Alexandria Lakes Chamber of Commerce has long been a committed partner to local businesses in Douglas County, Minnesota, supporting over 660 members as they connect, grow, and succeed. With a mission to lead, connect, and collaborate, the Chamber regularly hosts events, shares resources, and offers ongoing support to strengthen the local business community.
As the Chamber grew, so did the need for quicker, more efficient ways to keep members connected and updated. They set out to find a communication tool that would keep their volunteer committees linked, provide timely updates on Chamber initiatives, and strengthen member-to-member connections.
To get the full picture of how the Chamber elevated its communication, we spoke with Lauren Johnson, the Chamber’s Marketing Coordinator.
“We’re here to help local businesses succeed, and one of the ways we do that is by keeping everyone connected,” Johnson shared. “But as we grew, it became clear we needed better tools to communicate quickly with our members.”
The Challenge: Real-Time Communication Issues
Before adopting Member App, the Chamber faced challenges in keeping members informed in real-time. Volunteer committees needed faster ways to stay connected, and the Chamber relied solely on emails, which often weren’t quick enough. Important updates, like schedule changes or last-minute announcements, frequently arrived too late.
“We were sending out emails, but that wasn’t fast enough. By the time the updates went out, people had already moved on,” Johnson explained. “We needed something quicker and more direct.”
The Chamber began looking for a solution that would streamline communication, provide real-time updates, and be easily accessible on mobile devices.
Why the Chamber Chose Member App
In late 2023, the Alexandria Lakes Chamber decided to implement Member App, as an add-on to its existing MemberClicks Trade platform. The app offered a mobile-friendly solution that integrated seamlessly with their current system. 
“We chose Member App because it fit right into the system we already used, making it the perfect solution to enhance communication without any hassle,” said Johnson.
Member App provided all the essential features the Chamber needed, such as real-time notifications, easy access to event materials, and tools for member-to-member communication, making it a comprehensive solution for enhancing member engagement.
Smooth Implementation Process
Getting started with Member App was an efficient, well-supported experience. The Chamber’s team partnered with MemberClicks support, receiving guidance at every step to ensure a smooth setup. In just a few weeks, the app was fully integrated and ready to support seamless communication across the Chamber’s activities.
“The support we received from MemberClicks made the whole process much easier,” Johnson noted. “They walked us through everything, and we were ready to use the app shortly after.”
Success in Improving Communication
In the first few months, Member App quickly proved its value by significantly enhancing communication across the Chamber’s network. Volunteer committees and groups, as well as the Chamber’s leadership program, could now easily share plans and materials, eliminating the need to sift through emails and streamlining day-to-day operations.
The app’s capabilities also came into play during the Chamber’s summer golf tournament. Sponsors were able to gather valuable feedback through in-app surveys, while attendees appreciated the real-time updates that kept them informed throughout the event.
“About half of our sponsors downloaded the app and used it during the event. We were able to gather feedback, and the real-time updates were a hit,” said Johnson.
Key Features That Made a Difference
Several features of Member App have quickly proven invaluable to the Chamber’s communication efforts. Real-time notifications stood out as one of the most beneficial tools, enabling the team to send quick reminders and updates directly to members, volunteers, and event attendees.
“Being able to send quick messages like, ‘Hey, don’t forget this morning’s meeting!’ have been a huge help—especially now that everyone’s so connected through their phones,” Johnson noted.
The app’s messaging feature also made a significant impact, especially for Chamber initiatives like their leadership program, by providing a centralized place for sharing materials and coordinating plans.
Looking to the Future
While Member App has already improved the Chamber’s communication processes, Johnson shared that the team is excited about exploring even more capabilities in the future, especially for events, with features like streamlined registration and attendee check-ins.
“We haven’t even touched the surface of what Member App can do. There’s so much potential to streamline our operations even more, and we’re excited to see how it evolves,” Johnson said.
Advice for Other Organizations
When asked what she would recommend to other organizations considering Member App, Johnson highlighted the smooth integration process and ongoing help from the MemberClicks support team.
“If you’re thinking about adding Member App, I’d say go for it! It was easy to integrate, the team was helpful every step of the way, and it’s transformed how we communicate with our members,” she shared.
Conclusion
The Alexandria Lakes Chamber of Commerce’s journey with Member App highlights the value of real-time communication and mobile-friendly engagement. As the Chamber grows, Member App will continue playing an important role in helping members stay connected and informed, supporting the Chamber’s mission to empower local businesses.
For the Chamber, Member App has become an essential tool for both daily operations and event engagement, bridging communication gaps and strengthening member connections across their community.
Want to learn more about how your organization can use Member App to enhance engagement?
Book a demo with our team!
