Through his active membership with the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, Tom Basey, owner of Basey Insurance, found a connected and collaborative business community that helped him launch his own business.

A longtime corporate employee, Basey describes Basey Insurance as his second act. Starting his own business wasn’t easy, and he credits the Chamber with teaching him how to be a small business owner.

Basey said he took advantage of the monthly Business Resource Sessions and Coaching Hours, gaining both professional and personal skills and the tools he needed to grow his business. Each event is led by a Chamber Member who is an expert in their field.

“The Chamber is so good at helping you build connections, and I had so many resources at my fingertips,” Basey said. “I definitely took advantage of that.”

Not only does the Chamber provide hard and soft skills for business owners; it provides direct access to trustworthy providers for necessary services like IT and marketing.

“The Chamber is a collaborative business. You can try to do it on your own, but people are here to help you,” Basey said. “I use my providers through the Chamber because I have a higher level of confidence in their service.”

After attending multiple events, he soon became a Chamber Ambassador. Basey said the decision was easy because he already loved the Chamber, and he wanted to “up his Chamber game.”

Chamber Ambassadors act as a welcoming crew, attending Ribbon Cuttings, Business Over Breakfasts and Chamber After Hours. They help new members make connections and answer any questions they have.

Basey also participates in several Member Groups because they provide a space for deeper relationships.

“There are over 1,000 people in the Chamber,” he said. “You can try to engage with those people on your own, but a Member Group makes it easier to meet people and connect with them.”

After being a member for several years, Basey upgraded his membership to the Corporate Leadership Council (CLC), opening doors to exclusive events and early access to information.

“Being a Major Investor is an enhanced Chamber experience,” he said. “You’re invited to exclusive events where you can connect with high-impact people in Arlington.”

From meeting heads of hospital systems or being in a smaller room with a Texas Rangers representative, his CLC membership opened doors to impactful connections.

“There are lots of opportunities for connections, and those connections can mean either business or referrals for me,” Basey said.

Over the years, members referred family members and friends to Basey Insurance, and even invited Basey to do presentations on healthcare. These opportunities, he said, are a direct result of Chamber connections.

Basey’s biggest advice to new members is to attend events and intentionally get to know other members.

“Participate as much as you can,” he said. “Ask questions about the people you’re talking to. Make it about them.”

The Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce is the catalyst for growing our members’ businesses, fostering economic prosperity, amplifying the voice of business and developing our community’s future. Through year-round events, members build lasting relationships and learn crucial strategies to grow their business. Interested in becoming a member? Contact Bryan Weatherford, Director of Member Recruitment.

Learn more about how Basey Insurance can help meet your healthcare needs here.