Sam's Club, U.S. Chamber of Commerce pair up to aid small businesses

-- Home Textiles Today, 5/12/2009 2:16:00 PM

Bentonville, Ark. - Wal-Mart 's warehouse club division Sam's Club  has partnered with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce  for a joint member benefits program aimed at broadening both organizations' abilities to be advocates for small businesses.

The entities made the announcement today during the America's Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C.

"The face of small business is evolving as is the role of large corporations and government to bring about health care reform, tax, energy and other policy solutions," Brian Cornell, Sam's Club president and ceo, said in his remarks during the U.S. Chamber Blue Ribbon Small Business Awards luncheon that honored the nation's top small business owners.

As part of the two-year agreement, Sam's Club will help to sponsor more than a dozen small business events with local chamber offices. The intention is to make resources and best practices available to small business owners and operators.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce members will receive a $10 gift card and complimentary cost comparison by Sam's Club. Chamber members who join or renew their business membership at Sam's Club will receive a $10 gift card toward a purchase in-club or online.

Additionally, Sam's Club will launch a cost savings toolkit on the Chamber's website to help small businesses manage costs and will sponsor the U.S. Chamber Small Business of the Year Award. More than half of this year's winners are Sam's Club Business Members.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has appointed Catherine Corley, vp, small business insights and marketing at Sam's Club, to the U.S. Chamber Council of Small Business.

Sam's Club estimates more than 600,000 small business owners or their employees walk through its doors everyday.