the Chamber’s event management system for registration for an additional charge ($150)
• The Chamber is not responsible for the number of attendees/registrations
• This event will not be labeled as a “Chamber Event” but a “Member to Member: Educational Program Event”
• The Chamber reserves the right to record this event for Chamber members
• This program is exclusive to Chamber members (both as the educator and the attendee)

This is a Chamber member educational opportunity. You are eligible to participate in this educational opportunity because of your relationship with The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce. This is part of the Chamber’s educational outreach program, where members can share their knowledge and resources to support fellow Chamber members. To learn more about submitting an educational opportunity, contact the Chamber at 812.336.6381.

Please choose the preferred dates and times of your event. The Chamber team will help you find the best date and time for your event that doesn't conflict with other Chamber events or community focused events to help maximize attendance.