Outer Banks Health & Wellness Expo Co-sponsored by The Outer Banks Hospital and the Outer Banks Sentinel, the Outer Banks Health & Wellness Expo is a showcase of private medical practices, government agencies, non-profit groups, and health-related businesses on the Outer Banks. This year's event will be held Thursday, November 10, 2011 at the Dare County Youth Center, Kill Devil Hills.

Collection of Economic Data The Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce tracks the major economic indicators including cost of living, occupancy tax collections, building permits, land transfer, unemployment rates, new housing starts, and more. There is also an annual Economic Forecast Breakfast featuring Dr. James Kleckley of East Carolina University.

Chamber News Our Chamber newsletter includes articles on legislative happenings, economic updates, information about new Chamber services, a community calendar and more (12 issues per year).

Business After Hours The Chamber hosts business networking opportunities throughout the year offering professionals a chance to meet new people, showcase their products and services, new employees, etc. in a fun, informal atmosphere. (Approximately 250-300 attend each function).

Outer Banks Chamber Ambassadors The Chamber promotes networking in everything that we do! Key volunteers, called Outer Banks Chamber Ambassadors, serve as the eyes and ears of the chamber board of directors and staff by visiting members, working epxos and events, and volunteering with chamber fundraising events. There is no cost to be an ambassador. Business professionals must be a member of the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce (in good standing), be energetic and want to help the chamber meet its mission.

Outer Banks Citizen of the Year Sponsored by RBC Centura Bank, this program recognizes community leaders in Dare and Currituck Counties that have made an outstanding contribution to this area.

SCORE Counseling SCORE offers free business counseling Tuesdays 11:00 am til 2:00 pm in the Chamber Conference Room or other times by appointment.

In addition to free business counseling, SCORE produces a book, "Operating a Business on North Carolina's Outer Banks", which is available free of charge. Other publications on marketing, choosing a business location, developing a financial plan, and other topics of importance to small businesses are available through the SBA. SCORE is on-line with the U.S. Small Business Administration and able to access SBA publications and information updates on request. Check out SCORE on their homepage or send them an e-mail message at mail@score497.org

First Benefits Insurance Workers Compensation Insurance Members now have two options for saving on workers compensation coverage. With First Benefits Insurance, many members save on top-notch workers compensation coverage for small and medium size businesses. FBI is willing to write a market segment frequently ignored by other commercial carriers including annual premiums of $10,000 or less. Most firms qualify for a monthly payment plan. Under this plan, you may choose to pay your premium a month in arrears and calculate your premium on actual payroll. Reporting actual payroll will eliminate the surprise of large year-end audits and allow you to adjust for seasonal hiring. Call 888-393-2667, ext. 118 for more information on how you can save.

Member to Member Discounts Chamber members discounts are available to many local businesses and listed when members login to this site as a member.  For more information about how to participate, call the chamber office at (252)441-8144 or e-mail sara@outerbankschamber.com .

While the Chamber does not place any paid advertising promoting the area, the Chamber staff answers over 50,000 business referrals per year for relocation, visitor information, or questions about starting a business in the area

Publications

The Chamber also produces (with the help of Chamber member Vista Graphics) a full-color Outer Banks Living/Chamber Relocation and Investors Guide. 
The book highlights the what makes the area a special place to live and work. (40,000 printed for 2011.)

Outer Banks Street Map the Chamber publishes a detailed street map including all of Dare & Currituck Counties and Ocracoke Island! Copies of the map were distributed to local emergency personnel including fire & police departments, town halls, county offices, EMS, sheriff's department, and more! Copies of the map can be purchased for $1 each at the Chamber office in Kill Devil Hills  or $5 each through the US mail (includes all postage and handling charges).

Other Community Involvement:
The Chamber works hard to support other non-profit groups in the area by displaying posters and brochures in our welcome center, and promoting local events through Chamber News, our list server, and our on-line calendar of events. Outer Banks Chamber Ambassadors often volunteer to work events so that the chamber remains visible in the community. Submit your calendar items and newsreleases toangiebd@outerbankschamber.com

The Chamber is also happy to allow community groups to utilize the Chamber building for meetings.

Interested in Joining the Chamber? Using Adobe Acrobat Reader, you can view our current rate card or print ourMembership Application Form. Questions or prefer a personal visit, call Sara Keener at (252) 441-8144, ext. 222.