CLTChamber-2CI had the pleasure of sitting down with Natalie Dick, a former reporter and now VP of Communications and Research at the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce. Natalie had several useful tips and advice for working with the Chamber. Please see our Q&A below…

What kind of marketing and communication opportunities exist for Chamber members?
There are so many ways the Chamber can help promote your organization; from press conferences, ribbon cuttings, the member news section of our website, weekly e-newsletter, monthly publication and social channels. We also get inquiries from the media and I can help connect our members that way too. If you do a great job, and turn around and get them the information they need, they’ll usually come back for more!

Nice! Speaking of press conferences, I’m curious to get your general thoughts on them and what circumstances are they warranted?
Press conferences don’t always have to be big job or economic development announcements. They could be about diversity, entrepreneurship, revitalization, an exciting industry, partnerships, etc. The basic ingredients are to have something unique and be able to provide visuals.

Keep in mind timing can be a factor, though. I prefer to hold press conferences midweek and midmorning.  As a former reporter, I know that assignment desks have more flexibility at certain times of the day, and Tuesdays or Wednesdays generally seem to be a good bet in the news cycle. That said, if it is a big enough announcement, why not take advantage of pairing the announcement with regular news programing. One thing our clients have really appreciated is to live stream the announcements.  That gives the employees who will soon be moving to Charlotte a chance to see the announcement as it unfolds.

Are the announcing companies expected to have their own media kit?
I would recommend it. I’ll send out the actual media advisory since it’s held by the Chamber and I have those relationships, but it never hurts for the company to come prepared with additional information like company background, bios, press releases, contact information, photos, key supporting facts, product/service demos, etc.

What is one piece of advice you can give to marketing folks in Charlotte?
If you represent a small to midsize company in Charlotte there is a place for you at the Charlotte Chamber. In fact, 80 percent of our members fit into that category. There are so many different programs, initiatives and committees available.  You just need to get involved.