BACC Programs Benefit the Local Scene
The Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) is dedicated to the vibrancy of our local communities. Our programs are focused on business success, and our calendar of events is a calendar of opportunity that helps our members market, network and grow.
We create these opportunities by listening to what our membership needs to thrive in the region. We frequently ask our members, “What do you want out of your BACC membership investment?” The responses have a common theme: to make connections, build relationships, get involved in the local community, expand awareness of their products and services and grow their business. BACC is a powerful investment toward achieving these goals.
Networking for Success
BACC is the largest and most influential business organization in the Barrington region. Our footprint covers 11 communities including Barrington, Barrington Hills, Lake Barrington, North Barrington, Port Barrington, South Barrington, Deer Park, Inverness, Kildeer, Long Grove and Tower Lakes. BACC serves nearly 900 members dedicated to supporting the success of one another and enhancing the quality of life in our communities.
Chamber networking events and programs bring members more than 200 opportunities each year to develop leads, prospects and new customers. These programs enable them to build lasting relationships in the community. Networking opportunities include nine networking groups that meet weekly, bi-weekly or monthly; monthly lunchtime and after-hour mixers; ribbon cuttings; signature events that welcome both Chamber members and the community-at-large; networking scrambles; professional development programs; Chamber committees and councils; and multi-Chamber events with regional Chambers.
As a result, BACC offers powerful networking opportunities that help members build local relationships that lead to business. We are a community of like-minded people who are interested in seeing each other succeed. BACC works by connecting people.
Regional Membership Marketing
BACC works constantly to promote its membership. Our aggressive membership marketing program includes two key publications, this BACC Regional Magazine & Resource Directory, and our BACC Community Guide, which together reach 30,000 residents and businesses in the broader 60010 area, putting members’ information directly in the hands of people who will use their products and services. We are the only area Chamber to produce two important publications that have become sought-after regional resources.
Our website is another active referral resource aggressively marketing our members. The site, www.BarringtonChamber.com, receives 3 million hits a year from residents and business members looking for business information, resources, local events, job openings, hot deal coupons and more. Our website activity includes thousands of targeted searches that put membership information in front of motivated buyers looking for those specific products and services.
Our BACC Welcome Neighbor program reaches new residents who move into the 60010 zip code area each month. The program puts Chamber member information in front of new residents just as they are developing new buying patterns. BACC gives members the marketing tools and resources to expand their awareness and make an impression in our communities.
Education and Advocacy
Throughout the year, BACC offers numerous professional development and skill building programs for our members and the public – topics run the gamut from “Dealing with Difficult People” to “Professionalizing Your Social Media Image” and more. These programs help build relationships while teaching new skills.
As a voice for business in the community, the BACC Government Affairs Council monitors local issues to keep members informed and organizes important events each year to put area leaders in front of business. Our Economic Summit held each February gathers the village leaders of 11 communities; our Public Town Hall Forum in April gathers our local taxing bodies for updates; and our Legislative Breakfast in October puts us in touch with state leaders.
Working in the Community
BACC members are dedicated to serving the community, getting involved and giving back. BACC invests in many community events and awards scholarships each year to local high school students. BACC is one of the most generous chambers in the country, giving thousands of dollars each year to local groups and causes.
BACC is involved in numerous educational activities through Barrington Community School District 220. Our members partner as business mentors, bringing real-life business experience into the classroom. We also host a number of community events that benefit local business and nonprofits, such as our Barrington Wine Walks and the Uncork Barrington wine festival.
Because a broad range of local nonprofit members use BACC to promote and communicate their activities, BACC members are attuned to many service opportunities and chances to invest back, making their own local community footprint.