2015-2016 BUSINESS PLAN

2015-2016 BUSINESS PLAN

Purpose of the Plan This annual Business Plan is designed to outline actions and processes that will be undertaken to meet the Chamber s mission, vision and strategic plan. The action items outlined in this document generate outcomes and accomplishments as designed in the strategic plan. The Chamber's goal is to address the various needs of the Halifax County community. To accomplish this, the Chamber focuses its efforts on four strategic goals: 1) Serve as the leading advocate for business in government affairs and public policy issues 2) Advance Chamber communications and public relations strategies 3) Enhance membership value and growth 4) Position the Chamber, businesses, and community at large for the future The following are the Chamber s mission and vision statements, and statements of why we exist. Mission: The mission of the Halifax County Chamber of Commerce is to serve the interest of its members, and promote economic prosperity in the region. Vision: The vision of the Halifax County Chamber of Commerce is to be a leader and advocate for business, and provide an influential voice dedicated to economic success and quality of life. Why We Exist Connect The Chamber connects you with other business people. Engage The Chamber encourages you to engage with others to expand business opportunities. Prosper The Chamber creates a stronger, more dynamic and prosperous business community. Plan Implementation The Chamber s Board of Directors has overall responsibility of the business plan. However, most of the specific strategies, objectives, and programs are carried out through committees and staff involvement. The committees will develop actual action items and a timeline for each program, and will be responsible for reporting progress on a monthly basis. It is imperative that these action items align with the Chamber s mission, vision, and core values. The Chamber board will review progress reports monthly and conduct a thorough mid-year review to assess the relevance of goals and objectives as it pertains to committee work.

Goals and Objectives STRATEGIC GOALS 1) Serve as the leading advocate for business in government affairs and public policy issues 2) Advance Chamber communications and public relations strategies 3) Enhance membership value and growth 4) Position the Chamber, businesses, and community at large for the future OBJECTIVES FOR ACHIEVING 2015-2016 GOALS 1) Serve as the leading advocate for business in government affairs and public policy issues Government Affairs and Public Policy The Chamber provides representation and advocacy for our membership on issues that have the ability to impact the business community. The Chamber will continue to serve as the Voice of Business. This year s efforts will focus on community education and involvement. The 2015-2016 agenda includes: Revitalization of Halifax Forward, The United Voice for Positive Progress. Halifax Forward serves as the major catalyst for pro-business advocacy by providing a forum for interested, like-minded business Leaders to unite their time and resources, utilizing their knowledge, creativity and Leadership, to identify issues that may affect the business climate and quality of life of Halifax County Through Halifax Forward, host Legislative Meet Up sessions for business owners to meet face to face with local and state elected officials to share their perspectives and discuss issues that impact their businesses Community awareness on voting issues and elections by hosting candidate forums and Get out to Vote campaigns Partner with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to participate in the Federation Partnership program Host candidate forums which give the community an opportunity to be more informed when voting for elected officials Host seminars to increase awareness regarding running for public office Leadership 2020 Team - This group identifies and resolves problematic issues for the business climate Maintain relationships with county government by attending monthly board of supervisor meetings Maintain memberships and relationships with the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, United States Chamber of Commerce, and Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Leadership and Workforce Development The Chamber is committed to fostering positive relationships within the business community. By helping connect the educational institutions with employment needs of area businesses, we can better prepare for growth and the future. The Chamber will continue to offer and enhance several programs that help develop the next generation of leaders. In 2015-2016 the Chamber will include the following in its action plan: Serve as an active member of the Dan River Region Collaborative Plan Leadership Halifax County 2016-2017. This program provides premier leadership development opportunities to build and strengthen community involvement and leadership Actively engage young professionals through Halifax Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs (HYPE). HYPE is dedicated to attracting and retaining young talent through promoting innovative events, speakers, and activities for young professionals and entrepreneurs who live or work in Halifax County, VA Develop a past chairmen s roundtable as an advisory group on community and chamber issues Build partnerships between education and the business community to access needs for certifications, management training, and skills training Provide outreach to major employers in Halifax County and surrounding areas to offer a forum for networking and discussion of issues relevant to them through the Halifax County Chamber Senior Executive Roundtable (HCCSER)

OBJECTIVES FOR ACHIEVING 2015-2016 GOALS 2) Advance Chamber communications and public relations strategies Communications and Public Relations The Chamber is committed to the continuous improvement of the quality of our communications and public relations outreach. In 2015-2016, we will focus on the following: Continue to raise Chamber visibility through press releases, media relationships, and consistent messaging Push for positivity through the Chamber s monthly newsletter, Chamber Connection Gather and communicate member testimonials Communicate to members and non-members why the Chamber exists. Survey membership on programs, products, and services Enhance effectiveness of social media communications Communicate timely information through the Chamber s E-News Provide members with increased visibility through the Chamber s website 3) Enhance membership value and growth Networking One of the major reasons businesses join the Chamber is to network. This popularity gives us the opportunity to connect people and develop strategic alliances. In 2015-2016, the Chamber will help build connections between members throughout the region by producing the following events: Monthly/Quarterly Events and Meetings: Business After Hours New Member Welcome Orientations HYPE socials and professional development series Peer Groups Halifax County Chamber Senior Executive Roundtable Lunch and Learns Past Chairmen s Roundtable Seminars and Workshops Annual Special Events: Annual Meeting and Banquet Business Expo Chamber Classic Fall Golf Tournament Travel Opportunities Virginia Cantaloupe Festival Visibility and Credibility Opportunities Being active in a local Chamber of Commerce is an effective business development strategy. The Chamber will continue to provide credibility through membership and provide promotional opportunities to our members. In 2015-2016, the Chamber will offer: Committee involvement and encourage non-active members to become involved Sponsorship packages design to provide additional exposure Online sponsorship opportunities Opportunities for visibility in the Chamber s tour book (online community video) Visibility in the Chamber s printed and online directories Chamber E-News and member spotlights Member-to-member coupons and discounts Member referrals Ribbon cuttings and related public relations activities Recognition of Business of the Year and Business Person of the Year An improved website as it serves as the Chamber s major communications and business resource tool for members

OBJECTIVES FOR ACHIEVING 2015-2016 GOALS 3) Enhance membership value and growth (cont.) Increased Membership Base As diversity within the membership increases, opportunities arise for businesses to make additional, valuable business connections. Diversification also allows the membership to become more reflective of the community. In 2015-2016, the Chamber will focus on: Developing an extensive list of prospects based on former members, businesses in Halifax County, and personal contacts from board and staff members Hold prospective membership meetings prior to networking events Updating and effectively implementing the retention plan 4) Position the Chamber, businesses, and community at large for the future Collaboration The Chamber is recognized by the business, government and civic communities as a leader in regional collaboration. Whether it is bringing together government leaders to work collectively on issues or regional stakeholders to drive initiatives, the Chamber plays a central role by acting as a platform for problem solving and uniting individuals to share ideas to impact Halifax County and the region. In 2015-2016, we will focus on the following: Development of a regional leaders forum that will create the network and opportunity for regional strategies and solutions, and strengthen Southern Virginia s influence and representation on state issues, boards, etc. Strengthening the community and businesses through partnerships with the Industrial Development Authority, Longwood Small Business Development Center, Southern Virginia Higher Education Center, and regional chambers Participating in career day at the Halifax County Middle School to increase participation in the local business community Use Ambassadors to encourage member participation and involvement through relationship building Effectively use technology to improve services to members including online credit card processing for membership investments and event fees Small Business Support Approximately 85% of the Chamber s membership is comprised of businesses with less than 5 fulltime employees. As a result, the Chamber must plan initiatives that provide support to small businesses. In 2015-2016, the Chamber will focus on: Providing seminars and workshops of interest to members Encouraging involvement on the Chamber s online Membership Marketplace which will promote member to member discounts and coupons Educating members on the Chamber Check program, which keeps approximately $100,000 annually in the local economy Growth and development of peer groups (Human Resources, Women, Minority, Sales, etc.) Partnering with Halifax County High School to provide speakers to marketing and business classes Partnering with regional chambers to host the Career Expo, and the local 4-H extension office for the STEM job fair Growth and planning initiatives To inspire future planning and growth in Halifax County, the Chamber is working on a variety of plans and initiatives to foster the growth of the community. In 2015-2016, the Chamber will focus on the following: Building and strengthening community involvement through a community planning retreat Developing a plan for the future by benchmarking items in the Vision 2020 plan and updating the current plan Begin implementation process of developing a 501c3 Begin the reaccreditation process through the US Chamber of Commerce Continue to support the long-term financial health of the organization Continue staff professional development activities Formation of a task force to evaluate the Chamber s location options

2015-2016 Committees and Task Forces Ambassadors Chair: Brad Davis, Elliott Electric Goal: To represent and promote the Chamber and retain Chamber members through involvement and engagement. Annual Meeting Chair: Pam Taylor, Southside Virginia Community College Goal: To plan and execute the Chamber s 61 st Annual Meeting that celebrates Chamber volunteers and recognizes accomplishments of the Chamber. Business After Hours Chair: Tammy Pool, Carter Bank and Trust Goal: Provide networking opportunities, focusing on relationship and business building. Business Expo Chair: Trish Barger, Department of Social Services Goal: Provide an outlet for members to do business with one another, and showcase their products and services. Chamber Fall Classic Golf Tournament Chair: Nookie Green, Distinct Impressions / Lauren Tetterton Goal: Host a golf tournament to provide opportunities for businesses to network and receive exposure. Halifax County Chamber Senior Executive Roundtable Chair: Jeremy Catron, Huber Engineered Woods Goal: Provide outreach to major employers to offer a forum for networking and discussion of relevant issues. This group supports the advanced manufacturing section of the Dan River Region Collaborative s efforts. Halifax Forward Chair: Nick Long, WHLF Goal: Serve as the major catalyst for pro-business advocacy by providing a forum for interested, like-minded business leaders. HYPE Chair: Liz Smith, MBC Goal: To attract and retain young talent through promoting innovative events, speakers, and activities for young professionals and entrepreneurs who live or work in Halifax County, VA. Leadership 2020 Goal: Identify and resolve problematic issues for the business climate of Halifax County. Leadership Halifax County Chair: TBD Goal: Develop a leadership development program for 2016-2017. Regional Leaders Forum Goal: Provide leadership on the creation of a regional leaders network and opportunity for regional strategies and solutions, and strengthen Southern Virginia s influence and representation on state issues, boards, etc. Relocation Task Force Chair: Michael Watson Goal: Research and make recommendations regarding future space of the Chamber office. Seminars and Workshops Chair: Lin Hite, Longwood Small Business Development Center Goal: Educate Chamber members by providing a series of focused informative workshops on timely and relevant topics based on identified criteria necessary for small business success. Virginia Cantaloupe Festival Chair: Brandon Scearce / Lauren Tetterton Goal: Plan and executive the 35 th Annual Virginia Cantaloupe Festival. Publicize a positive community image by delivering a quality event beneficial to members and the community at large.