Member engagement model bolstered by enhanced online presence, resources
CHICAGO–Traditional membership organizations exist to engage members in a meaningful way. The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce is taking its member engagement strategy into the iPad generation with the appointment of John DeRango as director of web strategy and social media.
“Elevating our commitment to social media and all its efficiencies in engaging an increasingly time-constrained membership base is one more step in the evolution of our organization to ensure we remain relevant to how our members operate,” says Gerald Roper, Chamber president and CEO.
Since DeRango’s appointment, the Chamber has implemented a new online content strategy for its website, which has seen more than 20 percent improvement in traffic over the past six months. An organization-wide social media strategy over the last 12 month has increased online community membership in Facebook by 265 percent, Twitter by 212 percent and LinkedIn by 331 percent.
“Building online communities with members creates another means of supporting Chicagoland businesses with meaningful interaction focused on growth,” DeRango says. “By having a dedicated position to extend the value of face-to-face member engagement to online venues ensures valuable content and communities are created for members to advance their agendas.”
Prior to taking on his new role with the Chamber, DeRango worked at the Chamber Foundation where he managed and developed programs and initiatives in the areas of innovation, economic development and other core programs. He began his career with the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce in 2006, supporting the Government Affairs Division’s advocacy and legislative goals and mission.
“The power of social and online media rests solely in providing valuable two-way communication and then acting on what you learn,” DeRango says. “The Chamber is a clearing-house of information and relationships that advance business in Chicagoland. My role is designed to give members every opportunity to leverage these resources no matter where they are physically located.”
DeRango earned his BA in Political Science and English from DePaul University and lives with his wife Kristen in the South Loop neighborhood of Chicago.
