2009 CHAMBER STRATEGIC PLAN

Vision Statement: The Richmond Chamber aspires to improve the economic vitality and quality of life in our region.

Mission Statement: The Richmond Chamber of Commerce provides vision and leadership through collaboration and support to add value to our membership.

2009 Key Performance Areas
KPA's are highly leveraged priority areas for which specific actions will be developed to redirect the future. Implementation of the strategies developed for the KPA's will bend the trend from the likely future toward the desired future of Madison County.
1. Cultivate partnerships with city, county and regional governments, schools, chambers of commerce, Eastern Kentucky University and tourism organizations focusing on county and regional partnership initiatives.
2. Focus on Membership Growth and Retention while developing new tiered dues benefit investment packages.
3. Develop the new Chamber website and implement member to member program.

Executive Committee:

Organizational Goal: Through the executive committee provide oversight of Key Performance Areas, approve the annual budget, review the membership investment schedule, oversee human resources with the executive director, oversee the internal operations of the chamber office, with the executive director, including office equipment and building maintenance.

The executive committee will also provide primary oversight on:
A. Key Performance Areas determined for 2009.
B. Finance Committee which includes the President, President Elect, Treasurer, Immediate Past President, Executive Director and all Vice Presidents.
C. Oversight of the continued development of the Madison County Business Education Foundation 501(c)3.

The executive committee is made up of the President, President-Elect, Treasurer, Secretary, Immediate Past President, Executive Director, and Vice Presidents from each of the following divisions:
1. Economic Development, VP Pat Newsome, Committees: Commerce Committee, Food & Beverage Council, Minority/Women Owned Business.
2. Membership/Communications, VP Diana Ackerman, Committees: Membership Retention, Membership Benefits.
3. Community and Government Relations, VP David McFaddin, Committees: Government Relations and Community Relations.
4. Networking & Events, VP Jerian Shaw, Committees: Ambassadors, Golf Tournament, Commerce Awards Banquet, CityFest and Pops at the Park.
5. Global Economy, VP Bob Hudson, Committees: Madison County Business & Education Partnership, Industrial Relations and Global Summit.

Goal 1. Economic Development
Goal: To foster an environment of economic cooperation and expansion in Richmond and Madison County.

1.1 Commerce Committee
Objective: To promote small business members, recruit new businesses, and develop our tourism and agriculture industries through cultivation, networking, sharing of expertise, consulting programs, and advocacy.

1.1.1 Make referrals to EKU's Small Business Development Center and the Center for Entrepreneurship (CEDET).  Promote the centers to any business with a potential to impact Richmond and Madison County with an emphasis on Chamber members.
A.  Host 2 events per year that highlight the resources available through these business development centers.
B.  Create link on Chamber website for easy access to a variety of business resources.
1.1.2 Develop the Chamber Business of the Month program to honor members that have experienced significant milestones in their company.
A. Solicit quarterly nominations with specified deadlines for each quarter.
B. Commerce committee members will interview and select monthly winners.
1.1.3 Develop a comprehensive Shop Richmond Campaign for 2009 that drives the concept of purchasing within our local area market. Collaborate with City of Richmond on Research and Development by making Richmond the destination for shopping throughout the year. Explore development of marketing for Richmond healthcare industry.
1.1.4 Agri-Business Development.
A. Continue support of Madison County Extension Office programs including Farm Field Day, the Farm City Banquet, beautification programs.
B. Monitor agriculture issues in the state and U.S. legislatures and take lobbying actions.
C. Support the development of entrepreneurial/alternative agricultural products in Richmond and Madison County.
1.1.5 Communicate to business current issues on local, regional and state levels, and recommend to Government Relations Committee and Board any possible action, position statement, or resolutions.
A. We will forward the Kentucky Chamber site legislative update to membership.
B. We will forward to the board and proper committee any feedback we get from constituency.
1.1.6 Partner with local governments to welcome new businesses to Richmond.
A. Assist membership committee by providing follow up to new businesses and giving them information on available resources.

1.2 Food & Beverage Council.
Goal: Continue support of Richmond Food & Beverage Council to help restaurant members  deal with issues and marketing opportunities specific to restaurants & food and beverage businesses.

1.3 Minority/Women Owned Business Committee
Goal: Develop a  program to support minority, women owned and small business.
1.3.1 Continue the support of the Access Loan program, which will target small and minority owned businesses
1.3.2 Offer educational programs that will target and benefit minority, owned and small business.

Goal 2: Membership

Goal: To create an increase in membership through participation of chamber programs with an emphasis on the improvement of membership benefits programs and through personal contact of members by VP of membership, committee chairs, board members and ambassadors.

Objective: To recruit new members utilizing membership staff, membership committee members and board members.

2.1.1 Acquire a list of non-members within our promotion area and divide those with membership committee.  Targeted visitation to those non-members would be done by knowledgeable members and ambassadors with whom information of the company had been given including whether they have previously been a chamber member.
2.1.2 Partner with the city to include a membership invitation and application to all new businesses applying for license within the city and our promotional area.
2.1.3 Presentation to the board for membership would include a short summary of the new company, its� purpose, location and number of employees.

2.1.4 A regular orientation meeting would be held as often as needed, but no less than once a quarter to introduce new members to the board and ambassador committee and to again give new members any helpful information and or support needed.

2.1.5 Continue to market and communicate to non-members (via a continually updated non-member database)

Membership Retention:

Objective: To retain membership beginning at the inception of their joining, utilizing membership staff, membership committee members and board members.

2.2.1 Analyze newsletter, website and other communications vehicles with membership objectives and benefits in mind.
2.2.2 Look at the �Chamber E-News� program and its� information and impact for retention of members.
2.2.3 Evaluate website to look at its� impact and the promotion of and for our members with retention focus in mind.

Goal 3. Community and Government Relations

Goal: Continue to develop a comprehensive program of community relations and government relations focusing on key stakeholders in Richmond and Madison County. Monitor issues, regulations, legislation and the overall business/economic climate to identify opportunities and threats for our members. Advocate for our members and our community.

3.1 Community Relations Committee.

Objective: To enhance the relationship between the Richmond Chamber of Commerce and the local community.
3.1.1 Work in conjunction with local business, civic and other entities to foster positive growth and change in Richmond and Madison County.
3.1.2 Collaborate with the City of Richmond and the city�s Downtown Committee on the revitalization of downtown.
3.1.3 Continue to address sustainable economic development with Bechtel-Parsons and the Bluegrass Army Depot.

3.1.4 Continue relationships and programs with EKU College of Business & Technology (Distinguished Speakers Luncheon), the Center for Economic Development, College of Justice and Safety, Center for Entrepreneurship, Small Business Development Center, and Continuing Education and Outreach Division in developing a one-stop Chamber storefront downtown.

3.1.5 Work on EKU Chamber Days during Football and Basketball seasons. Organize EKU Colonel Club collaborative luncheon.
3.1.6 Develop a community events calendar that will include dates for all Richmond/Madison County events including the Chamber, RAAC, EKU, Madison County Schools and other pertinent organizations and events.

3.2 Government Relations Committee

3.2.1 Organize a structure to represent the Chamber at all government meetings, both city and county.

3.2.2 Implement a City Commission and Madison County Fiscal Court Chamber days to expose members to the local government process.
3.2.2 Assist with grassroots lobbying for permanent funding for the safe destruction of the chemical weapons at the Blue Grass Army Depot.
3.2.3 Draft legislative priorities representing local business concerns for the General Assembly. Schedule advocacy trips to Frankfort as needed for members to lobby issues. Identify issues that may arise in the General Assembly for statements or resolutions or other action, and make recommendations to board of directors.

3.2.4 Cultivate relationships with elected officials (local, county, regional, state and federal) and develop communications on issues of importance to the business community.
3.2.5 Post Chamber position statements on-line, accessible from the Chambers web site. Continue to use broadcast e-mail program for dissemination to membership as needed for grassroots lobbying efforts. 3.2.5 Continue to cultivate a working relationship with the Berea Chamber, City of Berea, Berea College, and Berea Tourism Commission on governmental affairs.

3.2.6 Support EKU with advocacy efforts on important funding or education legislation in the General Assembly.

Goal 4. Networking/Events

Goal: To organize and implement quality networking/social events/programs to improve the image of the Chamber and enhance the quality of life in Richmond and Madison County.

4.1 Golf Tournament Committee

Objective: To continue the overall excellence of the Chamber's golf tournament and to exceed the total revenue raised in 2008.

4.1.1 Develop strategic plan, including marketing plan.

4.2 Pops At The Park

Objective: To re-evaluate in cooperation with the Executive Committee and Pops Board, the Chamber/Pops relationship as the chamber's top networking event of the year.

4.2.1 Implement meeting of Pops Board and Chamber executive committee in first quarter to re-evaluate relationship.
4.2.2 Pending the outcome of evaluation meetings, facilitate meeting (s) to develop strategic plan, including marketing, sponsors, and all other subcommittees necessary to ensure that the Pops Committee and Board can implement a financially successful event.

4.3 Awards Banquet Committee

Objective: To continue to improve the Awards Banquet (and Annual Meeting) as the signature social and business event of the year in Madison County and to increase attendance to capacity at Keen Johnson.

4.3.1 Develop strategic plan, including marketing, sponsors, awards committee, and other subcommittees necessary to implement a successful event in '08 and begin planning for '09 in the fourth quarter.
4.3.2 Focus on building attendance with several tactics including public marketing utilizing local media, phonation (if necessary) and selling tables to award winners and nominees.
4.3.3 Develop sponsorships for event and reception.
4.3.4 Continue to research ideas each year to achieve optimum viewing and sound for audience.
4.3.5 Videotape event for replay on Time-Warner and Chamber Today Show.

4.4 CityFest Committee

4.4.1 Develop an event that achieves '08 new student goals and a major marketing opportunity for chamber members.
4.4.2 Re-evaluate the working relationship between the Chamber and EKU on this event. Seek more EKU support in planning and implementing event.
4.4.3 Re-evaluate display fees, and other details of the plan.

4.6 Ambassador/Leadership Development Committee

Objective:  �Creating Excitement� Developing Leaders.�  The Committee focus will be developing new member involvement and retaining existing members through events.          The Committee is intended to be a liaison between the chamber membership and staff.

4.6.1 Oversee the �New member 30-90 day program�  with consistent practices on areas of responsibilities  when meeting, greeting, and networking with new members. Ambassador will personally call to set up time to meet with contact person to deliver and cover new member information.  Main objective will be to personally invite the new member to attend the next New Member Orientation lunch, Business at Noon Luncheon, and any upcoming networking events on the Calendar of Events.
4.6.2 Oversee the TNL program with consistent policies for hosting and sponsorship of events with a focus on increasing participation. Goal:  Limit to six events for 2009, target participation of at least 150 guests.
4.6.3 Oversee Business at Noon Luncheon Program  Goal:  Secure recognizable speakers, to present on different sectors of membership and draw an average of 100 persons per luncheon.
4.6.4 Support and assist with major events under subcommittees including but not limited to: Commerce Awards Banquet, Annual Golf Tournament, Shop Richmond Campaign, Cityfest, Pops at the Park, and other chamber events.
4.6.5  Work  with membership VP to improve membership retention by participating in the membership callathon , personally contacting current members to inform them on the Shop Richmond member-to-member benefits program, website advertising and sponsorship opportunitites, and thank them for their continued support of the chamber.
4.6.6  Update Committee Volunteer Sheet  Goal:  To separate and distinguish ribbon cuttings, Business at Noon Luncheons, TNL, and committee from ambassadors with chair person of each to give updates and reports at monthly ambassador�s meeting.
4.6.7 Create a consistent invitation process for potential new Ambassadors that would include a  session with Vice Chair, application signing and approval, and recognition as accepted at monthly meeting.  Goal:  To create a committee that is recognizable among chamber membership and chamber board.

Goal 5 Global Economy

Goal: To develop and focus on projects that have a direct effect on the growth and business development of the Richmond and Madison County community, especially those that focus on future global economic growth, entrepreneurship and new economy.

5.1 Madison County Business & Education Partnership (MCBEP) is comprised of leaders from local businesses and industry, as well as public, private and higher education focusing on developing, improving and maintaining business and education partnerships in Madison County.

Objective: Keep our best and brightest youth in Madison County, encourage those who leave to return by showcasing opportunities available in Madison County, and to develop the best workforce possible by developing programs for students and adults.

5.1.1 Continue to improve a Career Day event: one for high school students and the Reality Store for middle school students.  Work to target inclusion of Madison County businesses in career events. Form subcommittees to help with manpower, planning and speakers.
5.1.2 Continue support for Youth Leadership Program for 30-35 gifted students. Also, focus on placing an educator in the "adult" LMC program each year.
5.1.3 Work with Bluegrass Workforce Investment Board to continue youth grant and School To Work on grant opportunities to fund MCBEP programs and other collaborative projects.
5.1.4 Combine MCBEP Committee with Industrial Relations Committee to develop programs improving collaboration between education and industry. Work to improve guest speaker program at Middle School.
5.1.5 Award Chamber Scholarships in 2009; one to a leadership student, one to an at-risk student in the youth program.
5.1.6 Continue to support Junior Achievement program in Madison County.
5.1.7 Collaborate and work with "Communities That Care" on inclusion of drug and alcohol awareness in MCBEP programs.

5.2 Global Economy Summit/Community Planning Committee

5.2.1 Education Summit to be planned and held in the summer of 2009.

5.3 Industrial Relations Committee

5.3.1 Collaborate with the Madison County Business and Education Partnership and the Industrial Management Club.
5.3.3 Continue manufacturer CEO/Plant Manager Roundtable programs to meet with government officials and business leaders to create a positive business environment for manufacturers in Madison County.
5.3.5 Implement and improve Factory/Manufacturing Tours for Students, and to develop a process to educate both high school and college students about career opportunities.
5.3.6 Implement an "Industry Appreciation Day" to Keeneland where two tickets are given to each industry. Each industry is allowed to purchase tickets, and after allotted time period we open the event to chamber members to sell remaining tickets. City of Richmond, City of Berea and Madison County Fiscal Court will purchase the tickets.
5.3.7 Monitor Industrial/Manufacturing issues, regulations, legislation and make recommendations to board of directors and Government Relations Committee on positions or resolutions when necessary.
5.3.8 Work with Madison County Business & Education Partnership Committee (MCBEP) to develop;
A. Summer Institute's in Math & Science.
B. Work with Madison County Schools to implement the Work Ethic Seal.