When you reach the back of the directory you are met with a comprehensive list of local businesses, organized by category, each with a business description and contact information.

By Brittney Sherman

Brittney Sherman

Many people express the notion that “print is dead” and that “directories” haven’t been popular since the Stone Age. The Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce thinks otherwise; we still believe in the value of printed guides and the importance they have in communicating the identity of a place and its businesses.

Every January, the Chamber of Commerce designs and produces a high quality 85-page color publication with the purpose of highlighting Morgan Hill’s businesses, services and identity. Upon opening the publication, you are greeted with a message from the Chamber CEO and the Morgan Hill mayor, followed by a list of local and regional government, safety and service contact information.

Next dive into an overview of the city’s demographics, economics, heritage, county parks and schools. Celebrate the diversity of Morgan Hill by thumbing through pages outlining our eclectic mix of organizations, clubs, places of worship and annual community events.

Turn the page for a history lesson on the Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail and a three-page listing of local dining options. The center pages of the publication are dedicated to a Morgan Hill map and an overview of the chamber’s mission, programs, initiatives, directors and staff.

When you reach the back of the directory you are met with a comprehensive list of local businesses, organized by category, each with a business description and contact information. This list acts as a credible business referral source, giving community members the encouragement and confidence to shop locally for goods and services. Peppered throughout the directory you will notice specific advertisements, enhancing the visibility of the businesses that purchased them. These ads and businesses help fund the design, print and mailing costs of the publication and we could not do it without them!

Twenty thousand copies of the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce Directory and Community Guide are printed each year and delivered to every business and residential address citywide. Additional copies are hand delivered to high foot traffic areas such as the Community and Cultural Center, Centennial Recreation Center, Sports Complex, hotels and more.

Real estate agents display them at open houses, the school district uses them to attract new teachers and residents use them like the old Yellow Pages. An electronic version of the guide can be found year-round on the chamber of commerce website and is visited thousands of times throughout the year.

We are proud of our continued commitment to preserve the identity and promote the businesses of Morgan Hill through print. Look for your copy of the 2022 Directory and Community Guide in the mail this January.

If your business would like to place an ad please contact [email protected]. Deadline for ad submissions is Nov. 10, 2021.

Brittney Sherman

Brittney Sherman is the CEO/President of the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce. She wrote this column for Morgan Hill Life.