NORWICH – Discounts on wine purchases, spa services, business cards and bowling are just a few of the benefits available to Commerce Chenango members as part of a new Member2Member discount program.
The program allows member companies to offer discounts on their products and services to other members and their employees. According the Commerce Chenango Membership Coordinator Rachel Crandall, the program promotes member to member buying and increases sales. It’s also a great benefit for employees.
“It’s a win-win for everyone,” she said.
A former small business owner herself, Crandall assumed control of Commerce Chenango’s membership and programs departments in September 2007. Since then, she has worked to improve and grow the organization’s membership as well as increase the quality and quantity of services available to member companies. Part of that effort has been to research what other business organizations offer in other communities. The Member2Member program is one of the several new offerings Crandall plans to roll out in 2009.
Terri Slater of M & T Bank is a strong advocate of the new member discount program. She is offering card holders a free set of checks when they open a checking account, as well as a $50 incentive for signing up for direct deposit. She has discovered the discount is not only attracting new customers, but has also helped develop a stronger relationship with existing account holders.
According to Slater, the program also encourages people to shop locally, build relationships and to support other member companies.
“We’re all networked together, and everyone benefits that way,” she explained.
While M & T Bank employees don’t have their own discount cards in hand yet, Slater said they are already talking about the program.
“Definitely, they’re excited,” said the bank executive. “I think it will be a really great thing for 2009.” She planned to pick the cards up on Friday.
“Some members already have their discount cards,” said Crandall, and they are already using them. She started distributing the brightly colored cards, which fit on a key ring, to members who attended Commerce Chenango’s Annual Holiday Luncheon on Dec. 17.
Getting the discount is simple, Crandall explained, just present the card at one of the many member companies who have already signed up to participate. The list of participating businesses and discount offerings is posted to the Chamber’s website, www.chenangony.org.
Crandall is confident that, once the cards get out to members, even more businesses will want to join in. Enrollment is on a continuous basis, she explained.
Participation in the Member2Member discount Pprogram is only available to Commerce Chenango members. For more information, contact Crandall at 334-1402, or via email at rcrandall@chenangony.org.

Companies currently offering discounts:
Altering Looks & Body Works Day Spa
AT&T
Broome County Trophies
B&D Pool & Spa
Cafe Connection
Carpetmaster
Celebration Creations
Chenango Welding
Em & M Accounting
Employee Services, Inc.
Enlightened Dentistry
Ferrland Press
Fred’s Inn
GrafiQa
Gus’ Steakhouse
Howard Johnson’s
Lily Katherine’s Bridal Boutique
M & T Bank
Mister Koffee
Nathanael Greene’s Publick House
Natoli & Natoli, LLC
Nazzitto’s
NBT
New York Pizzeria
Norwich Implement
Norwich Plumbing and Heating
Park Outdoor Advertising
Paychex
Pictures with Pride
Plaza Lanes
Rapid Reproductions
Scott’s Oquaga Lake House
Sherwin Williams
Shred-It
Sidney Federal Credit Union
Southern Tier Credit Center
WCDO Radio