Business Plan Strategic Plan

Transcription

1 Business Plan Strategic Plan

2 A Letter from the Board Chair Faye Deich HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital Congratulations on closing out the tremendous 100th year anniversary celebration! Now we begin our next 100 years of helping to create a strong and healthy community. As one of only 89 Five-Star Chambers in America, we are all fortunate to be part of an active and vibrant organization that brings great value to our community and to our businesses. Our vision statement declares that our Chamber will be the leader in the progressive development of the Chippewa Valley through the efforts of the business community. We are currently in the third year of our strategic plan. This plan has recently been updated and reviewed, and I am confident that we have sound strategies in place to meet our goals to provide the Eau Claire business community and the Chippewa Valley with the type of service and support that has been so successful for the last century. The Chamber is made up of a diverse and broad array of businesses with our current membership at over 1,200. These businesses actively contribute to the great community we live in and are responsible for making our Chamber the successful organization that it is. With a background exclusively in healthcare, I have come to appreciate interacting with so many individuals across our community in all types of businesses. Learning about the variety and diversity of companies has been a great opportunity. It is another reason our community is so strong. In addition, we have great partnerships happening between government, business and education in efforts such as the Confluence Project. As this project comes together, it will bring great value both now and in the future. In my progression through leadership within the Chamber, I have had the privilege to participate in multiple ribbon cuttings and celebrations for new, expanding and upgraded businesses. Most of them have felt overwhelmed at the recognition by our Chamber, as well as elected officials from the City and County of Eau Claire. At the same time, I have been overwhelmed by their excitement, pride, commitment, hard work and dedication. The majority of our members are made up of less than 25 employees. When they are able to cut that ribbon surrounded by our Ambassadors in their seafoam green jackets, it is a significant symbol of their accomplishments. Many of these new beginnings may have been years in the making, starting with an idea or a concept, finding the financial backing or support, and then making it through the unexpected challenges along the way until they open their doors to the public. As we look to the future, our hope is that your business will be there to celebrate along with us for the next big anniversary of the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce! Mission Statement The Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce is the advocate of business, striving to enhance and protect the business environment and the quality of life for the benefit of our members and the Chippewa Valley. Vision Statement The Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce will be the leader in the progressive development of the Chippewa Valley through the efforts of the business community. Faye Deich Board Chair 2 EAU CLAIRE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

3 STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS AND STRATEGIES Business Advocacy Promote a positive environment to help member businesses grow. Identify issues and maintain a legislative agenda to protect and proactively promote business. Educate and engage members on issues that impact the Chippewa Valley. Education Workforce Readiness Advocate for and support a strong education system and workforce readiness in the Chippewa Valley. Promote and cooperate with business-oriented youth organizations. Partner and promote career awareness and workforce opportunities to students, parents and area educational faculty and administration. Monitor issues and influence policies that benefit members. Business Opportunities Provide enhancement opportunities to develop member businesses. Develop new business opportunities and enhancements to current programs by conducting annual surveys to determine membership satisfaction. Develop a retention/recruitment plan to increase the number of members by two percent each year. Create a baseline for all retention, networking and educational programs and set an annual goal for maintaining or increasing participation. Professional and Business Enrichment Promote educational information and other resources to enhance development of member businesses. Identify issues of all members and research programs and services to address the issues. Research the formation of a leadership development series and implement if determined it is needed. Develop seminars and promote to increase total participation, membership penetration and unique attendees. Small Business Support small business members by providing programs and services specific to businesses with 20 or less employees. Create website resource links for small business owners. Research the development of a mentoring program for new members. Each year, Leadership Eau Claire TM members participate in community service projects. Ambassadors host ribbon cuttings for Chamber members. 3 BUSINESS PLAN / STRATEGIC PLAN

4 BUSINESS PLAN COMMITTEES AND TASK FORCES Advisory Council Staff Liaison: Bob McCoy Goal: To bring together a group of 25 business representatives that meet two to three times a year in order to provide input on Chamber programs and brainstorm ideas with the Chamber staff. Information is shared with the Chamber Board of Directors. Agri-Business Chair: Nicholas Mohr, Rhom Construction LLC Staff Liaison: Emily Lindholm Goal: To recognize the vital role of agriculture in the local economy and promote positive relations between the business and farm communities. Host the 19th annual Breakfast in the Valley on June 12 to promote agriculture in the Chippewa Valley and educate the public. Serve more than 3,000 people. Annual Meeting Chair: Kathy Wright, WEAU 13 News Staff Liaison: Bob McCoy Goal: To plan and execute the Chamber s 101st Annual Meeting. Transfer the leadership of chair of the Board from Paul Kohler, Charter Bank Eau Claire, to Faye Deich, HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital. Create a program to recognize volunteers, highlight the past year s accomplishments and set the tone for fiscal year Recognize outstanding volunteers, committee chairs, Small Businesses of the Year, Ambassador of the Year, Top Membership Salesperson, Community Development, Chamber Volunteer of the Year, Public Employee of the Year, Outstanding Young Professional and Woman of Achievement awards winners. Announce the inductees of the seventh class of the Business Hall of Fame. Present the Friend of Agriculture Award to a person or business who has contributed to agriculture, agri-business relations and the agricultural economy in the Chippewa Valley. Recognize the Eau Claire County Land Conservation award winners. Recognize two Eau Claire County farm families. Support agriculture through educational and financial efforts in the Chippewa Valley. Ambassadors Chair: Ben Rindone, Mayo Clinic Health System Staff Liaison: Cheri Weinke More than 300 Chamber members volunteer at Breakfast in the Valley. Goal: To represent and promote the Chamber and retain Chamber members. Assist the Chamber in a retention rate that exceeds 90 percent over three years. Assist in communicating the distinctions, services and achievements of the Chamber to the business community. Host and maintain participation at 11 Business After Hours to an average attendance of 180 people each month. Host ribbon cutting and ground breaking ceremonies, open houses and special Chamber events. 4 The Business Expo & Job Fair provides an opportunity for Chamber members to showcase their products and services. EAU CLAIRE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

5 BUSINESS PLAN Business Council Chair: Deb Marshall, Wipfli Staff Liaison: Becky Seelen Goal: To implement educational seminars and programs that will meet the needs of Chamber members. Develop and promote seminars to increase total participation, membership penetration and unique attendees. Facilitate the Chamber s Leadership Success Series, which offers a platform for executives of high profile companies to share their story of success as well as their vision and thoughts facing business today and in the future. In partnership with the Chippewa Valley Society of Human Resource Management, conduct the third annual Human Resource Conference to educate members on important human resource issues. Facilitate the Lunch and Learn monthly seminar series featuring a variety of topics presented by Chamber members during the noon hour. Present the sixth annual Social Media & Marketing Conference to educate members on the importance of social media and new technologies that can enhance their business. Present a half-day Sales Conference to educate members of sales techniques, trends and other related topics. In conjunction with the Business Expo & Job Fair Committee, conduct seminars at the Expo. Conduct a half-day leadership simulcast in April with Express Employment Professionals. Promote the Speakers Bureau, which features local speakers on business topics, to the community. The Business Expo & Job Fair Chair: Dan Everhart, L & M Mail Service, Inc. Staff Liaison: Becky Seelen Goal: To plan and execute the 2015 Business Expo & Job Fair. Along with sponsors, host the 2015 Business Expo and VIP Reception on October 20. The Expo is an opportunity for exhibitors to expand their markets through a display of products and services while networking with other businesses and the community. Business Salutes Eau Claire Chair: Connie Pedersen, U.S. Bank Staff Liaison: Bob McCoy Goal: Conduct an enjoyable golf outing that promotes networking for members. Host the 30th annual Business Salutes Eau Claire Golf Classic for 250 people on May 18 at the Eau Claire Golf & Country Club. Structure the event as a source of non-dues revenue for the Chamber. Business & Workforce Development Chair: Nick White, L.E. Phillips Career Development Center Staff Liaison: Scott Rogers Goal: To support Chamber member businesses and organizations by promoting opportunities, programs and partnerships that foster business development. Continue strong partnerships with educational institutions to address needs to retain and attract students, alumni and other talent. Continue Chamber workforce development efforts that include employment job fairs, worker retention and recruitment, apprenticeships, internships, promotion of the Young Professionals of the Chippewa Valley and other programs. Work with regional economic development organizations to support efforts to attract and retain businesses in Eau Claire and the Chippewa Valley. Encourage cooperation and alignment of economic development efforts. Partner with businesses and organizations looking to diversify and develop talent by promoting the untapped workforce including people with disabilities, mature workers and youth. Identify the training and development needs of the existing and future workforce while retaining and developing programs to address those needs. Promote resources available to businesses from sources outside the Chamber. Continue to work with the city, as needed, to revitalize downtown. Host a job fair during the public hours of the Business Expo. In conjunction with the Business Council, conduct a seminar series at the event. 5 BUSINESS PLAN / STRATEGIC PLAN

6 BUSINESS PLAN Chippewa Valley Chamber Alliance [Limited to members of the Chamber Executive Committees] Chair: Faye Deich, HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital Staff Liaison: Bob McCoy Goal: To keep open lines of communication on regional issues between chambers in Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire and Menomonie. Meet annually with the Chamber Executive Committees of the three chambers in the Alliance. Facilitate the 22nd annual Chippewa Valley Rally trip to Madison on January 27, 2016 to present issues that are important to the Chippewa Valley. Explore opportunities to deal with emerging business issues using the combined resources in the Chippewa Valley. Host a reception on July 2 for the Blue Angels Air Show. Host Business at the Airport on August 6. Conduct the annual Chippewa Valley Wage Survey. Education Initiative Staff Liaison: Bob McCoy Goal: Meet over the next year with representatives of Pre-K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions to look at issues that could impact quality educational systems. Continue to highlight the quality in education by conducting the following programs: Community Breakfasts with the Chippewa Valley Technical College and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Excellence in Education Banquet, Real Life Academy, State of Education breakfasts, Youth Leadership Eau Claire, along with workforce initiatives. Excellence In Education Chair: Kayann Bock, Sylvan Learning Center Staff Liaison: Becky Seelen Goal: To provide recognition for outstanding students and educators from 10 area high schools. Plan and implement a quality Excellence in Education Banquet on May 6 honoring 60 area high school students and their educators. Recognize outstanding commitment to education through the Unsung Hero, Contributor to Education and Innovation in Teaching awards. Good Government Council (GGC) Chair: Bill Eklund, Sharp Photo and Portrait Staff Liaison: Scott Rogers Goal: To inform and educate members on business issues and candidates stand on these issues. The GGC is independent of any political party, candidates or organization except the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce. Send out questionnaires to candidates for spring and fall elections for city, county and state races and share the results with members. Governmental Affairs Chair: Scott Biederman, Profitable Transitions Staff Liaison: Scott Rogers Goal: Be a proactive voice for the business community, to facilitate communication between government and the business community and to encourage participation in public and government affairs. Support the Confluence Project public-private partnership as a critical economic development initiative for Eau Claire and the entire region. The Chamber will continue active efforts to secure funding for the State of Wisconsin s share and provide support to ensure receipt of all other commitments and approvals needed for the project to continue to move forward. Continue to update the Chamber legislative agenda to protect and promote business on a proactive basis. Facilitate and encourage development of a regional legislative coalition for Western Wisconsin. Monitor issues that impact the Chippewa Valley. Educate members on where political candidates stand on business-related issues through sponsoring spring and fall candidate forums. Involve members in grassroots political participation. Promote favorable public policy and funding for economic development. Obtain input from Chamber members through surveys to assist the Board on establishing positions. Inform members and the community about issues and positions through various methods. 6 EAU CLAIRE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

7 BUSINESS PLAN Green Business Initiative Chair: Gordon Howie, Mayo Clinic Health System Staff Liaison: Bob McCoy Goal: To promote the interest of businesses that are committed and engaged in environmentally responsible operations and practices, also known as green business practices. Determine those businesses or organizations who have met the required criteria of a green business application. Encourage more participation. Give recognition through the Chamber s website and other marketing materials. Encourage members to submit Green Business applications. Sixty-eight businesses have been recognized with a goal of 100. Conduct renewal process for those businesses completing their first two years. Conduct educational programs and identify best practices. Health & Wellness Committee Chair: Kate Banchy, Spectrum Insurance Group, LLC Staff Liaison: Scott Rogers Goal: To promote the benefits of workplace wellness as an effective healthcare cost containment measure and recognize businesses that implement wellness best practices. Continue the Workplace Wellness Initiative for Chamber members, with a goal of increasing the total number of award holders to 30. Collaborate with Healthy Communities and other complementary efforts to advance common goals, including a healthier, more productive workforce. Monitor healthcare and wellness-related policy that would affect the business community. Membership Chair: Mary Glassbrenner, Group Health Cooperative of Eau Claire Staff Liaison: Amy Muehlbauer Goal: Assist the Chamber in the recruitment of members. Maintain incentive programs for both prospective and current members to encourage participation and continued membership in Chamber programs. Assist the Chamber in the recruitment of a diverse membership base. Develop a retention/recruitment plan to increase number of members by two percent each year. Reaccreditation Goal: To complete the reaccreditation process to continue to be designated as a Five Star Chamber (the highest level), as designated by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Utilize members and staff to complete each of the eight areas. SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) Chair: Jeff Stevens, Chestnut Consulting Staff Liaison: Amy Muehlbauer Goal: Empower small business members by providing specialized programs and services. Promote and facilitate round table discussions for small business owners. Provide educational resources to assist in addressing issues of small business owners. Promote and create awareness of the impact of buying local. Promote the benefits of a healthy workforce and recognize businesses that implement wellness best practices. Host health and wellness-related seminars and events. The Health & Wellness Committee organizes the Chamber s Downtown Wellness Walk. 7 BUSINESS PLAN / STRATEGIC PLAN

8 BUSINESS PLAN Young Professionals of the Chippewa Valley Chair: Andy Neborak, Eau Claire Express Baseball Staff Liaison: Emily Lindholm Goal: Engage and empower young professionals by providing relevant educational, networking and community events. Provide opportunities for young professionals to enhance their professional and personal lives. Encourage young professionals to become committed to the Chippewa Valley by providing volunteer and community service opportunities. Continue strong partnerships with educational institutions to help retain young professionals in the community. Maintain an online presence to encourage networking among members and reach additional young professionals in the area. Educate young professionals on Chamber and community leadership opportunities. OTHER PROGRAMS Business Hall of Fame Inductee Luncheon An annual luncheon to recognize the seventh class of inductees into the Chamber s Business Hall of Fame on June 16. Chamber/University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Business Breakfast Held in March or April to bring University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and business communities together for a better understanding of what each other is doing. Chamber/Chippewa Valley Technical College Business Breakfast Held on October 13 to bring the Chippewa Valley Technical College and business communities together for a better understanding of what each other is doing. Chamber Buy Local Bucks Program A program owned and operated solely by the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce using a local financial institution. The Chamber Bucks are redeemable only at Chamber member businesses as a Buy Local program. Chippewa Valley Wage Survey An annual survey reporting on wages for commonly recognized non-executive jobs in the area. Chamber members from Barron, Dunn, Chippewa and Eau Claire counties participate in the survey. Survey available for purchase on July YPCV members volunteer at several community organizations throughout the year. Community Communications Committee (CCC) The Chamber facilitates the CCC, which represents 20 CEOs of community organizations that meet for interactive discussions on important community issues. Chamber Night at the Eau Claire Express Baseball Host a night at the Eau Claire Express Baseball game, sponsored by four Chamber member businesses on June 23. Chamber Sponsored Trips The Chamber will host a trip to Alaska in September and to Prague, Vienna & Budapest in October in partnership with Higgins Travel Leaders and Collette. Receptions The Chamber Board of Directors meets with members of the Eau Claire and Altoona City Councils, Eau Claire County Board and Eau Claire School Board to keep open lines of communication. Small Business Breakfast Held on May 27 during Small Business Month to recognize two Small Businesses of the Year members that were named at the Chamber s Annual Meeting. University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Welcome Bags Assemble 2,300 welcome bags for new University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire freshmen and transfer students to acquaint them with the Eau Claire community and businesses. Working Mothers Luncheon Host the third annual Working Mothers Luncheon on April 29 to provide an educational and networking opportunity for working mothers. Reception for Non-Profit Organizations The Chamber will host a casual reception in November for two to three representatives from each non-profit Chamber member to show appreciation for what they do for the community. EAU CLAIRE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

9 BUSINESS PLAN NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES Business After Hours Monthly networking opportunity on the second Monday evening at a host business with hors d oeuvres and prizes. Business at the Airport Held on August 6 at the Chippewa Valley Regional Airport with hors d oeuvres and prizes, 25 business exhibitors and hosted by the Chippewa Valley Chamber Alliance. Business Connection Monthly networking opportunity on the first Friday at the Chamber office. Participants are invited to share information on their business and learn about other businesses. Meet Me and Mingle An opportunity, about 12 times a year, to be notified of a networking event from 4:30-5:30 p.m. with Chamber President Bob McCoy. Locations are sent out the day of the event. Member Luncheon A new quarterly networking lunch that features introduction of new members and a short informative program. Holiday Open House Held December 3 at the Chamber office to allow members a time to network and celebrate the holidays while showcasing Chamber member restaurants and beverage distributors. Your Chamber Orientation Held monthly at the Chamber office for members to learn about Chamber programs and activities. Chippewa Valley Air Show Reception A special networking opportunity, hosted by the Chippewa Valley Chamber Alliance, held on July 2, prior to the Chippewa Valley Air Show featuring the Blue Angels. Business at the Airport showcases the area s aviation industry. The Chamber s Annual Meeting celebrates the accomplishments of the prior year. The Business Council organizes a variety of seminars and conferences. The Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce hosts more than 600 seminars, workshops, speakers, meetings, networking events and gatherings every year. 9 BUSINESS PLAN / STRATEGIC PLAN

10 EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION EAU CLAIRE CHAMBER EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION Goal: To provide a vehicle for members to contribute charitable support to Chamber educational programs and projects including Leadership Eau Claire, Real Life Academy and Youth Leadership Eau Claire. The Foundation has established an Endowment Fund, which has raised $112,000 towards the goal of $400,000 for youth leadership programs. A Youth Leadership Society of Founders has been formed. Society members have agreed to contribute a minimum of $2,500 over three years. Annually, the Foundation awards a fully-paid scholarship from the Chamber 100th Year Scholarship Fund to a small business or non-profit organization. President Mark Faanes Wipfli Vice President Tim Olson Royal Construction, Inc. Secretary Bob McCoy Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce Treasurer Bill Kaiser Leadership Eau Claire Chair: Margo Keys, Chippewa Valley Technical College Staff Liaison: Becky Seelen Goal: To increase participants community knowledge through skill building exercises and educational days that stimulate them to take an active leadership role in shaping our community. Conduct the 34th annual Leadership Eau Claire program for 40 participants from a cross section of the community and graduate them prepared to volunteer their services to the community. Instill in participants an understanding of volunteerism, citizenship and community trusteeship in an effort to build on Eau Claire s quality of life. Leadership Eau Claire Alumni Chair: Stephanie Butero, Gold Cross Answering Service Staff Liaison: Becky Seelen Goal: To provide ongoing leadership programs and networking opportunities for Leadership Eau Claire alumni. Host an Economic Development Day to update LEC alumni on current happenings in Eau Claire County. Recruit new members for the Leadership Eau Claire program. Encourage Leadership Eau Claire alumni to participate in the Curriculum, Executive and Alumni committees to create a well-rounded program. Board of Directors Bill Eklund Sharp Photo and Portrait Bob Forsberg Walmart Jeff Jones Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates of Eau Claire Marianne Klinkhammer Gator Garb Promotions Darin McFadden Group Health Cooperative of Eau Claire John Mickelson RB Scott Company, Inc. Honorable Lisa Stark Sue Tietz McDonough Manufacturing Company Leadership Eau Claire classes hold an Opening Retreat each year. 10 EAU CLAIRE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

11 EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION Real Life Academy Chair: Phil Swiler, Loffler Companies Staff Liaison: Emily Lindholm Goal: To plan and execute the Real Life Academy, an event for area high school students and business volunteers to bring the two groups together. The Academy is designed to provide real life scenarios with experienced volunteers that have met the day-today challenges of money management and built them into their lives successfully. Coordinate the Real Life Academy in the fall and spring for students at Altoona, Augusta, Fall Creek, Memorial, North and Regis high schools. Current and long-term goal is to have 100 percent of all graduating seniors at the participating high schools attend the Academy before graduation. Recruit Chamber members to sponsor and volunteer at the two academies and maintain the partnership between the business and educational communities. Youth Leadership Eau Claire Chair: Jenna Ziegler, Royal Credit Union Staff Liaison: Becky Seelen Goal: To provide an opportunity for area high school juniors to enhance their knowledge and develop leadership skills that will empower and motivate them to become involved and committed to their community. Conduct the 13th annual Youth Leadership Eau Claire program for up to 36 students from Altoona, Fall Creek, Memorial, North and Regis high schools. Nurture young leaders and encourage them to remain in or return to Eau Claire s workforce. High school students learn about financial literacy at the Real Life Academy. Youth Leadership Eau Claire members participate in a ropes course activity as part of the Opening Retreat. Leadership Eau Claire TM participants learn how to dust for fingerprints at Chippewa Valley Technical College s Emergency Services Education Center. BUSINESS PLAN / STRATEGIC PLAN Youth Leadership Eau Claire begin their year with an Opening Retreat. 11

12 BOARD AND STAFF Chair of the Board Faye Deich HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital Chair Elect Dave Johnson E. O. Johnson Business Technologies Secretary/Treasurer Tim Benedict Benedict Refrigeration Past Chair Paul Kohler Charter Bank Eau Claire Vice-Chairs Mark Faanes Wipfli Bill Hilgedick Edward Jones Terry McHugh WEAU 13 News Laura Talley BMO Harris Bank Chamber Board of Directors Directors Scott Biederman Profitable Transitions Mark Degner U.S. Bank Jim Fey Student Transit - Eau Claire, Inc. Diane Hoadley University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, College of Business Zach Halmstad JAMF Software Anne Hargrave-Thomas OakLeaf Surgical Hospital Scott Hoffmann Wisconsin Independent Network, LLC Bob Krause Invisible, Inc. Rick Lambrecht AGEM Group, Inc. Susan Marcott Applied Data Consultants Nick Meyer Volume One Andy Neborak Eau Claire Express Baseball Ben Rindone Mayo Clinic Health System Jerry Shea Market & Johnson, Inc. Cynthia Wing-Reed B-Framed Galleries Jan Zander Ayres Associates Ex-Officio Members Luke Hanson Eau Claire Area Economic Development Corporation Linda John Visit Eau Claire President and CEO Bob McCoy, CCE mccoy@eauclairechamber.org Program and Administrative Services Director Becky Seelen, CCE seelen@eauclairechamber.org Communications and Operations Director Cheri Weinke weinke@eauclairechamber.org Chamber Staff Special Projects and Young Professionals Director Emily Lindholm lindholm@eauclairechamber.org Governmental Affairs and Workforce Director Scott Rogers rogers@eauclairechamber.org Membership and Sales Director Amy Muehlbauer muehlbauer@eauclairechamber.org Finance Director Chrystal Mills mills@eauclairechamber.org Administrative Assistant Katie Vorce vorce@eauclairechamber.org Staff Assistant and Graphic Designer Beryl Ouimette ouimette@eauclairechamber.org Contact Us Mailing Address: Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 1107, Eau Claire, WI Physical Address: 101 N. Farwell Street, Suite 101, Eau Claire, WI Phone: , Fax: information@eauclairechamber.org Cover Image Courtesy of Tim Abraham Photography.