2010 Business Plan

Goals: 
* The Chamber will influence public policy by being the 'Voice of Business' at the local, state, and federal level for our region. 
* The Chamber will develop initiatives and build alliances that 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. 
* The Chamber will promote and recognize outstanding achievements by entrepreneurs, businesses, and industries in our region. 
* The Chamber will educate the community about the businesses and business opportunities in our region.

Objectives:
-The Chamber will actively advocate for legislation that supports a pro-business environment, while working to defeat legislation that will be detrimental to business.
-The Chamber will maintain a strong presence at the local, state, and federal level on behalf of businesses in our region.
-The Chamber will educate the community, especially employers and their employees, on the importance of participating in the election process and on the candidates/issues that will impact our region.
-The Chamber will work closely with area workforce organizations and collaboratives to provide a liaison with area businesses.
-The Chamber will work closely with area businesses to identify and monitor their workforce needs, and communicate those needs to the appropriate agencies.
-The Chamber will work closely with area businesses to provide them with the tools and resources necessary to recruit and retain a competitive workforce.
-The Chamber will provide opportunities and programs that attract and retain young pr fessionals.
-The Chamber will sponsor recognition programs and/or awards to recognize and honor entrepreneurs in our region.
-The Chamber will sponsor recognition programs and/or awards to recognize and honor businesses and industries in our region.
-The Chamber will sponsor a trade show for businesses in our region.
-The Chamber will promote area businesses and support for area businesses.

Goals:
*The Chamber will promote and encourage entrepreneurial opportunities in our region.
*The Chamber will promote and encourage business growth and development in our region.
*The Chamber will collaborate with education and local employers to identify and address necessary workforce skills.
*The Chamber will identify and develop leaders within our community, and engage business leaders in key community leadership roles.
*The Chamber will recognize excellence in education through awards and financial grants.
*The Chamber will provide value to members through improved networking and marketing opportunities, targeted communications, benefit programs, and value-added programs.
*The Chamber will provide value to members through improved networking opportunities, targeted communications, benefit programs, and value-added programs.

Objectives:
-The Chamber will foster a healthy business environment that leads to the retention and start-up of entrepreneurial businesses.
-The Chamber will foster a healthy business environment that leads to the retention and growth of existing businesses.
-The Chamber will engage in a regional dialogue to develop a plan and to identify the Chamber’s role in that plan relevant to entrepreneurial development.
-The Chamber will participate in a community dialogue that addresses leadership needs, gaps, and opportunities for the region.
-The Chamber will sponsor a community leadership program, Leadership Southside.
-The Chamber will sponsor a grassroots leadership program through the Neighborhood Leadership Institute.
-The Chamber will sponsor a youth leadership program, Junior Leadership Southside.
-The Chamber will engage business leaders in key community leadership roles.
-The Chamber will identify and develop programs that educate students, beginning at the middle school level, on career opportunities and r quirements.
-The Chamber will identify sources of funding and coordinate distribution of financial grants for education in our region.
-The Chamber will recognize excellence in education through an awards program.
-The Chamber will expand and promote programs that improve the marketing opportunities for members.
-The Chamber will expand and promote programs that improve networking skills and opportunities for members.

Goals:
*The Chamber will foster collaboration and partnerships that improve the economic growth and vitality of the region.

Objectives:
-The Chamber will partner with other Chambers in the region to enhance greater networking and marketing opportunities.
-The Chamber will partner with other organizations in the region to create a positive regional brand.
-The Chamber will partner with other Chambers in the region to strengthen the business voice on issues of mutual concern.
-The Chamber will partner with other Chambers in the region to create new and expanded business opportunities.

Goals:
*The Chamber will have a strong and active membership to provide it with the necessary resources to address its goals.
*The Chamber will have the necessary human and capital resources to accomplish its Business Plan and Strategic Plan.
*The Chamber will have an aggressive Business Plan and Strategic Plan that produces measurable outcomes for our organization in the present and in the future.

Objectives:
-The Chamber will develop and implement an aggressive membership recruitment strategy.
-The Chamber will develop a retention program that focuses on existing members.
-The Chamber will have a professional staff to lead and assist with the implementation of its goals.
-The Chamber will be financially stable with identified growth potential.
-The Chamber will advance our organization through a shared vision, mission, and values.
-The Chamber will develop a Strategic Plan and Business Plan that address the top priorities of the organization.