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Direct Benefits of Area Development Partnership Membership

The key to maximizing membership in the Area Development Partnership (ADP), regardless of the size of the business, is getting involved. ADP members are offered the best networking options in the Greater Hattiesburg Area. ADP membership not only provides access to unique services and programs, but also offers opportunities to make new contacts and secure valuable business exposure. The ADP encourages member businesses to participate in the complete package of membership benefits.

Business Exposure/Networking

• 
  Business After Hours: Offered each month at an ADP member business location. This ADP hosted event allows members to network in a casual setting between 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
• Business Referrals: Each month the ADP refers over 200 individuals or businesses to information seekers. Only ADP members are referred. Referrals are made by/through:  ADP staff,  Fellow members, Business Guide, ADP website.
• First Friday Breakfast: An early morning networking event the first Friday of each month for ADP members. This ADP hosted event, held at Lake Terrace Convention Center, features programs of interest to the community.
• Business Seminars
  The ADP’s Business Advisory Committee hosts periodic seminars/learning opportunities for members on a wide variety of topics.
• Identification
  New ADP membership plaques are distributed annually to identify active ADP members and show the community which businesses are investing in this area and support its progress.
• Business Guide
  All ADP members are listed in three categorical divisions in the ADP Business Guide. This annual publication is distributed to members and newcomers to the area requesting information.
• Ribbon Cuttings, Groundbreakings and Grand Openings
  The ADP will host and organize publicity events (at no cost to the member) for members opening a new business or expanding a business. Area officials, local media, the ADP Board of Directors and ADP Ambassadors are invited. These events will be posted in the ADP Innovation Advantage newsletter with a description of the business.
• Sponsorship Opportunities
  The ADP offers cost-efficient sponsorship opportunities each year for marketing your business to the community and to other ADP members. Events such as HUBfest, Pine Belt Expo and Corporate Golf Challenge are prime sponsorship venues to partner with the ADP on multi-media publicity campaigns. Any member in good standing is eligible. Sponsorships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Information Services for Members Only
The ADP provides a variety of services designed to keep members informed and up-to-date on current issues, community events and ADP activities.

• Website: www.theADP.com
  The ADP’s website is an on-line marketing tool offering links to ADP members with website or e-mail addresses. It also features Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development and community information, the calendar of events, the Program of Work and the ADP’s bi-monthly newsletter.
• E-Innovation
  The members are made aware of special events and meetings through a monthly broadcast email update.
• Committee Preference
  Each year, the ADP compiles a committee preference a booklet. Members are encouraged to volunteer and take advantage of the opportunities their membership provides through community involvement.
• Investor’s Report
  Each year members receive a report inserted into our January/February edition of the ADP Innovation Advantage newsletter, detailing ADP events and accomplishments taking place during the prior year. Financial statements concerning ADP activities are included in this report.
• Legislative Updates
  Beginning each January, the ADP hosts a series of legislative updates that inform members of current issues being addressed by lawmakers. These breakfast meetings, held PRCC Lowery A. Woodall Advanced Technology Center, feature members from the Mississippi House of Representatives and the Mississippi Senate.
• Membership Newsletter
  The Innovation Advantage, the ADP’s bi-monthly newsletter, keeps members informed of upcoming events, highlights member accomplishments and details recent events. Each issue includes a list of new ADP members and a calendar of events.

Other Informational Materials:

Civic Club Directory
Demographic Profiles
Home Guide
Hotel / Motel Listing
Manufacturer Listing
Newcomers Guide
Partnership Pride
Retail Guide
Retirement Guide
Small Business Startup Guide