Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce
Transcription
Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce
Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce Plan of Action 2013/2014 & Annual Report 2012/2013 Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce 2013/2014 Plan of Action & 2012/2013 Annual Report Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce 2013/2014 - Plan of Action Message from the Chairman Deanna Auner, Homestead Village of Fairhope This is an exciting year for me being the Chairwoman of this Chamber having the opportunity to represent such outstanding businesses and individuals as are on the Eastern Shore. I have been involved in the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce for more than 15 years. I love this region we represent, as I know you all do by nature of your commitment to this organization. The definition of a chamber of commerce according to Wikipedia is “a local organization of businesses whose goal is to further the interests of businesses in order to enhance a positive economic structure for those businesses, their employees and the residents of the region they represent”. Staying focused on this goal is clearly our mission this year as our 2013-14 strategic plan reflects. As a mother, business woman and local resident I am passionate about the region I call home and understand it takes real effort to create a well-balanced community of viable businesses, obtainable career opportunities, recreational offerings, smart plans for managing growth, and more. This year I challenge you to fine tune your involvement in the Chamber. Many hands make light work. I ask you to identify the community issue of which you are most passionate and participate on the appropriate committee with that goal in mind sharing and guiding what you know, and learning and building on what others know. Beyond membership, consider program sponsorships as well as joining the many visionary companies recognized as capital investors through the Blueprint For a Better Tomorrow program. In a world where we look to our leaders for guidance, recognize that we are those leaders and we can achieve great things together continuing to enhance our unique and wonderful community for today and tomorrow. Our Vison There is a need to grow high paying jobs commensurate with the high levels of education found on the Eastern Shore. Indeed, 91% of all adults, 25 years old & higher, hold a high school diploma or higher, and 38% of those have a bachelor degree or higher. Along with the natural beauty and quality of life unsurpassed in the entire south, the Eastern Shore will be a magnet for new high wage businesses, a place where existing businesses will thrive and grow, and a fertile garden for growing new businesses. Our Mission The Mission of the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce is to Support Stability and Growth for the Business Community by Providing Services that Cultivate Economic Expansion and Community Development. Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce 2013/2014 Plan of Action & 2012/2013 Annual Report 2 Blueprint for a Better Tomorrow Blueprint for a Better Tomorrow is a comprehensive program designed to accelerate economic development and improve the overall quality of life. By aggressively marketing the Eastern Shore area and supporting underlying issues that make the area attractive to outside industry and tourism, the effort will also enable existing businesses to flourish. Blueprint for a Better Tomorrow insures there is maximum effort to achieve the goals set by the Blueprint for a Better Tomorrow partners. We are building a better Eastern Shore for Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance to sell. Economic Development Council As a part of our Blueprint for a Better Tomorrow, the Economic Development strategic plan is our guide to accomplish our mission of retaining and creating high paying jobs in four industry clusters: 1. 2. 3. 4. Aerospace and Hi-Tech Precision Manufacturing Medical Film, Music, and Entertainment IT and Technical Support Centers Tourism, an integral part of the Eastern Shore economy and the Blueprint for a Better Tomorrow, is addressed through the Eastern Shore Chamber Tourism Council. Economic Development Marketing Plan In 2014 the Chamber will expand the marketing plan for Eastern Shore Economic Development by creating Economic Development Marketing pieces for the Eastern Shore to increase traffic to the Economic Development APP and website by 15 percent. Aerospace & Hi Tech Manufacturing • Define and create a Mini Advantage Site program. • Offer four Advantage Site Workshops. • Work with ten separate businesses researching opening on the Eastern Shore. Medical • Offer two seminars on the Affordable Healthcare Act. • Create a wellness program for small businesses. • Survey physicians to determine their needs and wants and then create a plan of action to enhance the medical field on the Eastern Shore. Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce 2013/2014 Plan of Action & 2012/2013 Annual Report 3 Economic Development Council cont’d Film & Entertainment • Create a photo section on the website linked to the state. • Collect, sort and label a minimum of 500 pictures for the website. Information Technology • Complete a survey of companies and services in the industry. • Identify their needs and set goals. Business Academy • Set up four workshops to be held throughout the fiscal year. • Hold ten Eggs N’ Issues breakfast meetings to focus on issues affecting businesses. Eastern Shore Chamber Foundation To promote the advancement and diffusion of knowledge and understanding of economics, matters of public concern, finance, education and training, housing, human relations, problems of minority groups, science and technology, agriculture, economic planning and development, international relations and other subjects related to improved efficiency, development and acceleration of both the quality and quantity of economic growth and employment opportunities, especially as these topics pertain to the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay and Baldwin County. The ES Foundation helps support the Economic, Educational and Environmental Sections of the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce Workforce Development • The improved Student Training & Exploration Program (STEP) has evolved into a year-long career exploration program for freshmen, sophmores, juniors and those who will be seniors. The goal is to keep students in high school and offer them opportunities for their future careers. • The CHOICES program is presented to 32 classes of 7th grade students in Middle Schools along the Eastern Shore, Baldwin County. Students learn time management, money management, career planning, educational goal setting and more. • The Youth Leadership Program refines and continually improves the leadership skills of 40 high school students each year. A wide variety of seminars, workshops and hands-on activities ensure the messages presented are sustainable. The seven-month program ends with a graduation of the future community leaders. Seminars, workshops, and projects are included. • Foundation Program Fundraising - develop a strategy to raise funds for “youth development programs” under Blueprint for a Better Tomorrow that align with the current Eastern Shore Chamber fundraising/sponsorship proccesses and can be implemented (cont’d) Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce 2013/2014 Plan of Action & 2012/2013 Annual Report 4 Workforce Development cont’d independently of the normal sponsorship processes. 1) Build a “marketing package” with a clear message about the program that can be used to raise money. 2) Create and implement a plan to have meaningful, measurable, impact on workforce development. Identify outside available resources for both youth programs and adult programs. 3) Identify and utilize gaps. Environmental Increase environmental awareness on the Eastern Shore and facilitate business and community involvement for the preservation and betterment of our unique quality of life. • Committee will host a Spring Environmental Expo. • Select the Environmental Award business winner. • Plant an oak tree honoring the Environmental Award winner. Tourism Council Mission: to aggressively promote tourism along the Eastern Shore and refer information, supply updates and recommendations to the Tourism Council. • • • • • • • • Staff the Welcome Center during the week and on weekends. Increase circulation of the Tourism e-letter by 50 percent. Hold bi-annual Partnership meetings. Advertise the Eastern Shore on billboards outside the shore, in key locations. Place a minimum of four print ads for the Explore the Shore campaign. Expand the Umbrella Sports Tourism package. Develop a new advertising campaign for the Eastern Shore. Develop an Eastern Shore Professional Sports Package. Arts & Crafts Festival Jubilee Festival Present a festival of fine arts and crafts to the community, to promote good will and festivity to Fairhope and the Eastern Shore, to provide an $16 million impact to the region and to provide working capital for the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce. Present a festival of arts and crafts to the community; to create an educational experience for children focusing on arts and crafts. To provide an economic impact to the City of Daphne and the Eastern Shore and provide working capital for the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce. Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce 2013/2014 Plan of Action & 2012/2013 Annual Report 5 Member Value To ensure the availability of human and capital resources necessary to achieve the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce’s goals, and to implement and maintain programs benefiting our members. Eastern Shore Chamber Golf Tournament Bring the members of the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce together for a great opportunity to network. To provide working capital for the Eastern Shore Chamber Youth Leadership Program. Annual Meeting 90th Anniversary Bring together chamber members to celebrate the accomplishments of the previous year, network with and recognize members and install the officers for the upcoming year. Ambassadors Serve as liaisons between the Chamber and the local business community and engage in various activities that result in the increased involvement and retention of Chamber members. Eastern Shore Chamber Young Professionals • Hold monthly social networking events for young professionals. • Participate annually in charitable activities. Business After Hours Offer members monthly opportunities to network in a casual business atmosphere. Morning Marketing Meeting Offer a free monthly marketing opportunity for chamber members to highlight their businesses in a relaxed, low key roundtable setting. This is a perfect opportunity to exchange leads. Mayors’ Prayer Breakfast Bring together the citizens, chamber members, and elected officials to recognize our mayors in Daphne, Fairhope and Spanish Fort in a celebration of the blessings of the Eastern Shore. Home Based Business Expo Offer the home based businesses an opportunity to educate members about what they have to offer. Hold in the Fall 2013. Website Development Redesign/Enhance Chamber website. Total Resource Campaign Hold a campaign to help members promote themselves through Chamber sponsorships. Increase investors in Chamber. Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce 2013/2014 Plan of Action & 2012/2013 Annual Report 6 Finance • Review Chamber Stategic Plan projects. Identify “mission critical” projects/initiatives that create member value. Purge projects that do not add value. • Organize focus groups to help determine which projects to purge or keep. • Take inventory of programs and evaluate impact/success. Rank them in order of importance. Eliminate or restructure projects that are not cost effective or those that do not support the Chamber’s mission. • Survey members to determine their needs. Public & Community Affairs Governmental Affairs Task Force Leadership Trip • Revise and present the 2013-2014 Legislative Agenda to the Board for approval. • Host a Legislative Reception in November. • Hold a Leadership Class to educate those wanting to run for office, serve in a leadership role with organizations or serve on a board of directors. • Establish a forum among Eastern Shore communities to meet regularly to address issues of mutual interest. Community leaders travel for a three-day trip to visit other communities and learn about their successes and failures. Founded in 1924, the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce is the community’s leading advocate and champion for business. Its primary objective is to create a climate of growth and success in our community. The Eastern Shore Chamber provides leadership programs and opportunities as well as volunteer programs and business-building initiatives that focus on the critical priorities of the community. By combining the support, talent and resources of its members, the Eastern Shore Chamber is one of the leading organizations helping to improve the economic vitality and quality of life for everyone on the Eastern Shore. Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce 2013/2014 Plan of Action & 2012/2013 Annual Report 7 Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce 2012/2013 Annual Report Fairhope Office 327 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL 36532 (251) 928-6387 Daphne Office / Welcome Center 29750 Larry Dee Cawyer Drive Daphne, AL 36526 (251) 621-8222 Fairhope . Daphne . Spanish Fort . Barnwell . Blakeley . Belforest Malbis . Montrose . Point Clear . Weeks Bay Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce 2013/2014 Plan of Action & 2012/2013 Annual Report 8 Economic Development Council The Economic Development Council was led by Bradley Byrne in FY 2012/13. • The Council had a very productive year. • An Economic Development Summit was held for Eastern Shore leaders in July 2012. • The Economic Development section for the Blueprint for a Better Tomorrow was expanded to include four action programs. • A logo was designed for Economic Development of the Eastern Shore. • The website was redesigned with a wide variety of new pages and connections for Economic Development. • A new Economic Development APP was designed and connected. • And a new Economic Development marketing piece was produced. Blueprint for a Better Tomorrow Phil Cusa chaired the Oversight Committee for 2012/13. Aerospace BBT - The Chamber hosted a luncheon with Financial Professionals and Developers in September 2012 about advantage sites and commercial products. The Chamber worked with eight businesses that were seeking to do expansion on the Eastern Shore. Medical BBT - One seminar on the Affordable Healthcare Act was held in March 2013. The Chamber identified the need for a wellness program for small businesses. The committee drafted a survey to determine medical gaps. Film & Entertainment BBT - The Chamber invited a speaker to discuss how to handle industry agreements for members. The Chamber worked with six film producers on information about the area. Television shows are coming to the area. The Chamber promoted and supported the CGI program at Faulkner. IT BBT - The committee identified 50 businesses for a survey. The Chamber supported and endorsed the Digital Renaissance Plan. The Chamber took a leadership role in garning support for the the penny tax for Digital Renaissance. The Technology Research Survey was finalized. Business Academy A wide variety of quality professional development programs and a full schedule of Business Brief presentations and workshops were presented. Attendees were able to register online. Four workshops were held and ten Eggs N’ Issues breakfast meetings were scheduled. Governmental Affairs Led by Richard Johnson, the committee produced the 9th Eastern Shore Legislative Agenda covering local, state, and federal issues, and distributed it to elected officials and Chamber members in October of 2012. An Elected Officials Reception took place at Rock Creek Golf Club in November of 2012. A Municipal Election survey was developed and completed by 42 candidates in three cities, then distributed them to an estimated 6,500 people and posted them online. Business Research Kathy Estadt chaired the Business Research Task Force for 2012-2013. Volunteers interviewed nearly 50 businesses about their needs and well being. Results were shared with the BCEDA, cities of Fairhope, Daphne & Spanish Fort and the Baldwin County Commission. A comparison of the past years was compiled. Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce 2013/2014 Plan of Action & 2012/2013 Annual Report 9 TOURISM COUNCIL The Tourism Council Task Force, another Blueprint for a Better Tomorrow initiative, was chaired by Heiko Einfield this past year. The Chamber hosted a dinner for the Governor’s Conference on Tourism at Oak Hollow Farm in August of 2012. The Chamber has two billboards promoting the area - one in Mobile on Interstate 10 and one on Highway 59. The Welcome Center welcomed 28,000 visitors. Eight Explore the Shore Tourism e-letters were sent. Two bi-annual Partnership meetings were held. The Chamber now has a Pinterest account and an Instagram Photo Sharing account. Explore the Shore print ads were designed and placed in publications - SnowBirds Magazine, Coastal Alabama Magazine and Senior Bowl Program. 61st Annual Arts & Crafts Festival The Arts & Crafts Festival in Fairhope, co-chaired by Debbie Floyd and Elizabeth Stone, was ranked #26 out of 100 Best Predominantly Classic & Contemporary Craft Shows in the nation by Sunshine Artist Magazine; was voted one of the top attractions by the Alabama Bureau of Tourism & Travel; was ranked in the top 20 events by Southeast Tourism Society. Approximately 300,000 people, were welcomed at the three-day festival. This year, the festival artwork was created by local artist, David Tate. 24th Annual Jubilee Festival Sally Wagner and Jane Ellis chaired the 2012 Jubilee Festival, which is a wonderful regional festival held in Daphne. The chamber received media exposure on all television stations, four radio stations and in the local newspapers prior to the event. As in previous years, the Kids’ Art section was very popular. The event drew 25,000 visitors. The official artwork was created by Ann Calagaz. 29th Annual Mayors’ Prayer Breakfast The Mayors’ Prayer Breakfast, held on May 5, 2013, the National Day of Prayer, united the Eastern Shore community for an inspirational and uplifting breakfast while recognizing our three mayors. Paula Knodel was chairman of the event. This year’s keynote speaker was Rev. Brad McClain. The breakfast was held at the Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa. Approximately 420 community business leaders attended the event. EASTERN SHORE CHAMBER FOUNDATION Workforce Development • The CHOICES program was presented in 32 classes in 2013. Twelve volunteers conducted the presentations to the 7th graders. This hands-on program teaches students about time and money management; school and career choices; and explores the path of a full life. • Student Training & Exploration Program (STEP) supplements the current county programs: Ninety students participated this past year. This is a four-year program beginning at the freshman year and includes three workshops a year through the senior year. Youth Leadership The Eastern Shore Chamber Youth Leadership Committee, chaired by Poenta Luckie, organized and implemented an innovative program for the 9th Annual Youth Leadership class. The year kicked-off in September 2012 with a class of 40 students representing the entire Eastern Shore. The program included seminars on topics and activities to help participants develop the skills they will need to become community leaders and engaged, productive citizens. Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce 2013/2014 Plan of Action & 2012/2013 Annual Report 10 Environmental Alex Cary was the chairman of the Environmental Committee. The committee held the Green Expo at the Business After Hours in April at the American Legion. An oak tree was planted in honor of past winners of the environmental award. Household Pest Control received the award in 2012 and the Original Oyster House was selected for 2013. MEMBER VALUE 12th Annual Eastern Shore Chamber Golf Tournament Mark Stesjkal chaired the 12th Annual Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament. Held at Lakewood Golf Club on May 16, the event is a great way for businesses to network. It is also a great venue to promote businesses to other key players in the community. The Chamber signed up 122 members to play in the tournament. A percentage of the funds raised went toward the Youth Leadership Program. 89th Annual Meeting The 89th Annual Meeting took place at Oak Hollow Farm with 250 members attending. They enjoyed a country cooked meal, drinks and live music. Awards were presented to members in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the Chamber and to the community. Ambassador Program Brenda Carpenter led the Ambassadors Committee in 2012-13. New initiatives were undertaken during the year which focused on retention of members. Ambassadors were introduced to various Chamber staff in an effort to broaden the understanding of who a member might need to contact with a particular concern. Many hours were spent volunteering time to attend ribbon cuttings, delivering plaques to new members, attending Chamber monthly meetings and assisting with projects. Millie Sue Hawk was honored as Ambassador of the Year. Young Professionals John Erdlitz served as chair of the Young Professionals Group. A concerted effort has been made to integrate young professionals within the Chamber into various programs and events. These young professionals are contacted electronically to ensure their awareness of activities. The Young Professionals Group enjoyed monthly networking opportunities throughout fiscal year. They also helped the “Toys for Tots Campaign” by donating more than 100 toys for the US Marines. Administration • Website Since launching the new website during the latter part of FY 06/07 many enhancements and changes have been made. The website received over 1.5 million hits in FY 12/13. • The Chamber’s APP is now linked to 10,000 followers. We have 5,728 Facebook friends and 2,200 Twitter followers. • The Chamber produced 29 publications and brochures that highlight the advantages of living, investing in, as well as visiting, the Eastern Shore. These publications are sent out to prospective new industries, businesses, and individuals looking to relocate to the area, as well as to potential tourists. Most of the Chamber’s printed materials are also available on the website. • The Chamber worked closely with SCORE throughout the year, and scheduled 159 counseling sessions for those seeking to start their own business or seeking advice on an existing business. • The Chamber received an average of 100,000 calls last year. • The Scenic Overlook Visitors Center registered 14,000 visitors during this past fiscal year. During the same fiscal year 2,979 visitors were recorded at the office in Fairhope. • The Chamber provided pieces of information to more than 191 inquiries about visiting our area for various conventions and group tours. • For the 2012-2013 fiscal year the chamber sent out 15,735 brochures for people relocating to our area, people inquiring about retirement opportunities, people interested in visiting our area and people visiting the area for vacations, conferences, family reunions or weddings. The Chamber also assembled packets for schools and miscellaneous projects. Most people visit the Chamber’s website to obtain information. • The Chamber distributed over 10,000 copies of the Eastern Shore Magazine/Chamber Directory during FY 2012-13. The magazine is also available online. Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce 2013/2014 Plan of Action & 2012/2013 Annual Report 11 2013 / 2014 Board of Directors Deanna Auner Chairman of the Board Homestead Village of Fairhope Ex-oficio Members: Contina Woods Chairman Elect Regions Bank Mayor Dane Haygood City of Daphne Kerry O’Connor Past Chairman BancorpSouth Phil Cusa Treasurer AltaPointe Health Systems, Inc. dba EastPointe Hospital Mayor Tim Kant City of Fairhope Mayor Mike McMillan City of Spanish Fort Commissioner Tucker Dorsey Baldwin County Returning Board Members: Bradley Byrne Jones Walker, LLP Jennie Campbell Vice Chairman Economic Development Donna Givens Stewart Lodges at Steelwood Baldwin EMC Don Mecke David Clark Vice Chairman Individual Membership Value Browning, Mecke and O’Neal Nathan Cox Bellator Real Estate & Heiko Einfeld Development Vice Chairman Tourism Council William McLaughlin Individual Thomas Hospital LaBarron McClendon Vice Chairman Foundation Infirmary Health Lad Drago State Farm Insurance Richard Johnson Phelps Dunbar Joe Bullock Preble-Rish Joe Hocklander Mobile Gas John Erdlitz Wells Fargo Bank New Members: William Stitt Old 27 Grill Eric Nager Southern Capital Services Steve Carey CertaPro Painters Bruce Smith Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa Sally Wagner Hartmann, Blackmon & Kilgore, PC Chris Weinberg Walmart - South Alabama District Chamber Staff: Kathie Barton Communications Coordinator Cindy Bishop Accounts Manager Amy Dial Membership Coordinator Lori Edson Tourism Information Specialist Jessica Fleming Tourism Information Specialist Rose Hall Information Specialist Sue Hammac Adminstrative Asst. Pat Hawthorne Director of Development Christina Hellmich Youth Leadership Administrator Kay Overstreet Administrative Asst. Liz Roberts Director of Tourism & Special Events Darrelyn Bender President/CEO Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce 2013/2014 Plan of Action & 2012/2013 Annual Report 12