MEMBER BENEFITS
The Darien Chamber platform has been reshaped to help our members connect with local residents and promote all the wonderful products and services that make living in Darien so special.
As a member of the DCC you join over 275 members contributing to the future of Darien. In addition to the contribution you are making to the economic vitality of our community, your membership entitles you to a host of valuable benefits.
New Members
- Upon joining you receive a New Member Announcement. Your profile is featured on the home page of the Chamber website, social media and in our monthly e-newsletter sent to all members and Darien residents.
- We are happy to organize a Ribbon Cutting photo for businesses coming into the community. Upon your choosing, this may or may not accompany your grand opening or open house event you are planning. Monday-Thurs., only.
Directory Listings & Upgrades
Your business is automatically listed in our website directory. Instead of defaulting to google, we encourage all community members to utilize our member directory to hire local and shop local with a reputable and trusted Chamber member.
Upgraded Listings
Upgrade your directory listing on the DCC website for $100. An upgraded listing can be customized and provide comprehensive information about your business - far beyond the just contact details. We will draft a listing for your approval. If you have specific photos/language you would like used, please email to execdirector@darienctchamber.com.
Networking Events & Professional Development
Join us for one of our many Business Before or After Hours events. Usually held quarterly we encourage you come out, grab a cocktail or cup of coffee and some provisions and make new contacts or connect with old. If you would like to host an event please contact execdirector@darienctchamber.com.
- State of Darien Breakfast with the Darien Board of Realtors
- Business After Hours Networking Events
- New Connections Breakfast Networking event with the New Canaan Chamber
- Holiday Cheer & Annual Awards Event at Nielsen's Florist
RSVP is required and a 24 hour cancellation is appreciated.
Most networking events are free to all members and usually run 5:30-7pm. Breakfasts run 7:30-9am.
Chamber e-Gift Cards + Town Wide Gift Certificate Program
Be on the list that people receive when gifted a Chamber e-Gift Card. Now your place of business is an option for them to redeem their cards or certificates. Keeping dollars in Darien!
We offer e-Gift Cards and paper gift certificates. Either can be redeemed with you.
Chamber e-Gift Cards:
- To accept an e-gift card from a shopper, key in the card # on your POS, works just like a Mastercard. e-Gift Card recipients can use their one e-gift card in multiple locations. Expect an email from Yiftee to opt in when you join.
- Chamber e-Gift Cards are for sale on the Chamber website and Instagram linkin bio and your websites (optional).
Paper Gift Certificates:
- To accept a Chamber Gift certificate, accept like cash. Simply take the certificate and give them the proper change. Call the Chamber and we will pick up the certificate(s) ASAP and cut you check. Gift Certificates can only be used in one location. If change is due, either give cash or store credit but do not give the gift certificate back to the shopper. We need to pick it up to pay you.
- Chamber Gift Certificates are for sale at DR Bank, 1001 Post Road, Darien. Cash/Check only.
Every establishment where you can redeem gift card/certificate, has a special icon noted on its listing on the website.
Help:
Chamber e-Gift Card How To's & FAQs
Community Calendar & Events
Please submit your events to our Community Calendar. Your event will be featured on our monthly e-newsletters and social media posts.
E-Blasts & Advertising with the Chamber
Advertising, e-Blasts and Sponsorship Opportunities with the Chamber - increase your exposure in Darien:
- You can advertise on our website to increase your exposure to anyone looking for local information and town resources.
- e-Blasts can be sent on your behalf from our Constant Contact database to 7,000 emails in Darien. $75 per blast. Date and time must be mutually agreed upon.
- Upgrade your directory listing on the website
- Become an event sponsor including Chamber Jam (town wide fundraising event/Silent Auction), Sidewalk Sales, and more.
- Become an Annual Elite or Select Chamber Sponsor
Email execdirector@darienctchamber.com with questions or to get started!
Annual Chamber Awards & Nomination Forms
Please download the following forms to nominate your choice for Chamber Business, Volunteer or Employee of the Year. Nominations are open to all Chamber members, or those who volunteer for a Chamber member, and are due November 1st. Winners are expected to attend the Annual Awards and Holiday Cheer Event in November to accept their award.
Here are the categories, descriptions can be found on the form:
“Employee of the Year”
“Business of the Year”
"Volunteer of the Year"
"Youth Volunteer of the Year" (17 or younger)
"Group Volunteer"
Darien Welcome Bags for New Home Owners
The Chamber is offering gift totes to welcome new families to Darien upon buying a house. The totes are full of goodies and helpful information provided by you, Chamber members. Item giveaways can include samples, coupons, products, gift cards, useful items for the home and/or anything that will encourage a new Darien resident to visit your store or place of business.
Member participation is FREE for Year One 2023/2024.
Guidelines:
• We plan to give away approximately 50-100 bags year one (2023). Items are needed from you and must fit in a standard size reusable grocery bag. One item per bag.
• Items/product must be non-perishable or have a shelf-life of 6-12 months.
• Items will need to be dropped at Hollow Tree Self Storage where the bags will be assembled. We will deliver the bags to the Darien real estate firms who will get them to their new home owners.
• There will be no fee to participate in year one. Depending on the success of the program, next year may include a participation fee and option to be a bag sponsor.
Questions please email execdirector@darienctchamber.com
Chamber Communications & Social Media
- e-Newsletters are emailed to members and Darien residents the first of the month profiling new members, announcing Chamber events, community events, local news, business resources and more.
- We love to share, re-gram and post on your behalf on our social media accounts. Make sure you tag us @darienctchamber to be reposted!
- Every member receives a Chamber Membership Window Decal demonstrating “Seal of Good Business” in Darien.
- See above about sending e-blasts to our membership.
College/Post College Scholarships
Chamber members, an employees and an employee's family are all eligible to apply for either of the two merit based, Darien Chamber scholarships, each valued at $2,000 and awarded annually:
1) The Penny Glassmeyer STEM Award and
2) The General Education Award.
Both awards are are funded by the Darien Chamber Charitable Foundation and our generous community.
For more information and donating to the Darien Chamber Charitable Foundation to support the Holiday Lights and/or College Scholarship Programs:
Community Job Board - post your open positions
Community Job Board & Job Postings: Post open positions on our website and app. This is a free resource to all Chamber members. Posts expire after 30 days, so our jobs page is always up to date! We encourage residents to post here as well who are seeking work or looking to hire making our job board a community wide offering of employment.
Please note:
501(c)6 and Union members: only paid staff are eligible for certain Chamber benefits.
Non profit and 501(c)3, members: paid staff and board of director members are eligible for all Chamber benefits, including DCCF college scholarships.
