NOCO Women’s Chamber Networking Groups

Our Mission

The NOCO Women’s Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to fostering the economic growth and success of women-owned and women-led businesses. Our Leads Groups provide a supportive space for members to build meaningful relationships, exchange referrals, and grow their businesses through collaboration and shared opportunities.

Purpose of the Leads Groups

Our Leads Groups exist to connect like-minded business professionals in a non-competitive, supportive environment where women can uplift one another, exchange business leads, and develop long-term professional partnerships. These groups are designed to be both structured and flexible, allowing members to tailor their experience to maximize success.

I. Relationship of Leads Groups to the NOCO Women’s Chamber

1. The Leads Groups are an official program of the NOCO Women’s Chamber, designed to benefit its members and enhance their business growth.

2. Leads Groups operate under the Chamber’s guidance, ensuring alignment with their mission and values.

3. Group activity, including attendance and referral statistics, must be reported regularly to Chamber leadership.

4. All Leads Group applications must be submitted through the Chamber.

   At this time, there is no fee required, but we do have the option to change that requirement at any time as deemed necessary.

5. Chamber staff and Leads Group leadership collaborate to uphold group guidelines.

6. The Chamber reserves the right to adjust or discontinue groups to maintain program effectiveness.

II. Membership Requirements

A. Eligibility

1. Leads Group participants must be active members of the NOCO Women’s Chamber.

2. A completed application

3. Applications are reviewed by the Chamber and assigned to the appropriate Leads Group.

4. Each group limits representation to one member per industry category unless otherwise determined by the Chamber/Group.

B. Managing Industry Overlap

1. If a current member feels that a new applicant may pose a business conflict, they must notify the group moderator.

2. The group moderator will facilitate discussions to find a resolution or offer placement in another group.

3. If no resolution is found, the Chamber makes the final determination.

4. Members of multi-level marketing companies may promote their products/services, but not recruitment opportunities.

C. Participation in Multiple Groups

1. A member may join multiple Leads Groups if space allows.

However, if another member from the same industry wants to participate, priority will be given to new members.

2. Co-owners or employees of a business may join an additional group if they are the only representative from their category.

3. Some Lead Groups may allow multiple representatives from the same field, depending on the group’s focus and structure.

D. Changing Groups or Categories

1. Members may switch groups or change categories if no current member is already representing the desired category.

2. The change must align with the group’s needs and be approved by group leadership.

E. Membership Denial

1. If a Leads Group declines an application, the decision must be communicated to the Chamber in writing.

2. The Chamber reserves the right to override group decisions if necessary.

III. Membership Fees

1. Leads Group membership requires no annual fee currently

IV. Leadership Roles

A. Core Leadership Positions

Each Leads Group must have the following:

• Group Leader (Moderator) – Plans meetings, sets the agenda, and communicates with the Chamber.

• Assistant Leader (Back Up Moderator) – Supports the Group Leader and fills in as needed.

B. Optional Roles

Groups may also elect to have:

• Membership Coordinator – Tracks attendance and engagement.

• Guest Liaison – Welcomes visitors and follows up with potential members.

• Events Representative – Shares upcoming Chamber events.

• Growth Strategist – Focuses on recruiting and expanding the group.

• Timekeeper – Ensures meetings stay on schedule.

V. Leadership Elections

1. Leads Group leadership positions are elected annually in December.

2. Any member interested in a leadership role may apply.

3. Chamber staff will facilitate the election process.

4. Moderators may serve for a maximum of two consecutive one-year terms.

VI. Meeting Structure

1. Leads Groups meet weekly or bi-weekly at a time and location decided by the members.

2. Meeting venues must be Chamber-affiliated businesses.

3. Meetings typically last 60 to 90 minutes.

VII. Guest Participation

1. Chamber members and non-members may attend two meetings as a guest before applying for membership.

2. Guests can introduce themselves and share a brief overview of their business.

3. Additional guest visits require Chamber approval.

4. Guest attendance must be reported to the Chamber for follow-up.

5. Educational guest speakers may be invited with prior approval.

VIII. Attendance Expectations & Commitment

1. Consistent participation is essential for success.

2. Members should notify the Group Leader if they will be absent.

3. Groups may allow substitutes, depending on their structure.

4. A maximum of three absences per quarter is allowed. Additional absences may lead to removal.

5. Leaves of absence (up to 90 days) may be granted under special circumstances.

We Are Each Other’s Clients.

When you join a Leads Group, you are committing to that one hour each week — just as you would if you had a standing appointment with a client.

Because in this room, we are your clients.

Leads Groups are built on:

• Trust

• Consistency

• Accountability

• Relationship-building

When members are frequently absent or consistently late, it becomes difficult to pass referrals confidently.

Referrals are based on trust — and trust is built through presence.

Attendance Matters.

If you are presenting, you want a full room. It’s only fair that we offer that same respect to others when they present.

This group is thriving because members show up, support one another, and prioritize their commitment.

We also currently have members on a waiting list who would value the opportunity to participate fully.

If This Level of Commitment Isn’t the Right Fit…

That’s completely okay.

The Chamber offers many ways to be involved that do not require weekly attendance.

If your schedule no longer allows you to prioritize Leads Group, we encourage you to step aside and allow another committed member to fill the category.

Our Standard Is Simple:

If you commit, commit fully.

• Send a sub when necessary.

• Communicate proactively.

• Show up ready to support and be supported.

Leads Groups only work when everyone treats them as a priority.

IX. Leads Group Activities

Each group may customize its meetings with:

• Business Referrals – Members share high-quality business leads.

• Networking Challenges – Encouraging members to make new connections.

• Spotlight Speaker – One member presents an in-depth look at their business.

• Skill Development – Members share industry knowledge and tips.

• Problem-Solving Sessions – Collaborative discussions on business challenges.

• Goal-Setting & Accountability – Members set and track progress on business goals.

• Guest Experts – Inviting professionals to share insights relevant to business growth.

X. Member Recruitment

Bringing in new members strengthens the Leads Groups. Members are encouraged to recruit through:

• Chamber networking events

• Ribbon cuttings

• Business partnerships

• Other professional networking groups

XI. Guideline Updates & Feedback

1. These guidelines serve as a framework while allowing flexibility for each group’s unique culture.

2. Leads Groups are encouraged to provide feedback to the Chamber to enhance and refine the program.

Version effective 4/2025