2008 Business Plan
The Chamber's 2008 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 2008 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.
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.
2. Survey leadership alumni to determine if their involvement in the community and/or workplace has increased as a result of their participation in Chamber-sponsored leadership programs.
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 2009 session of the General Assembly to identify issues that may affect the business community in our region.
6. Develop and present the 2009 state legislative agenda in December 2008.
7. Develop a plan to increase the Chamber’s advocacy efforts with Danville City Council and the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors.
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 City Council deadline for candidates to file their intention to run for office.
NEWCOMERS TASK FORCE
1. Develop and implement orientation programs 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.
RECRUITMENT SUPPORT TASK FORCE
1. Develop and implement a program to assist businesses during their management recruitment efforts to educate and assist prospective employees and their spouses, if applicable, about the benefits of living and working in our region.
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. Update and promote the publication, “Doing Business in Danville and Pittsylvania County,” with prospective and new businesses.
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. Determine a plan and coordinate the distribution of the Ed Steffey Memorial Education Open golf tournament proceeds.
5. Sponsor education awards that reward excellence including:
A. Educator of the Year
B. Award of Exceptional Achievement
C. Business Recognition Awards
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. Develop and implement a young professional support program to assist businesses during their management recruitment efforts, both during the recruitment period and the relocation period to ensure a smooth transition that assimilates young professionals into the community.
3. Provide opportunities for young professionals in leadership development and community involvement.
4. Develop and implement programs to encourage and recruit college students to return to our region upon graduation.
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. Chamber members will have the opportunity to attend educational workshops and seminars that assist them in being more productive and/or more profitable.
MARKETING COMMITTEE
1. Coordinate and expand the ‘It’s All Here’ campaign to encourage people to support local businesses.
2. Coordinate publication of an annual quality of life magazine for the region.
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. Promote and expand the awareness of Chamber Solutions.
3. Review and determine additional benefit programs the Chamber should sponsor and/or promote.
4. 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 be financially stable with identified growth potential.
AMBASSADORS COMMITTEE
1. Strengthen relationships with 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.
FACILITIES TASK FORCE
1. Determine building maintenance requirements for the Chamber office.
2. Review the current branch and satellite offices to determine how they can better serve our members.
3. Develop a plan for ‘virtual’ satellite location(s) throughout the region.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
1. Monitor and report on the Chamber’s finances on a monthly basis.
2. Review and recommend the 2009 budget for approval by the Board of Directors by December 2008.
3. Review and address recommendations in the Chamber’s annual audit.
4. Investigate and initiate 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.
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
1. Contact new businesses and new business representatives to determine their level of interest in becoming actively engaged in the Chamber.
2. Sponsor quarterly Membership Briefings to better educate members on the benefits of their membership.
3. Increase membership with a goal of 5% net growth through targeted recruitment, goodwill calls, and personal visits.
4. Implement a dues structure that focuses on tiered benefits for members who pay higher levels of dues.
TECHNOLOGY TASK FORCE
1. Implement the Chamber’s technology plan.
