It’s All About You and Your Business
Get Known. People do business with people they know. The AMI Chamber provides an array of opportunities for you to get known in the community. We connect you with other business owners and provide an opportunity to build valuable relationships and become part of the active local business community. Network, exchange ideas and collaborate with other local business owners.
Increase your visibility in the community. Volunteer or participate in our community events and bring additional exposure to your business.
Stretch your advertising reach without breaking your budget. As a Visit Florida Certified Visitor Information Center, we attract countless people to our office/visitor center as well as to our responsive website. Your company will have a multitude of far reaching avenues to promote your business through several member only outlets and exclusive marketing opportunities.
Increase positive perception among consumers and business owners. You work hard to maintain your businesses’ credibility and reputation. Aligning and identifying yourself as a member of the Chamber of Commerce adds to consumer’s and business owner’s positive perception and your businesses’ credibility.
Acquire customer referrals. More referrals lead to more chances of landing new customers for your business. Referrals not only reduce your sales expenses and sales cycle; you spend less time cold calling prospects and your business can focus on customers and their circle of influence. Through our pipeline of in person and online inquiries, your business will benefit from our chamber referrals.
Get your share of business-to-business commerce in the community. Offer member only discounts to attract fellow members to explore your business. Take advantage of exclusive member to member discounts to get familiar with other member businesses and what they offer. Our members only tool will also provide an opportunity to deepen your connections through member to member emails, and member to member posts. See how chamber membership stimulates business-to-business commerce in the local community.
Benefit from our community partnerships and connections. Meet and mingle with key players and be in the know about many of our local entities we have partnerships with that exist to promote economic development in the community. Take advantage of our connections with Manatee County Government, officials from the various local cities, the Economic Development Council, the Tourist Development Council and the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Invest in your own success and the success of the community. When you invest in something, it gives you a much greater likelihood of success. Members who become involved and invest in the opportunities available to you as a chamber member are rewarded with positive results.
“Being new to this community AND new business owners in a completely NEW industry, we can’t imagine the type of growth we’ve had without the Chamber by our side. Networking events have been critical for getting involved with our community and just getting to know other business owners in the area that we now get to call friends. Bayfest, especially, has been our biggest (and most fun) opportunity to reach customers and really show them what we’re doing. Thanks to this membership, after three years of living and doing business on the Island, we finally feel like “locals” and look forward to being involved with the Chamber for years and years to come!” Nate and Rather Welch, Bins Be Clean
Why The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce
Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce
Mission Statement
To serve our membership & community through proactive leadership that builds a positive business climate while enhancing and protecting the quality of life for all.
As your local chamber of commerce, we are here for you. We are always ready to serve you, help promote, support and advocate for your business. Our island chamber is known for its enthusiastic, warm-welcoming hospitality, and fun-spirited all-embracing members with a passion for collectively collaborating to unite and strengthen the community and its businesses.
With over 585 members, the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce plays a fundamental role in promoting local businesses and area tourism. Our Chamber of Commerce works as a liaison between the government and private sectors. Our partnerships benefit our members and allow us to develop beneficial programs that help our community. We work closely with Manatee County & local city officials, as well as the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (BACVB), the Economic Development Council (EDC), where we have a seat, and the Manatee County Emergency Management System on disaster relief.
The AMI Chamber proudly supports its community through several initiatives. Whether it is a disaster relief fund for our hospitality industry, scholarships for our local youth, or hosting fun-filled island festivals, giving back to our community is of utmost importance to us. We are proud to have developed a partnership with Manatee County to run the Trolley Give Back Program. Under this program we have bestowed over $477,000 in grants to local non & not-for-profit Island and Cortez organizations in an effort to preserve our island, its wildlife and its colorful and unique arts and culture.
Join us as we celebrate over 70 years promoting and connecting local businesses. Our friendly directors, staff, volunteers and members are ready to assist you in your networking, marketing and community needs. Come see what we are all about. We invite you to join us at one of our monthly member networking events, stop in our office for a chat, or give us a call. The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Information Center — always ready to serve you!
Our Staff
Terri Kinder
President
[email protected]
Terri became a staff member of the AMI Chamber in 2011, and stepped into the role of Interim President in 2017. In May of 2018, she was officially named President of the AMI Chamber. She truly enjoys working with the businesses, leaders, communities and her outstanding staff in continuing to help keep the AMI & Manatee County economy strong. Originally from Ohio, where her children and grandchildren still live, Terri has been in Florida for 25 years, and is proud to call this area home.
Ingrid McClellan
Member Services
[email protected]
Ingrid McClellan became a Member Services staff with the Chamber in June 2022. She has a diverse range of skills and has 30+ years of experience in natural resources, education and mass communications. Her record of involvement in Manatee County includes serving on county and city citizen advisory committees, as well as public and nonprofit organization boards. Ingrid and her husband Rusty moved to Palma Sola in 1991. They like to travel, when not gardening, sailing or spending time with their families.
Amber Tipton
Member Services
[email protected]
Amber became an AMI Chamber staff member in April 2021. She is the only member of the staff who works remotely. Although she lives in Ohio, she is always available via email and strives to assist our members quickly and professionally. She brings over 20 years of customer service to this dynamic group of Chamber Professionals. Amber enjoys spending time outdoors and with her family.
Chamber Ambassadors
Our ambassadors are a very integral part of our chamber, welcoming new members while providing them a personal connection, as well as mentoring and helping navigate the many benefits of chamber membership.
Current Chamber Ambassadors:
Susanne Arbanas, Anna Maria Island Concierge Services
Joann Baker, The Sertoma Club of Bradenton
Amy Moriarty, City of Anna Maria
Barbara Murphy, Travel Now
Judith Patterson, Your CBD Store / SUNMED
Amy McCloskey Tobin, Sea Life Kayak Adventures
Bernard Sokolowski, Starwheel Websites