Etowah Chamber

The Chamber, Gadsden/Etowah County
2013-2017 Strategic Plan

Overview of the Process
The Chamber, Gadsden/Etowah County is a nonprofit membership organization representing more than 690 businesses. The Chamber acts as the voice for businesses in the county and is driven by a vision to be the catalyst organization that ensures Etowah County is a vibrant place to do business, work and live. The Chamber’s mission is to be a catalyst for economic growth in Etowah County by serving member businesses through advocacy, education, and community partnerships.
This strategic plan provides an overall framework for action during a five year span (January 2013 – December 2017) with the intent to supply flexibility through more detailed tactics within each annual program of work. Progress is measured and reported quarterly.

The plan was developed over a 12-month period in 2012 using the following guiding principles:
• Clarity: the plan should be designed so that it delivers accountability while being easy to understand, access and report outcomes
• Inclusivity: It is important to ensure that a variety of voices are heard in the process, including those of leadership, staff, members, volunteers and community partners.
• Relevancy: The plan should reflect Chamber vision, mission and values as well as the desired direction of the leadership.


The plan’s development process included the following steps:
Information Gathering
(February – April 2012)
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Determination of Common Themes and Areas of Focus
(May – July 2012)
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Draft Development
(August – October 2012)
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Review of Draft Plan
(October - November 2012)
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Plan Approval
(estimated December 2012)
The information gathering process encompassed the opinions of 100 people surveyed through an online survey. Other relevant data including past surveys, historical information, benchmarks and best practices was also examined.
Three common themes resulted from the analysis. Stakeholders believed the Chamber should:
• Build on current momentum, while increasing focus and accountability, thereby increasing The Chamber’s effectiveness in the business community
• Remember that small business is important, and advocate accordingly in local and state public affairs
• Work to build collaboration and cooperation between all forms of local government, education and public service to benefit the business climate.
Across various stakeholder groups there was a feeling of strong positive momentum at The Chamber. The Chamber was reminded to be inclusive on a variety of levels and to better document the collaborative role the organization plays. It was also emphasized that the general membership needs clear and continual communication about programs and services available to them through their membership. Creating a more diverse environment was also a clearly stated priority.

As a result of the information and analysis, five areas of focus were developed which ultimately became these five goals:
• Education: Create and/or support personal development opportunities at the elementary, high school, college and professional levels in an effort to develop and retain a well-trained, career-driven workforce.
• Workforce Development: Assess skills needed to satisfy workforce demand and work to attract and retain talent by improving collaboration between public and private sectors and determining the barriers to accessing training and gaining employment.
• Economic Prosperity: Ensure that the county’s business climate is competitive for existing and future companies by maximizing existing partnerships to fully complement innovation and proactive planning, supporting small business in efforts to launch and succeed, and utilizing targeted marketing to support county prosperity.
• Community Stewardship: Work to make residents and businesses strong advocates for existing quality of life benefits and future prospects by working to prove quality of life amenities and initiatives, engaging in pro-business public affairs initiatives and developing and implementing recognition programs for member retention and growth.
• Leadership: Organize the business community to serve as a powerful, proactive voice for a unified, progressive vision through board development, committee participation and active plan champions.
The following pages highlight each of the six goals, measures of success and general strategies for the Chamber’s operating focus from January 2013 through December 2017. More detailed plans of action will be presented annually in the organization’s program of work.
Progress on this strategic plan, as directed by the program of work, is reported quarterly. Each year’s 4th quarter report will also summarize the year and review the successes against annual measure and goals.

EDUCATION
Create and/or support personal development opportunities at the elementary, high school, college and professional levels in an effort to develop and retain a well-trained, career-driven workforce.
GENERAL STRATEGIES
• Professional-Level Development
o Leadership Etowah
o Diversity Council
• High School-Level Development
o Student Council Leadership
o Support BEST program
• Elementary School-Level Development
o Support Invention Convention through city enrichment program
• Middle School-Level Development
o Occupation Orientation
o World of Opportunity - consider partnership with Gadsden State Community College
• College-Level Development
o To be determined
• Partnership/collaboration with Jr. Achievement and United Way of Etowah county to enhance mentorship programs
REPORTING
• Number of courses completed during quarter for each program
• Number of participants per each program
• A short, written report on progress of annual priorities, delivered through the President’s Activity Report at regular board meetings.
• Develop a scorecard that indicates hours, number of people, and number of classes per program
ANNUAL OUTCOME MEASURES
• Full implementation of each program
• Participant engagement and satisfaction
o Student participation
o Sponsor participation
o Speaker participation
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Assess skills needed to satisfy workforce demand and work to attract and retain talent by improving collaboration between public and private sectors and determining the barriers to accessing training and gaining employment.
GENERAL STRATEGIES
• Intern database – work with area colleges and universities to partner available interns at member facilities matching skillsets to needs.
• Industrial Skills and Needs Summit – annual roundtable forum with industry and education leaders to determine the skillsets needed for workforce demands and advocate for program development.
• Active participation in Region 5 Workforce Development Council
REPORTING
• A short, written report on progress of annual priorities, delivered through the President’s Activity Report at regular board meetings.
ANNUAL OUTCOME MEASURES
• Internship success stories , possibly leading to gainful employment
• Employment opportunities fulfilled with local workforce
• New program development to meet area needs
• Increased knowledge and regional collaboration through participation in Region 5 Workforce Development Council

ECONOMIC PROSPERITY
Ensure that the county’s business climate is competitive for existing and future companies by maximizing existing partnerships to fully complement innovation and proactive planning, supporting small business in efforts to launch and succeed, and utilizing targeted marketing to support county prosperity.
GENERAL STRATEGIES
• Small business support through training opportunities, Ambassador Club program, implementation of business expos/retail shows, continued support through ribbon cuttings and grand opening celebrations and annual opportunities for business disaster planning.
• Local and regional networking opportunities that allow for growth of small business
• Targeted print and electronic marketing opportunities that showcase small businesses and their products.
• Support Industrial Development Authority in efforts to attract and retain manufacturing and industrial facilities.
• Utilize business and individual mentoring programs.
o SCORE Chapter – Implement a Service Corps of Retired Executives chapter that matches retired professional executives with entrepreneurs and upcoming leaders in a similar field for mentoring purposes.
o Utilize partnership with Jacksonville State University’s Small Business Development Center to provide specific one-on-one mentoring, as well as public programs and workshops
• Business Incubation Research – develop partnerships and complete a feasibility study on business incubation opportunities within the county and advocate for development where feasible.
REPORTING
• A short, written report on progress of annual priorities, delivered through the President’s Activity Report at regular board meetings.

ANNUAL OUTCOME MEASURES
• Measured growth in new small businesses.
• Measured retention of existing small businesses.
• Measured growth and sustainability of participation in networking and training opportunities.
• Implementation of an active SCORE Chapter and periodic SCORE workshops hosted by The Chamber; development of workshops and programs delivered by JSU’s SBDC.

COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP
Work to make residents and businesses strong advocates for existing quality of life benefits and future prospects by working to improve area amenities and initiatives, engaging in pro-business public affairs initiatives and developing and implementing recognition programs for member retention and growth.
GENERAL STRATEGIES
• Continued development and improvement of annual Riverfest Festival, seeking partnerships and volunteers that enhance community spirit.
• Consulting assistance to city festivals throughout the county upon request
• Strategic philanthropy through employee representation on area boards and participation in area fundraisers and activities.
• Salute to Business golf outing/Women in Business golf outing
• Public affairs initiatives such as education on amendments, forums and roundtables with elected officials, legislative breakfasts, etc.
• Participate in/create awards and recognition programs, both locally and statewide, that recognize excellence in business leadership, longevity and dedication to the economic community.
• Work to enhance the image and goodwill of The Chamber throughout municipalities and unincorporated areas.
REPORTING
• A short, written report on progress of annual priorities, delivered through the President’s Activity Report at regular board meetings.
ANNUAL OUTCOME MEASURES
• Successful and profitable Riverfest Festival that builds a reserve for next year upstart costs and “rainy day” fund.
• Positive consulting relationships for area municipal festivals.
• Greater accessibility and participation from local delegation
• Greater statewide and local recognition of businesses, organizations and companies from Etowah County



LEADERSHIP
Organize the business community to serve as a powerful, proactive voice for a unified, progressive vision through board development, committee participation and active plan champions.
GENERAL STRATEGIES
• Continue to build a strong, diverse and active board of directors
• Strategic development of division vice presidents that oversee active committees consisting of board members and members-at-large.
• Identification of specific program plan champions that are voluntarily responsible for the oversight and success of initiatives.
• Municipal collaboration with mayors
o Consider a partnership with local non-profit for a Mayors’ Prayer Breakfast
QUARTERLY REPORTING
• A short, written report on progress of annual priorities, delivered through the President’s Activity Report at regular board meetings.
ANNUAL OUTCOME MEASURES
• Increased diversity on board of directors
• Restated bylaws identifying standing committees, terms and position responsibilities.
• Program committee chairs and plan champions that engage and activate membership.