2013 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.
• The Chamber will promote our region as the place to live, work, and play.

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 professionals. 
• The Chamber will sponsor recognition programs and/or awards to recognize and honor outstanding businesses and/or organizations in our region. 
• The Chamber will sponsor a trade show for businesses in our region. 
• The Chamber will be the champion for the start-up, retention, and growth of businesses in our region.

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 identify and develop a diverse cross-section of leaders within our community, and engage business leaders in key community leaderhip 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.

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 identify and address leadership needs, gaps, and opportunities for the region.
• The Chamber will sponsor a community leadership program, Leadership Southside.  
• The Chamber will sponsor a youth leadership program, Junior Leadership Southside. 
• The Chamber will identify and develop programs that educate students, beginning at the middle school level, on career opportunities and requirements. 
• The Chamber will identify sources of funding and coordinate distribution of financial grants for education projects in our region. 
• The Chamber will recognize and foster educational creativity by classroom teachers and schools. 
• 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.