Ambassador Guidelines

What Do Ambassadors Do?

PROMOTE

Ambassadors actively promote the Irvine Chamber of Commerce in the business community, actively refer prospective members to the Chamber for follow up and work with new Chamber members to connect them to the organization and with existing members to help them remain active and involved.

HOST

Ambassadors are the hosts at Chamber events and activities. They greet and introduce new members and guests to Chamber members, answer questions about membership and participation and assist with raffle sales, registration or other activities as requested.

ONBOARD

Ambassadors deliver the official Chamber new-member certificates, orienting each new member about the various committees and ways in which they can become connected and promote their business. Each Ambassador is expected to deliver and mentor at least one new member each month and call the member to whom they delivered the previous month as a mentoring follow up.

REPRESENT

Ambassadors represent the Chamber by attending the ribbon cuttings and grand opening ceremonies and by attending as many other Chamber events as possible.

Benefits of Serving as an Ambassador

NETWORKING

• Participate in high-visibility networking
• Form close ties with fellow committee members
• Create business relationships while serving the business community

EXCLUSIVE AMBASSADOR DISCOUNTS

• Earn 25% off networking events including the Networkers Luncheon, Good Morning Irvine, Evening Business Exchanges, and Signature Events
• If you work a shift at these events, you will receive 50% off

EXPOSURE

• Have your company listed on the Chamber’s website Ambassador page in addition to the Chamber’s Business Directory
• Be easily identified as a leader by wearing an Ambassador badge
• Opportunity to Emcee Chamber Events

RECOGNITION

• Be eligible for Ambassador rewards and recognition
• Be recognized as an Ambassador at various Chamber functions
• Be respected by colleagues and professionals throughout the region as a professional who is taking a proactive role in the Chamber and the business community

INSIDER-LEVEL INFORMATION

• Be among the first to learn about programs, events, and issues that affect your business and the community

Ambassador Event Fee Policy

To recognize and appreciate the contributions of its Ambassadors, the Greater Irvine Chamber offers the following benefits:

Ambassador Event Shift Discount

Ambassadors who volunteer and complete an official event shift as assigned through the Chamber’s event sign-up sheet are eligible to receive 50% off the event registration fee for that same event.

Eligibility Requirements

• Ambassadors must sign up for an official shift in advance using the event sign-up sheet provided by Chamber staff.
• The shift and the duties assigned must be successfully completed in full to qualify for the discount.
• Discounts apply only to the event where the Ambassador is scheduled and serves.
• The discount is non-transferable and may not be combined with other offers.

Ambassador Event Discount

Ambassadors who have completed all Ambassador-in-Training (AIT) requirements and maintained at least three consecutive months of active service at the time of an event are eligible to receive a 25% discount on the standard (non–early bird) event registration fee.

Eligibility Requirements

• Eligible events include: Good Morning Irvine, Networkers Luncheons, Evening Business Exchange, and Signature Events.
• Discount codes will be distributed at monthly Ambassador meetings by Chamber staff. Ambassadors must be present at the meeting to receive and use the code.
• Codes are subject to change monthly.
• To receive the discount, Ambassadors must obtain the code directly from Chamber staff.

Committee Structure

CHAIR

The Chair, in coordination with chamber staff, shall lead the overall business of the Ambassadors for a term of one year and will communicate with members in jeopardy of losing status as an Ambassador.

VICE CHAIR

The Vice Chair shall be responsible for conducting the Ambassador in Training (AIT) Orientation, following up with all AITs, and stepping in to lead meetings if the Chair is unavailable.

TEAM LEAD

The two Team Leads are responsible for encouraging and motivating their teams, collecting points at the start of the meeting and assisting with mentorship.

MENTOR

The Mentor shall guide Ambassadors in Training (AITs) through requirements, review and approve applications, and provide encouragement and best practices.

AMBASSADORS

Ambassadors deliver new membership plaques, mentor new members, attend ribbon cuttings, and participate in Chamber events.

Ambassador Participation Requirements

• Ambassadors must be Chamber members in good standing.
• Max two representatives per company location.
• Attend all monthly meetings (missing 3 consecutive = resignation).
• Meetings: 4th Thursday, 8:45–9:45 AM.
• Deliver at least 1 plaque/month, report 400 points/quarter.

Suspension or dismissal may occur for not following conduct, not meeting requirements, or failing to support events. Written notice will be given. Suspended Ambassadors may requalify; dismissed may not rejoin.

Ambassador Code of Conduct

• Positively promote Irvine and the Chamber.
• Be professional and courteous.
• Honor commitments and find replacements if needed.
• Wear official badge and business attire.
• Opinions expressed are personal, not Chamber’s.
• Remain neutral on politics when serving.
• Support decisions by Chamber leadership.

New Member Certificate Deliveries

Ambassadors must contact new members within 10 business days of assignment.

CERTIFICATE ASSIGNMENT PROCEDURE

1. Assignments start with highest points.
2. Ambassadors select companies.
3. Cycle repeats until all assigned.
4. Packets distributed by staff.
5. Certificates not delivered in 4 weeks must be returned.

Failure to return after 30 days requires replacement cost.

Member Retention

Primary goal: retain new members by promoting benefits and making engagement calls 120 days before renewal to thank members and check benefit usage.

Recognition

Ambassador of the Quarter

Awarded to the Ambassador with the most points in a quarter. Spotlighted on website and social media. Cannot win more than once a year. Ties: both recognized.

Ambassador of the Year

Awarded to the Ambassador with the most points in the fiscal year. Cannot win two consecutive years.

Ambassador in Training Requirements

AIT tasks must be completed in 120 days:

1. Inform Vice Chair you’re qualifying.
2. Attend 3 of 4 consecutive monthly meetings.
3. Attend one training meeting.
4. Attend 1 Business Advocacy event.
5. Attend 2 plaque deliveries.
6. Attend 1 ribbon cutting.
7. Work a shift at one Chamber event.
8. Attend 2 other Chamber-hosted events.

After submitting the form, connect with Vice Chair for a free badge.

AIT Checklist Form