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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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