Plan of Action – 2008 and Beyond

This year the Chamber’s Board of Directors is taking a bold new step.   For the first time in its history, the Chamber will undertake 7 initiatives that were developed from a survey of its members and will only pursue these 7 initiatives until they are completed or are no longer viable.   All goals associated with these Initiatives will be measurable and quantifiable and will be reported to the membership throughout the year.   These goals will become the benchmark by which the Chamber and its members may judge its success throughout the year.   Only upon completion of an Initiative will any new Initiative be considered for future years.

The Chamber will continue to provide the many services and programs it already conducts throughout the year, but major emphasis will be placed on its primary Initiatives.

1) Initiative – Lobby, Monitor and Report on Political Activity at the Local, State and Federal Level to Build our Influence and Pursue our Members’ Interests

• Enhance/Build Local Relationships – Visits, Monitoring, Reporting, etc…
• Business Perception in the Community
• Key Issue Monitoring/Reporting (I-81, Taxes, etc…)
• Produce Legislative Bulletin and Report Card
• Host Legislative Forums (Eggs & Issues)
• Improve Representation at Local Level
• Present Legislative Agenda in Person

2) Initiative – Become Strong Advocates for Retail & Downtown Development in Blacksburg & Christiansburg

• Downtown Blacksburg
  • Parking Meters
  • Knock Down Negative Perceptions/Barriers
  • Parking Availability
  • Overflow of Students
• Downtown Christiansburg
  • Monitor and Lobby for Renovations/Improvements
  • Recruit Retail/Restaurant Businesses
  • Revamp Wilderness Trail Festival
• All Communities
  • What are Business’ Needs? Survey
  • Smart, Controlled Growth.   Develop Chamber’s Position on Growth
  • Involvement in Comprehensive Plan

3) Initiative – Tearing Down Business Development Barriers

• Review Ordinances, Zoning, Permitting (Signage)
• Create “How To…” Guides for Business
• Become the Central Information Gathering and Distribution Hub

4) Initiative – Develop Advertising/Marketing/Referral System that will help our Members to Grow and Prosper

• Implement Better Referral System and Tracking of Referrals
• Develop Improved Communications Process
• Create More and Better Opportunities for Members to Market their Businesses
• Develop Website to Include Improved Marketing Capabilities
• Create Marketing Plan for Members and the Community
• Highlight Members Accomplishments and Service to the Community

5) Initiative – Recruiting, Training and Keeping Employees

• Develop Partnership with School System
• Employee Recruitment in the 28-35 Year Range
• Conduct Business Survey to Assess Needs
• Develop and Host Training Clinics/Seminars
• Hire a Recruiter
• Create more Exposure for Job Postings
• Develop Benefits for Employees aimed at Retaining them at Member Businesses
• Explore Immigration Issues

6) Initiative – Lobby for and Pursue Lower Cost Health Insurance

• Lobby State for Competition in the Health Insurance Arena
• Educate the Members on Options
• Recruit New Health Insurance Providers
• Introduce Cost Saving Programs – Wellness, Drug Free, etc…
• Form a Purchasing Group
• Research Current Trends

7) Initiative – Find, Fund and Build a Permanent Home for the Chamber of Commerce

• Investigate Capital Campaign Options
• Finalize Location
• Develop Design
• Create Time Line
• Explore Lease/Buy Options
• Lobby for Signage

While broad items have been mentioned under each initiative, Chamber members will develop measurable goals under each initiative and reporting will occur often on our progress to the membership.   Whether or not you can sit in a committee meeting will not determine your input on these initiatives, so we encourage you to sign up for those initiatives that have the most impact on your business and give us your input.