All new members are given an Ambassador to the Chamber when they first join. Our Ambassador Committee looks to reach out to new members in their first year, serving as an additional resource as long time Chamber members. Ambassadors serve as a trusted voice to new members on how to maximize the Chamber membership, based on the objectives of the new member, and also look to greet new members at upcoming Chamber events.
To get to know your Ambassadors better, we present Matt Stephens of Clarke & Sampson, Inc.
Commercial Independent Insurance Agent – I work directly with businesses and their insurance needs such as General Liability, Workers Compensation, Professional Liabilities (E&O)(D&O), Commercial Auto + Property, and Cyber Liability. We also do fun stuff like Kidnap and Ransom insurance!
What are some of the previous jobs or positions that you’ve held?
I had an internship all throughout college with the USO. I turned that internship into a real job out of college. Second job, the one I really wanted, I was a Freshman Admissions Counselor for a small private college. I really enjoyed working in higher education.
How long have you been a member of the Chamber?
Two years and some change
What is your favorite part of being a Chamber Ambassador?
I absolutely love sitting down with new members. I get to learn a lot about who they are, and what their business is all about. Everyone has a story, and I love hearing them.
What do you hope to accomplish as a Chamber Ambassador?
My first goals is to sit down with every new member I get. My second goal is to help new members understand that our Chamber isn’t just a couple networking events a month. It can be so much more than that!
What do you think makes someone a good Ambassador?
If you believe in the Chamber’s mission, and you like to meet new people you’d be a great Ambassador!
What events do you participate in as a Chamber Ambassador?
You can find me at almost every single Business After Business function, most of the Breakfast Connections, a handful of the Small Business Round table presentations, and some of the once a year functions.
How has being a Chamber Ambassador impacted you?
I’ve been able to sit down with people I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to otherwise. A lot of the people I sit down with are new business owners, and I’m always motivated/inspired by the people who’ve taken the plunge from working for someone else, to working for themselves. I always enjoy getting to know about their journey.
Why did you decide to become a Chamber Ambassador?
I wanted to be more involved with the Chamber, and support its cause as much as possible. This is just my one way of giving back to a great organization.
What do you like to do in your free time?
You can catch me doing a number of things in my free time. I’m an avid sporting clays shooter. I’ve been going caving (some people call this spelunking) for about five years now, and I always love hanging out with my wife and two hound dogs!