2009 Business Plan
The Chamber's 2009 Business Plan outlines the organization's vision, mission, and priorities for the year, along with strategies for committees, the board of directors, and staff. Click here to view the complete Business Plan or scroll down to read the strategies for our 2009 committees.Strengthen Our Advocacy Effectiveness
The Chamber will be recognized for its ability to shape public policy by being the “Voice of Business” at the local, state and federal level for our region. The Chamber will provide its members with expanded opportunities to meet with government officials to discuss critical issues such as transportation, education, economic development, and workforce development. The Chamber will also identify and develop leaders within our community, and engage business leaders in key community leadership roles.
Proposed Outcomes:
1. Southside Virginia’s pro-business climate will be protected and enhanced so that businesses can increase their profitability and competitiveness in a global economy.
2. An increased pool of engaged business leaders in community, civic, and elected roles will enhance the quality of life and business environment of our region.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
1. Explore potential leadership development opportunities and projects for our region, including the formation of a Leadership Institute.
LEADERSHIP SOUTHSIDE PLANNING COMMITTEE
1. Develop, implement, and market Leadership Southside.
LEADERSHIP SOUTHSIDE ALUMNI COMMITTEE
1. Provide ongoing leadership development opportunities for leadership program alumni and Chamber members.
LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE
1. Participate in “Chamber Day at the Capitol” and other Chamber-related legislative events during the General Assembly session.
2. Coordinate a legislative meeting for Chamber members and state legislators after the General Assembly session.
3. Coordinate at least one meeting with our Congressional representatives.
4. Coordinate an annual meeting between the Chamber’s Board of Directors, Danville City Council and the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors that promotes regional dialogue.
5. Meet with state legislators prior to the 2010 session of the General Assembly to identify issues that may affect the business community in our region.
6. Develop and present the 2010 state legislative agenda in December 2009.
7. Develop and present the 2009 federal legislative agenda to our region's Congressional representatives.
8. Develop a promotional campaign that encourages voter turnout for elections.
9. Sponsor or co-sponsor a candidates’ forum.
10. Sponsor or co-sponsor a workshop on how to run for public office prior to the deadline for candidates to file their intention to run for office.
NEWCOMERS TASK FORCE
1. Develop and implement orientation programs or events for new professionals who have relocated to our region.
NEIGHBORHOOD LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE TEAM
1. Expand the neighborhood leadership program in partnership with United Way, Virginia Cooperative Extension, and other identified organizations.
2. Develop leadership training workshops and seminars that focus on building stronger neighborhoods.
YOUTH LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE
1. Develop and implement a youth leadership program.
Position Our Region for Economic Success
The Chamber will strengthen its commitment to education and economic development efforts through a close working relationship with the school systems, higher education institutions, and economic development offices. The Chamber will promote and encourage business development and entrepreneurial opportunities within our region. The Chamber will take an active position in developing initiatives and building alliances that will effectively address workforce development issues, especially the education and re-training of the labor force to equip workers for the jobs of today...and tomorrow.
Proposed Outcomes:
1. Area employers will attract and retain qualified employees to ensure their competitiveness in a global economy.
2. Area businesses have the necessary resources for expanded growth opportunities.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
1. Develop and implement a plan to promote entrepreneurial opportunities in our region.
2. Provide businesses and those interested in starting businesses with sources of information relative to doing business in Virginia, Pittsylvania County, and the City of Danville.
3. Develop recognition programs and/or awards for successful businesses, industries, and entrepreneurs.
4. Coordinate the Chamber’s involvement in Business Appreciation Week.
DAN RIVER HOSPITALITY & TRAVEL COMMITTEE
1. Coordinate and/or promote training and recognition to promote outstanding customer service, especially among front-line staff.
2. Develop programs and plans that advance the development and growth of the hospitality and travel industry in the Dan River region by educating community leaders.
EDUCATION COMMITTEE
1. Coordinate Career Day for high school students.
2. Identify and develop programs that educate students, beginning at the middle school level, on career opportunities and requirements.
3. Coordinate the annual Ed Steffey Memorial Education Open golf tournament with proceeds designated for education.
4. Coordinate the distribution of the Ed Steffey Memorial Education Open golf tournament with proceeds designated for education.
5. Develop a plan to increase funding for education through financial grants.
6. Sponsor education awards that reward excellence including:
A. Educator of the Year
B. Award of Exceptional Achievement
IT'S ALL HERE TASK FORCE
1. Coordinate and expand the "It's All Here" campaign to encourage people to support local businesses.
SOUTHSIDE SHOW-BIZ TRADE SHOW TASK FORCE
1. Coordinate a trade show for businesses in Danville and Pittsylvania County.
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK
1. Coordinate networking events for young professionals.
2. Provide opportunities for young professionals in leadership development and community involvement.
Increase Member Value
The Chamber will provide value to members through improved networking opportunities, targeted communications, benefit programs, recognition, workshops and seminars that enhance business development, and meetings with key community leaders. The Chamber will continually expand and improve its web presence and electronic communications so that they remain a valuable member resource.
Proposed Outcomes:
1. Benefit programs will be provided to Chamber members that will provide a measurable return on their investment.
2. Educational workshops and/or seminars will assist Chamber members in being more productive, profitable, and/or aware of key issues that may impact their business.
3. Area businesses have the necessary resources for expanded growth opportunities.
MEMBER EDUCATION COMMITTEE
1. Coordinate and/or promote workshops and programs that support the growth and development of our members.
2. Coordinate breakfast meetings of the Chamber membership that address key business issues.
MEMBER SERVICES TASK FORCE
1. Develop guidelines and criteria for benefit programs that the Chamber sponsors and/or promotes.
2. Review and determine additional benefit programs the Chamber should sponsor and/or promote.
3. Develop and pilot a program that focuses on targeted networking of Chamber members (i.e. “Speed Networking”).
Build for the Future
The Chamber will ensure that the organization is equipped and positioned to successfully implement its priorities and goals. The Chamber will address its strategic operational needs by developing a three-year strategic plan, by exploring satellite office locations, and by developing financial plans which address the long-term stability of the organization.
Proposed Outcomes:
1. Member support, participation, and satisfaction will increase.
2. The Chamber will have the necessary resources to accomplish its Business Plan and Strategic Plan.
AMBASSADORS COMMITTEE
1. Strengthen relationships with prospective members and existing Chamber members through ‘goodwill’ calls and visits.
2. Serve as hosts/hostesses at the Chamber’s Annual Membership Meeting, Business After Hours, and other identified Chamber events to greet members and introduce new members to others.
CHAMBER CLASSIC GOLF TOURNAMENT COMMITTEE
1. Coordinate the annual Chamber Classic golf tournament.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
1. Review the Chamber's dues structure.
2. Monitor and report on the Chamber’s finances on a monthly basis.
3. Review and recommend the 2010 budget for approval by the Board of Directors by December 2009.
4. Review and address recommendations in the Chamber’s annual audit.
5. Finalize the establishment of a 501 (c) 3 for the Chamber.
HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE
1. Review staffing positions to determine present and future staffing needs.
2. Review compensation and benefits for Chamber staff.
3. Review and update policies and procedures for employees.
TECHNOLOGY TASK FORCE
1. Implement the Chamber’s technology plan.
