Last week the Ann Arbor / Ypsilanti Regional Chamber announced it will launch the new DRIVE A2Y program with a concentrated effort this fall, kicking-off September 15 at NetWorks! and continuing until December 16, 2011. DRIVE (Delivering Revenue Income and Valuable Exposure) is a year-round incentive program intended to engage the Chamber's core group of volunteers to sell memberships, advertising and sponsorships. The group's goal is to raise $50,000 in new money and assist in the recruitment of new members by utilizing their own contacts.

The program was developed by a task force of Chamber Staff, Board Members and Volunteer Members, and has already begun to see results prior to the official launch. Rich Austin of Sandler Training - Ann Arbor, Mike Kestly of Kestly Development and Lanny White of GrowBiz.com have collectively brought in sales totaling $4,710 since February.

Volunteers receive a monthly check for a 10% commission on all sales once the contract and payment is received. A 5% credit is also given to the volunteer's company for use towards a future Chamber sponsorship.

Both members and non-members are invited to join the program as volunteers. For more information, contact Cheryl O'Brien at Cheryl@a2ychamber.org or (734) 214-0107.

Rebecca Woodward is the marketing coordinator at the A2Y Chamber.