Even though most of the smaller chambers in the metro area have an Internet presence, budget and staff constraints make it difficult to update them as frequently as needed, say area directors. Over the last three years, it has been refined, modified, and updated to its current format, said Dianne Dyar, executive director. But with a small staff, it s difficult to keep it updated constantly. A four-page children s brochure, another MCCC leadership project, was recently added to the Web site, where it can be downloaded for immediate use. There s been some debate about both.
Some people say that tickers aren t accurate.
We ve considering letting people advertise, at least with a banner that can be changed out monthly. The chamber staff handles a steady stream of e-mail requests, from starting a business to locating merchants. Most Web sites around the state change very little throughout the year, such as when there is a change in presidents, Bynum said. But our Web site changes constantly, with photos of ribbon cuttings and groundbreakings, and news at a glance. These elements make for interesting features and probably account for increased interest.