St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce

Strategic Planning Meeting

Summary

Ideas and Goals for 2007 and Beyond 

 Strategic Planning Session January 2007

Key Results

Goals & Sub-committee Action Plans for 2007

The following are the preliminary action plans to address the top priority goals based on multi-voting and consensus at the Strategic Planning Meeting.

Communications Committee  -  Hamilton Willis, Colleen Buras

GOAL:  Improve business and community knowledge of the Chamber through regular communications.  Secure a “Chamber Updates” section in the Democrat and submit regular updates about Chamber activity.  

                1.    Ask Democrat to run a “Chamber Update” information box.  Use this as a tool for keeping members  informed, and attracting new members.

                2.    Website.  Research cost & options.  Include member directory, community calendar, & a member survey  (with incentive to participate).   Report to board at March meeting?

                3.    Encourage members to utilize the Chamber website/newsletter to let people know when they win awards/contracts, and that we can help them with press releases.  
 
Member Support -  Michael Clarke, Clay Pinson, Travis Torrence, Laurie Walsh, Nancy Roppolo, Dick Lancaster

GOAL 1:  Increase membership by implementing a “Direct Contact” (in person) approach to retaining current members and attracting new members.     Michael, Clay & Travis
1.    Divide list equally between all Board members and distribute at the next meeting.
2.    Develop a brief outline of our goals for this year.
3.    Develop a very brief survey of what would help business and what is hurting business.
4.    Provide a benefit list to give out.
5.    Correct any contact info we have.
6.    Promise and follow through with a copy of the results of the survey from all the businesses combined. Hopefully some of the concerns are items that we are working on and can relate our plan to their problems.
7.    All contacts should be completed by the March meeting if at all possible.

** Gather information for the member Business Directory during the face-to-face visits – refer to data needed under the Community Support goal below.

GOAL 2:  Enhance member networking opportunities by conducting regular Business After Hours events throughout the year.  Laurie & Nancy
1.    Target quarterly events – first is set for February 15; next in June at Varnedoes
2.    charge members $5.00 and non members $10.00
3.    have 2 or 3 door prizes and drop business cards in for drawings.
4.    sell 50/50 tickets for money to split with winner and chamber
5.    have chamber members put on the events - food, beverage, invitations
6.    can have speaker if we feel the need to
7.    6pm-8pm so people have time to attend after work
8.    advertise through the Democrat and 70775 Connection newsletter

** Chamber to Chamber event with BR Chamber – April 18 also satisfies this goal.   Build on this in 2008 with business lunches with speakers and possibly a Business Expo