Chamber of Commerce | priorities

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FY 2007-08 Priorities

The Board of Directors meet annually to evaluate programs and services provided by the Chamber, the changing needs of our members, and to identify issues that impact our business community.

Representing Business Interests with Government And Influencing Political Action
The Gilbert Chamber understands the importance of a unified business voice on important issues that impact our members. Our public policy committee is instrumental in identifying issues and actively representing the interests of our members. Educating our members about the importance of pro-business candidates and the impact of regulations through the legislative process and/or ballot propositions in an effort to influence the outcome of elections continues to be a priority for the Chamber.

In addition to ongoing efforts to identify and represent business interests, the Public Policy committee will:

Host quarterly Good Government Breakfast Series with elected officials to include presenting the Chamber’s Local Public Policy Philosophies to the Town Council in August 2007.
Host a Candidate School in March 2008 for those interested in running for office.
Actively participate in the East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance efforts at the Capitol to include the annual legislative reception to present our 2008 Legislative Agenda, participation throughout the legislative session, and publication of the 2008 Legislative Report Card.
Participate in the Annual DC Fly-in to meet with our Congressional delegation in April 2008.

Providing Business Connections and Promotional Opportunities For Our Members
The Gilbert Chamber will provide business connections for members through our monthly “Gilbert On the Move” morning mixers, Gilbert NOW! Luncheons, Chamber Leads Club and our Business WRAP-UP evening mixers. Members have access to our various promotional opportunities in our monthly newsletter, website, lobby, and events.

In addition to hosting our ribbon cuttings, grand openings and other business connection events, the Ambassadors committee will:

Expand the current “First Touch” new member visitation to a “Twelve Touch Member Mentor Program” which will be implemented in August 2007.
Conduct training for all Ambassadors to include emcee and “Twelve Touch Member Mentor Program” Touch Program in July 2007 and January 2008.
Provide referrals for new members throughout the year and actively participate in the Chamber’s retention program.

Strengthening the Local Economy
A strong local economy impacts all businesses, in addition to ensuring a pro-business climate is maintained and enhanced, the Chamber will continue its efforts to provide programs and services that will help our members grow their business.

Secure the Arizona Scholars Program partnership agreement with our school districts by September 2007. Actively engage business participation in the classrooms and recognition programs for students achieving their Scholars Program goals by January 2008.
Increase participation in the SCF of Arizona Workers’ Compensation plan by 5% by January 2008 and continue to promote safety in the workplace.
The Chamber will continue to promote the benefits of a healthy community. We will increase participation in the Chamber’s Wellness in the Workplace Ten Week Challenge by 20% and provide monthly wellness tips in the newsletter and website. Participation at our annual Health Summit will be increased by 20%.
Increase our membership retention rate to 80% by June 2008. A task force will research ways the Chamber can better support our local businesses and report findings and recommendations to the Board by October 2007.
A task force will explore the benefits of a 501(c)3 Foundation to expand educational opportunities for our members and community and report back to the Board by December 2007.
The Chamber’s Now Hiring! Section of the website will be launched by August 2007.
The Chamber’s Long Range Plan will be updated and presented to the Board by March 2008.

Promoting the Community
Serving as the visitors and information center for the town provides additional exposure for our members as well as a great service for our residents. It also brings many out-of-town visitors into our Heritage Village Center.

The Chamber will seek funding for an interactive kiosk for visitors and produce a relocation video for our website by January 2008.
Apply for a tourism grant to produce a new Gilbert brochure in partnership with the Town of Gilbert by April 2008.

The Chamber will continue to lead efforts to launch Gilbert as a Preferred Company Environment resulting in national recognition for a specific niche industry such as healthcare.

Opportunities through the Chamber’s potential future foundation and/or other sponsorship activities will be explored to enhance the Gilbert Leadership Program.

The goal is for Gilbert Leadership to grow its Alumni activities and to be a fully self-funded Chamber program by June 2007.
Success for the Alumni activities program will be measured by the number of alumni members actively involved in the community leadership roles.