With the pandemic and resulting shutdown, chambers have had to become creative in how they tell their story and communicate to their community and members. One available option is through podcasts. Podcasts are more popular than ever before, which has led to increased accessibility and more user-friendly software and hosting platforms. Podcasts DO involve planning, equipment and some technical knowledge, but as you will see from this month’s examples, there are a variety of ways to tackle these challenges. The following are some of our members who currently have chamber podcasts:
Oceanside (CA) Chamber – Advancing Oceanside
Hosts business and community leaders from all industries to help inform, better educate and ultimately advocate for a prosperous, economic climate in Oceanside. Each episode features an industry leader who focuses on current topics influencing, not only Oceanside, but all of North County. Integrates video and audio. www.oceansidechamber.com/advancing-oceanside-podcast.html
Billings (MT) Chamber – ChamberCast
Podcast features experts and people on the ground talking about the local economy, chamber issues, diversity, entrepreneurship, leadership development, tourism, elected officials and a variety of issues that have an impact on everyone in Billings. Bimonthly episodes released on Wednesdays. www.billingschamber.com/chambercast/
Chamber of Commerce Hawaii – Voice of Business
Conversations with Hawaii’s business community. Hosted by Jo McGarry, this podcast tells the story of business in Hawaii, and addresses the challenges of adapting to an ever-changing economy. The podcast also serves as a valuable resource to anyone looking to grow their business or hear the inside story of some of Hawaii’s most influential employers. Podcast episodes range from 15–20 minutes and are released weekly. www.cochawaii.org/podcast/
Wichita (KS) Regional Chamber – Business Accelerator
This podcast is devoted to supporting and learning from area business owners. Episodes in the series focus on hearing from local business owners about their experiences owning and operating companies in Wichita. Don Sherman (community affairs) and Ebony Clemons-Ajibolade (economic development) from Evergy co-host the podcast, which features business owners and managers from a variety of industries. Episodes are released weekly on Wednesdays. www.wichitachamber.org/aboutchamber/business-accelerator-podcast/
Lufkin-Angelina County (TX) Chamber – Chamber Connect
The Chamber Connect Podcast is all about connecting local business to community. Each episode features an interview with East Texas business owners and community leaders. With each interview, the podcast uncovers valuable insights from the community’s most successful leaders. What’s their story? What type of advice can they provide for others about success in the community? What’s their favorite book? And much, much, more. Episodes are released weekly and podcast sponsorships are available. www.lufkintexas.org/main/podcast/
Arvada (CO) Chamber – W.I.N. (What’s Important Now)
Episodes feature business and community leaders with timely updates and advice to help Arvada businesses and nonprofits thrive. Episodes are released 1–2 times a month and run 9–15 minutes. www.arvadachamber.org/whats-important-now-podcast/
Mesa (AZ) Chamber – Inside Business
Podcast is used to promote chamber’s members, discuss business trends and share success in business. Episodes are released frequently and run 10–20 minutes. mesachamber.podbean.com
Lubbock (TX) Chamber – Voice of Business
The Voice of Business podcast discusses key issues emanating from city hall, the state capitol, and Washington D.C. Podcast hosts interview local stakeholders and share how the chamber is engaging on issues that affect the business community. The podcast is hosted by the chamber president/CEO and vice president of government relations. Episodes are weekly and tend to run 10–20 minutes. www.anchor.fm/voiceofbusiness
Manhattan Beach (CA) Chamber – MB 360
The South Bay Show and the Manhattan Beach Chamber come together to bring listeners the Manhattan Beach 360 Radio Show. Each episode features active chamber members who are trailblazers in the Manhattan Beach community sharing compelling stories, information, and updates about their practice. Episodes are hosted by a local radio show host and the chamber president/CEO. Episodes are released weekly on Fridays and broadcast on a local radio station and last about an hour. www.manhattanbeachchamber.com/radioshow/
Scottsdale Area (AZ) Chamber – Scottsdale Chamber Podcast
Episodes feature Scottsdale Chamber business leaders, events, and everything Scottsdale! Hosted by “The Mayor” Dave Pratt, a local resident and member of the Arizona Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Episodes are released monthly and run 24–31 minutes. www.scottsdalechamber.com/members/sacc-podcast/
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Information featured each month in Around the West is taken from websites and chamber newsletters that W.A.C.E. receives from its members. We try to share best practices, innovative ideas and programs from chambers working hard to be Catalysts, Conveners and Champions and make a difference in their community.
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