The Eau Claire Area Chamber Business Plan

LETTER FROM THE NEW CHAIR   |   MISSION & VISION STATEMENTS   |   2010-2013 OBJECTIVES   |   COMMITTEES & TASK FORCES   |   PROGRAMS   |   NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES    |   EC EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION PROGRAMS
 

LETTER FROM THE NEW CHAIR

Dear Chamber Members:

It is a real honor to serve as your Board Chairman for the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce. We have celebrated many accomplishments in the past year and look forward to many more great things to come.

Each year, our staff and member volunteers put in countless hours to develop and refine our strategic plan and business plan. The objective is to evaluate our current programs and services so that we can identify opportunities to increase membership engagement and value. Ultimately, our goal is to promote a positive business environment that improves our communities and quality of life.

Your Chamber’s Board of Directors recognizes the importance of continuing this pathway of excellence, and in the fall of 2012 committed to renewing The Chamber’s three-year strategic plan. In preparation of the planning process, last fall we conducted a variety of member surveys, focus groups and listening sessions. Participants were asked about the Chamber initiatives that were most important to them. With this feedback, the Board of Directors met in December 2012 for a full-day strategic planning session. The day focused on the Chamber’s goals and strategies tied to business advocacy, business development, workforce readiness, professional development and the individual needs for small businesses. The plan that emerged builds upon the success we’ve experienced over the past several years, and at the same time, emphasizes new priorities that generate greater membership value.

We’re also very excited about the many positive changes detailed in our Business Plan. Members will notice that in 2014 the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce will be celebrating its 100th anniversary. In anticipation of this monumental event, the Board of Directors has appointed a special task force to work with Chamber staff and volunteers in the planning for this year-long anniversary. In the coming year, we also will celebrate our upcoming fifth class for the Chamber’s Business Hall of Fame, where The Chamber recognizes our past business leaders who have helped shape our community through business excellence, courageous thinking and entrepreneurial leadership. In 2013-14, we also will complete our re-accreditation process so that your Chamber can continue as a “Five Star Chamber,” the highest designation possible by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

As a long-time member of the Chamber, I personally know the value businesses, both small and large, receive from their Chamber membership. This value is enhanced, and our organization is strengthened, with the participation in Chamber programs, committees and events. From the numerous networking opportunities to advocacy on important business issues, the Chamber appeals to every facet of the business community. I encourage you to review the details of this plan and look for ways in which you and your organization can become more involved with our Chamber. Thank you!

Sincerely,

Darin McFadden, Group Health Cooperative of Eau Claire
Chairman of the Board

MISSION & VISION STATEMENTS

MISSION STATEMENT
The Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce is the advocate of business striving to enhance and protect the business environment and the quality of life for the benefit of our members and the Chippewa Valley .

VISION STATEMENT
The Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce will be the leader in the progressive development of the Chippewa Valley through the efforts of the business community.

2013-2016 OBJECTIVES

• BUSINESS ADVOCACY- Promote a positive environment to help member businesses grow. 
• BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES  - Provide enhancement opportunities to develop member businesses. EDUCATION WORKFORCE READINESS - Advocate for and support a strong education system and workforce readiness in the Chippewa Valley.
• PROFESSIONAL AND BUSINESS ENRICHMENT - Promote educational information and other resources to enhance development of member businesses.
• SMALL BUSINESS - Support small business members by providing programs and services specific to businesses with 20 employees or less.

COMMITTEES AND TASK FORCES

100th Anniversary Task Force
Chair: Missy Kostman, RCU
Staff Liaison: Cheri Weinke
Goal: Develop a program to recognize the 100th anniversary of the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce, beginning April 1, 2014.

Advisory Council
Staff Liaison: Bob McCoy
Goal: To bring together a group of 30 business representatives that will meet two to three times a year in order to provide input on Chamber programs and brainstorm ideas with the Chamber staff. Information will be shared with the Chamber Board of Directors

Agri-Business
Chair: Mary Kay Brevig, Eau Claire Energy Cooperative
Staff Liaison: Katy Kiley
Goal: To recognize the vital role of agriculture in the local economy and promote positive relations between the business and farm communities.

• Host the 17th annual Breakfast in the Valley on June 14 to promote agriculture in the Chippewa Valley and educate the public. Serve at least 3,000 people.
• Present the Friend of Agriculture Award to a person/business who has contributed to agriculture, agri-business relations and/or agriculture economy in the Chippewa Valley.
• Recognize the Eau Claire County Land Conservation award winners.
• Recognize two Eau Claire County farm families.
• Support agriculture through educational and financial efforts in the Chippewa Valley.

Ambassadors
Chair: Bill Sparkes, Clear Channel
Staff Liaison: Cheri Weinke
Goal: To represent and promote the Chamber and retain Chamber members.

• Assist the Chamber in the recruitment of a diverse membership base while maintaining a retention rate that exceeds 90 percent over three years.
• Assist in communicating the distinctions, services and achievements of the Chamber to the business community.
•  Host and maintain participation at 11 Business After Hours to an average attendance of 160 people each month.
•  Host ribbon cutting and ground breaking ceremonies, open houses and special Chamber events.

Annual Meeting
Chair: Kathy Wright
Staff Liaison: Bob McCoy
Goal: To plan and execute the Chamber’s 99th Annual Meeting.

• Transfer the leadership of Chairman of the Board from Bill Hilgedick, Edward Jones to Darin McFadden, Group Health Cooperative of Eau Claire.
• Create a program to recognize volunteers, highlight the past year accomplishments and set the tone for 2013-2014.
• Recognize outstanding volunteers, committee chairs, Small Businesses of the Year, Ambassador of the Year, Top Membership Salesperson, Community Development, Chamber Volunteer of the Year, Public Employee of the Year, Outstanding Young Professional and Woman of Achievement awards winners.
• Announce the inductees of the fifth class of the Business Hall of Fame.

Business Council
Chair: Jim Pinter
Staff Liaison: Becky Seelen
Goal: To implement educational seminars and programs that will meet the needs of Chamber members.

• Develop and promote seminars to increase total participation, membership penetration and unique attendees. In partnership with the Chippewa Valley Society of Human Resource Management, conduct a Human Resource Conference to educate members on important human resource issues.
• Facilitate the Lunch and Learn monthly seminar series featuring a variety of topics presented by Chamber members during the noon hour.
• Facilitate the Chamber’s Leadership Success Series, which offers a platform for executives of high profile companies to share their story of success as well as their vision and thoughts facing business today and in the future.
• Present the annual Social Media Conference to educate members on the importance of social media and new technologies that can enhance their business.
• In conjunction with the Business Expo Committee, conduct seminars at the 2013 Business Expo & Job Fair.
• Conduct a half-day leadership simulcast in April with Express Employment Professionals.
• Promote the Speakers Bureau, which features local speakers on business topics, to the community.

The Business Expo & Job Fair
Chair: Dan Everhart, Business Expo
Staff Liaison: Becky Seelen
Goal: To plan and execute The 2013 Business Expo & Job Fair

• Along with sponsors, host the 2013 Business Expo and VIP Reception. The Expo is an opportunity for exhibitors to expand their markets through a display of products and services while networking with other businesses and the community.
• Host a job fair during the public hours of the Business Exp.
• In conjunction with the Business Council, conduct a seminar series at the 2013 Business Expo & Job Fair. 

Business Salutes Eau Claire
Chair: Connie Pedersen, U.S. Bank
Staff Liaison: Bob McCoy
Goal: Conduct an enjoyable golf outing that promotes networking for members.

• Host the 28th annual Business Salutes Eau Claire Golf Classic for 230 people on May 20 at the Eau Claire Golf & Country Club.
• Structure the event as a source of non-dues revenue for the Chamber.

Business & Workforce Development
Chair: Janice Lemminger, Manpower
Staff Liaison: Brett Geboy
Goal: To support Chamber member businesses and organizations by promoting opportunities, programs and partnerships that foster business development

• Continue strong partnerships with educational institutions to address needs to retain and attract students, alumni and other talent.
• Continue Chamber workforce development efforts that include employment job fairs, worker retention and recruitment, apprenticeships, internships, promotion of the Young Professionals of the Chippewa Valley and other programs.
• Work with regional economic development organizations to support efforts to attract and retain businesses in Eau Claire and the Chippewa Valley. Encourage cooperation and alignment of economic development efforts.
• Partner with businesses and organizations looking to diversify and develop talent by promoting the untapped workforce including people with disabilities, mature workers and youth.
• Identify the training and development needs of the existing and future workforce and retain and develop programs to address those needs.
• Promote resources available to businesses from sources outside the Chamber.
• Continue to work with the city, as needed, to revitalize downtown.

 Chippewa Valley Chamber Alliance
[Limited to members of the Chamber Executive Committees]
Chair: Darin McFadden, Group Health Cooperative of Eau Claire
Staff Liaison: Bob McCoy
Goal: To keep open lines of communication on regional issues between chambers in the Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire and Menomonie.

• Meet annually with the Chamber Executive Committees of the three chambers in the Alliance.
• Facilitate the 2oth annual Chippewa Valley Rally trip to Madison on January 29, 2014 to present issues that are important to the Chippewa Valley.
• Explore opportunities to deal with emerging business issues using the combined resources in the Valley.
• Explore the development of a Western Wisconsin Legislative Coalition comprised of the chambers and legislators from the region.
• Host Business at the Airport on August 8.
• Host a reception prior to the Chippewa Valley Air Show on September 6.
• Conduct the annual Chippewa Valley Wage Survey.

Education Initiative
Staff Liaison: Bob McCoy
Goal: Meet over the next year with representatives of Pre-K-12 and post secondary educational institutions to look at issues that could impact quality educational systems.

• Continue to highlight the quality in education by conducting the following programs: Community Breakfasts with CVTC & UW-Eau Claire, Excellence in Education Banquet, Real Life Academy, State of Education breakfasts, Youth Leadership Eau Claire, along with workforce initiatives.

Excellence in Education
Chair: Kayann Bock, Sylvan Learning Center
Staff Liaison: Becky Seelen
Goal: To provide recognition for outstanding students and educators from 10 area high schools.

• Plan and implement a quality Excellence in Education Banquet on May 1 honoring 60 area high school students and their educators.
• Recognize outstanding commitment to education through the Unsung Hero, Contributor to Education and Innovation in Teaching awards.

Good Government Council (GGC)
Chair: Bill Eklund, Sharp Photo & Portrait
Staff Liaison: Brett Geboy

Goal: To inform and educate members on business issues and candidates’ stand on these issues. The GGC is independent of any political party, candidates or organization except the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce.

• Send out questionnaires to candidates for spring and fall elections for city, county and state races and share the results with members.

Governmental Affairs
Chair: Bill Eklund, Sharp Photo & Portrait
Staff Liaison: Brett Geboy
Goal: Be a proactive voice for the business community, to facilitate communication between government and the business community and to encourage participation in public and government affairs.

• Continue to update the Chamber legislative agenda to protect and promote business on a proactive basis.
• Encourage involvement in Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce Direct Givers Conduit as a mechanism for member involvement in the political process.
• Facilitate and encourage development of a regional legislative coalition for Western Wisconsin.
• Monitor issues that impact the Chippewa Valley.
• Educate members on where political candidates stand on business-related issues through sponsoring spring and fall candidate forums.
• Involve members in grassroots political participation.
• Promote favorable public policy and funding for economic development.
• Obtain input from Chamber members through surveys to assist the Board on establishing positions.
• Inform members and the community about issues and positions through various methods.

Green Business Initiative
Chair: Gordon Howie, Mayo Clinic Health System
Staff Liaison: Bob McCoy
Goal: To promote the interest of businesses that are committed and engaged in environmentally responsible operations and practices, also known as green business practices.

• Determine those businesses or organizations who have met required criteria, based on submission of a green business application.
• Recognition is given through the Chamber’s website and other marketing materials.
• Sixty-five businesses have been recognized with the goal of 100.
• Conduct renewal process for those businesses completing their fist two years.
• Conduct educational programs and identify best practices.

Health & Wellness Committee
Chair: Kate Banchy, Spectrum Insurance and Steve Lindsay, Sacred Heart Hospital
Staff Liaison: Brett Geboy
Goal: To promote the benefits of workplace wellness as an effective healthcare cost containment measure and recognize businesses that implement wellness best practices.

Continue the Workplace Wellness Initiative for Chamber members.
Monitor healthcare and wellness-related policy that would affect the business community.
Promote the benefits of a healthy workforce and recognize businesses that implement wellness best practices.
Host health and wellness-related seminars.
Fifteen business have received the “Well Worksite” designation with a goal of 25.

Membership
Chair: Mary Glassbrenner, Group Health Cooperative
Staff Liaison: Amy Muehlbauer
Goal: To assist the Chamber in the recruitment of members.

Reaccreditation
Goal: To complete the reaccreditation process to continue to be designated as a "Five Star" Chamber (the highest levet), as designated by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

• Utilize members and staff to complete each of the eight areas.

SOHO (Small Office/Home Office)
Chair: Kelly Berry, ResourceAbility, LLC
Staff Liaison: Katy Kiley
Goal: Empower small business members by providing specialized programs and services.

• Promote and facilitate roundtable discussions for small business owners.
• Provide educational resources to assist in addressing issues of small business owners.
• Promote and create awareness of the impact of buying local.

Young Professionals of the Chippewa Valley
Chair: Stephanie Butero, Gold Cross Answering Service & Gold Cross Courier
Staff Liaison: Katy Kiley
Goal: Engage and empower young professionals by providing relevant educational, networking and community events.

Business Hall of Fame Inductee Luncheon: An annual luncheon to recognize the 2013 inductees into the Chamber’s Business Hall of Fame on June 20.
Business Recognition Luncheons: Held two to three times a year to recognize a local industry and thank them for being in Eau Claire.
Chamber/UW-Eau Claire Business Breakfast: Held annually in the spring to bring the university and business communities together for a better understanding of what each other is doing.
Chamber/CVTC Business Breakfast: Held annually in the fall to bring the technical college and business communities together for a better understanding of what each other is doing.
Chamber Buy Local Bucks Program A program owned and operated completely by the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce using a local financial institution. The Chamber Bucks are good only at Chamber member businesses as a “Buy Local” program.
Chippewa Valley Wage Survey: An annual survey reporting on wages for commonly recognized non-executive jobs in the area. Chamber members from Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire and Menomonie participate in the survey. There is a general survey and four specialty surveys.
Community Communications Committee (CCC): The Chamber facilitates the CCC, which represents 20 CEOs of community organizations that meet for interactive discussions on important community issues.
Chamber Night at the Eau Claire Express: Host a night at the Eau Claire Express game, sponsored by four Chamber member businesses on June 25.
Chamber Sponsored Trips: The Chamber will host trips to Cuba in July and Australia/New Zealand in September.
LEADS Groups: Facilitates the formation of LEADS groups, which provide members the opportunity to further business interests through the exchange of tips, leads and information.
Member Round Tables: Host members to listen and learn what is happening in their businesses.
Receptions: The Chamber Board of Directors meets with members of the Eau Claire and Altoona City Councils, Eau Claire County Board and Eau Claire School Board to keep open lines of communication.
Small Business Breakfast: Held on May 30 during Small Business Month to recognize two Small Businesses of the Year that were named at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting.
UW-Eau Claire Welcome Bags: Assemble 2,200 welcome bags for new freshmen at UW-Eau Claire to acquaint them with the Eau Claire community and businesses.
Working Mothers' Luncheon: Host the annual Working Mothers' Luncheon to provide an educational and networking opportunity for working mothers.

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

Business After Hours: Monthly networking opportunity on the second Monday evening at a host business with hors d’oeuvres and prizes.
Business at the Airport: Held on August 8 at the Chippewa Valley Regional Airport with hors d’oeuvres and prizes, 25 business exhibitors and hosted by the Chippewa Valley Chamber Alliance.
Business Connection: Monthly networking opportunity on the first Friday at the Chamber office. Participants can share information on their business and learn about other businesses.
ConnectForLunch: The program is a partnership with ConnectForLunch. The program sends Chamber member participants to Chamber restaurants each week to spend an hour or more with people they have not met.
Holiday Open House: Held December 5 at the Chamber office to allow members a time to network and celebrate the holidays while showcasing Chamber member restaurants and beverage distributors.
Your Chamber Orientation: Held monthly at the Chamber office for members to learn about Chamber programs and activities.

EAU CLAIRE CHAMBER EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

Goal: To provide a vehicle for members to contribute charitable support to Chamber educational programs and projects including Leadership Eau Claire™, Real Life Academy and Youth Leadership Eau Claire.

• The Foundation has established an Endowment Fund, which has raised $80,000 towards the goal of $400,000 for youth leadership programs.
• A Youth Leadership Society of Founders has been formed. Society members have agreed to contribute a minimum of $2,500 over three years.
• The Foundation will provide full scholarships for four area high students to participate in Wisconsin Business World, a four-day program that brings high school students and business volunteers together on a college campus to learn about the challenges facing our economy. 

 President: Mark Faanes, Wipfli
Vice President: Tom Mihajlov, University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire
Secretary: Bob McCoy, Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce
Treasurer: Bill Kaiser, BMO Harris Bank 
Board of Directors

Bill Eklund , Sharp Photo & Portrait
Bob Forsberg, Walmart-Eau Claire
Bill Hilgedick, Edward Jones
Dr. Lee Mayer , Luther Midelfort-Mayo Health System
Tim Olson, Royal Construction, Inc.
Jack Postlewaite, Spangler, Nodolf, Bruder & Klinkhammer, LLC
Honorable. Lisa Stark
Sue Tietz, McDonough Manufacturing Company

Leadership Eau Claire™
Chair: Barb Oas, RCU
Staff Liaison: Becky Seelen
Goal: To increase participants’ community knowledge through skill building exercises and educational days that stimulate them to take an active leadership role in shaping our community.

• Conduct the 32nd  annual Leadership Eau Claire™ program for 40 participants from a cross section of the community and graduate them prepared to volunteer their services to the community.
• Instill in participants an understanding of volunteerism, citizenship and community trusteeship in an effort to build on Eau Claire’s quality of life.

Leadership Eau Claire™ Alumni
Chair: Stephanie Butero, Gold Cross Answering Service
Staff Liaison: Becky Seelen
Goal: To provide ongoing leadership programs and networking opportunities for Leadership Eau Claire™ alumni.

• Host the annual Leadership Eau Claire™ Alumni Luncheon in August for LEC alumni and to introduce the new class.
• Recruit new members for the Leadership Eau Claire™ program.
• Encourage Leadership Eau Claire™ alumni to participate in the Curriculum, Executive and Alumni committees to create a well-rounded program.
• Host a volunteer fair in conjunction with the Young Professionals of the Chippew Valley.

Real Life Academy
Chair: Kristan Motszko, Eau Claire Area School District
Staff Liaison: Katy Kiley
Goal: To plan and execute the Real Life Academy, an event for area high school students and business volunteers to bring the two groups together. The Academy is designed to provide "real life scenarios" with experienced volunteers that have met the day to day challenges of money management and built them into their lives successfully.

• Coordinate the Real Life Academy in the fall and spring for students at Altoona, Augusta, Fall Creek, Memorial, North and Regis high schools. Current and long-term goal is to have 100 percent of all graduating seniors at the participating high schools attend the Academy before graduation.
• Recruit Chamber members to sponsor and volunteer at the two academies and maintain the partnership between the business and educational communities.

Youth Leadership Eau Claire
Chair: Marc Paulson, Benefit Plan Administrators
Staff Liaison: Becky Seelen
Goal: To provide an opportunity for area high school juniors to enhance their knowledge and develop leadership skills that will empower and motivate them to become involved and committed to their community.

• Conduct the 11th annual Youth Leadership Eau Claire program for 30 students from Altoona, Fall Creek, Memorial, North and Regis high schools.
• Nurture young leaders and encourage them to remain in or return to Eau Claire’s workforce.
• Recruit funding to continue to support the program.