This recap blog was written by Michael Dailey with Invictus Legacy Builders, a member of the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce as a part of our Business Resource Sessions.
Maximizing Chamber Membership: Building Meaningful Connections for Business Growth
Panel Discussion with Sam Mahrouq, Chairman and CEO of iKon Technologies, Heidi Allison, owner of Sugar Bee Sweets Bakery, and Barbara Oldums, owner of Industrial Solutions Company. Moderated by Michael Dailey, Founder and CEO of Invictus Legacy Builders.
Joining a Chamber of Commerce opens doors to countless opportunities, but it’s not enough to simply be a member. To truly benefit, you need to actively engage with the network and resources available. In a recent Business Resource Session, I moderated a panel with three successful local business owners from the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce: Sam Mahrouq, Heidi Allison, and Barbara Oldums. Together, we discussed how they’ve leveraged their Chamber membership to build relationships and accelerate their business growth.
Networking: The Heart of Business Growth
For Sam Mahrouq, Chairman and CEO of iKon Technologies, the Chamber has been key to networking and learning from others’ successes and challenges. “The Chamber is like a support group,” Sam said, emphasizing that connecting with other business owners helps uncover common solutions.
Barbara Oldham, owner of Industrial Solutions Company, also highlighted the Chamber’s role in providing mentorship and business expansion opportunities. “The Chamber gave me the resources and connections to diversify my business, including entering the car wash product distribution market.”
Heidi Allison, owner of Sugar Bee Sweets, spoke about the value of networking in subgroups like the Women’s Alliance. She found strong connections with other women entrepreneurs, helping her grow her bakery while staying engaged with the community.
Building Relationships: The Key to Success
The panel agreed that successful networking requires more than just attending events. “Networking is about staying engaged, offering value, and building relationships that last,” Sam said. Heidi emphasized the importance of expanding your involvement beyond one subgroup, while Barbara stressed that the real value comes from warm introductions and genuine connections.
Balancing Business and Personal Life
All three panelists shared their struggles with balancing work and personal life. Heidi explained how the COVID-19 pandemic forced her to reassess her time and find balance. “It’s an ongoing process,” she said. Sam highlighted the need to commit to Chamber events while also prioritizing personal well-being. “Treat Chamber activities like any other critical meeting,” he advised. Barbara emphasized the importance of setting boundaries and learning to recharge before burnout occurs.
Leveraging Chamber Benefits: More Than Just Events
The panel wrapped up by discussing the often-overlooked benefits of Chamber membership. Sam pointed out that ribbon-cutting events are an excellent way to motivate employees and increase exposure. Barbara encouraged members to engage in various Chamber events to build visibility, while Heidi suggested stepping outside comfort zones to maximize engagement across multiple networks.
The session concluded with a reminder that the Chamber is about more than attending events. It’s about contributing to the community, building meaningful relationships, and supporting each other’s success. By being intentional and fully engaged, you’ll maximize the value of your membership and take your business to new heights.
Ready to elevate your Chamber membership? Start building relationships today and watch your business grow.
