Chamber Information

2008-2009 Business Plan

LETTER FROM THE NEW CHAIR   |   MISSION & VISION STATEMENTS   |   2007-2010 OBJECTIVES   |   COMMITTEES & TASK FORCES   |   PROGRAMS   |   NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES    |   EC EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION PROGRAMS
 

LETTER FROM THE NEW CHAIR

Dear Chamber Members:

I am looking forward to the opportunity to serve as the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce Board Chair in the second year of the Chamber’s 2007-2010 Strategic Plan. The ambitious objectives established in the first year will continue and are the foundation of the new programs and strategies we will initiate in the coming year.

We also enter this year with our outstanding Chamber staff, the committed Board of Directors and committees, and dedicated community volunteers all of whom are exceptionally capable and motivated to serve you.

Our five-star accreditation from the U.S. Chamber stands as further acknowledgment of our high standards of practice, full accountability to our members and outstanding commitment to our community.

The Chamber is your gateway to an active, collaborative role in this community. And our mission through membership is to ensure your voice is heard in the decisions that impact your business and your quality of life.

Each year, our Strategic Plan and Business Plan reflects countless hours of work by Chamber members. These members have taken the lead and embarked on the mission to develop supporting services and programs to benefit businesses and residents alike. We strive to address matters of concern and interest including economic and workforce development, health care, transportation, education, government relations, community enrichment and more.

I encourage you to review the Strategic Plan and Business Plan details and learn more about the Chamber’s active committees outlined in this document. We want you to realize the value and return on your membership investment, and we welcome your participation, comments and suggestions. Like every worthwhile investment you make in life, the benefits of membership increase proportionately with your involvement.

Together, we can guide this dynamic organization with its approximately 1,200 chamber members on a journey that includes opportunities for all of us to continue to flourish and grow.

On behalf of the Eau Claire Chamber staff, Board of Directors, committees and volunteers, we wish you great success!

Sincerely,
Sam Stagliano
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.

2007-2010 OBJECTIVES

• Economic Development– Further economic development and responsible growth.
• Health Care - Promote solutions and access to health care for business.
• Workforce Development - Facilitate in the recruitment and retention of a qualified workforce.
• Business Prosperity and Quality of Life - Promote and protect an environment in which business prospers.
• Government Relations - Serve as the voice and policy advocate for business.
• Membership Development - Recruit and retain members by providing business-relevant benefits.

COMMITTEES AND TASK FORCES

Advisory Council
By Invitation Only
Staff Liason: Bob McCoy

Goal: To have a group of 30 small business representatives that will meet three to four 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: Bob Sinz - Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc./ID Theft Shield
Staff Liason: 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 12th annual Breakfast in the Valley on June 13 to promote agriculture in
  Eau Claire County and educate the public. Serve at least 3,000 people.
• Present the Friend of Agriculture Award to a person who has contributed to agriculture, agri-business relations and/or agriculture economy in the Chippewa Valley.
• Support the Northwest Junior Livestock Show Awards Banquet and the Friends of the Fair.
• Support agriculture through educational efforts in the Chippewa Valley.

Ambassadors
Chair: Mary Glassbrenner - Group Health Cooperative of Eau Claire
Staff Liason: Cheri Weinke
Goal: To represent and promote the Chamber and retain Chamber members.

• Assist the Chamber in the recruiting of a diverse membership base and in 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 of 180 people each month.
• Host, along with the Chippewa Falls and the Greater Menomonie Area
  Chambers of Commerce, the Airport Open House on August 11.
• Host ribbon cutting and ground breaking ceremonies, open houses and special Chamber events.

Annual Meeting
Chair: Gretchen Hutterli - UW-Eau Claire, College of Business
Staff Liason: Bob McCoy
Goal: To plan and execute the Chamber's 94th Annual Meeting.

• Create a program to recognize volunteers, highlight current year accomplishments and set the tone for 2008-2009.
• Recognize outstanding volunteers, committee chairs, Small Businesses of the Year, Ambassador of the Year, Top Membership Salesperson and winners of the Community Development, Public Employee of the Year and Athena awards.

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

• Conduct the monthly Business Solutions seminar series, evaluate the series and partnerships and continue those which provide value to members.
• Implement a “Lunch and Learn” monthly seminar series featuring a variety of topics presented by Chamber members over the lunch hour.
• In conjunction with the Business Expo Committee, conduct a business seminar series at the 2008 Business Expo.
• Develop programs to encourage, serve and collaborate with the nonprofit private-sector community.
• Offer leadership instruction to benefit businesses by packaging and marketing existing Chamber programs and collaborating with other organizations.
• Update the Speakers Bureau to promote availability of business topics and speakers.

Business Expo
Chair: Jessica Cather - Downtown Eau Claire, Inc.
Staff Liason: Becky Seelen
Goal: To plan and execute the 2008 Business Expo.

• Along with sponsors, host the 2008 Business EXPO, a VIP Reception and an Expo seminar series. The Expo is an opportunity for 140 exhibitors to expand their markets through a display of products and services while networking with other businesses and the community.
• In conjunction with the Business Council, conduct a business seminar series at the 2008 Business Expo.
• Enhance the Expo by incorporating a television theme.

Business Salutes Eau Claire
Chair: Pam Veith - Attorney-at-Law
Staff Liason: Bob McCoy
Goal: Conduct an enjoyable golf outing that promotes networking for members.

• Host the 23rd Annual Business Salutes Eau Claire golf outing for 260 people, co-sponsored by Security Health Plan, on May 19 at the Eau Claire Golf & Country Club.
• Structure the event as a source of non-dues revenue for the Chamber.

Chippewa Valley Chamber Alliance
[limited to members of the Chamber Executive Committees]
Chair: Sam Stagliano – Bauman Associates, Ltd
Staff Liason: Bob McCoy
Goal: To keep open lines of communication on regional issues between chambers in the Chippewa Valley.

• Meet annually with the Chamber Executive Committees in Chippewa Falls and Menomonie.
• Facilitate the Chippewa Valley Rally trip to Madison on January 21-22 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.
• Establish a Western Wisconsin Legislative Coalition comprised of the chambers and legislators from the region.

Downtown Revitalization
Chair: Teresa O'Halloran – University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire
Staff Liason: Katie O'Malley
Goal: Be an economic partner in downtown revitalization along with the City of Eau Claire and Downtown Eau Claire Inc.

• Work with the City of Eau Claire and Chippewa Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau to study and improve traffic patterns and facilities by developing a signage program from surrounding highways directing people to downtown.
• Conduct the 2nd annual “Five O’clock on the River Walk” on July 24.
• Continue to work with Downtown Eau Claire Inc. (DECI) to promote downtown revitalization initiatives.
• Help to facilitate progress of downtown development including the North and South Barstow projects and Oxford Avenue to assure new areas of commercial and residential growth.

Excellence in Education
Chair: Vicki Seltun - Weld, Riley, Prenn & Ricci, S.C.
Staff Liason: Becky Seelen
Goal: To provide recognition for outstanding students and educators from area high schools.

• Plan and implement a quality Excellence in Education Banquet on May 7, honoring 60 area high school students and their educators.
• Recognize outstanding commitment to education through the Innovation in Teaching, Contributor to Education and Unsung Hero awards.

Good Government Council (GGC)
Chair: Dan Riebe - Peoples Bank of Wisconsin.
Staff Liason: 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.
• Work to train and assist candidates running for local, state and federal offices who support community economic development, advancements in the quality of life in the region and sound public policies that encourage the free enterprise system.

Health Care Committee
Chair: Jackie Pavelski
Staff Liason: Brett Geboy
Goal: Recognizing that rising health care costs are a significant issue of concern for our members, the Chamber advocates the collaboration between health care providers, encourages public/private interaction and urges personal responsibility.

• Allocate sufficient resources to work toward resolving the health care crisis facing member businesses.
• Host a series of seminars to help members understand high health care costs and effective methods to reduce these costs.
• Monitor health care coverage public policies that bring relief to business.
• Be strategic in collaborating with health care providers, promoting wellness programs, encouraging medical professionals and striving to be a regional medical hub.
• Monitor efforts to form a health care cooperative.
• Continue to search for a Chamber-sponsored health care plan that would be more cost effective to Chamber members.

Health Care Task Force
Staff Liason: Bob McCoy
Goal: To continue to monitor and evaluate the opportunity to establish a Chamber sponsored health care program with discounted rates for Chamber members.

• Meet as necessary to review options for a sponsored health care program.
• Monitor co-op health care plans in Wisconsin.

Highway "T" Task Force
Staff Liason: Bob McCoy
Goal: To have a safe four-lane highway on County Road T from Highway 312 to Highway 29.

• Work with Department of Transportation officials and utilize the results of its study to determine how to proceed with building Highway T to a safe four-lane highway between Highways 312 and 29.
• Work with city, county, township and state officials to secure necessary funding for the project.

Membership
Staff Liason: Katie O'Malley
Goal: To assist the Chamber in the recruitment of members.

• Maintain incentive programs for both prospective and current members to encourage participation and continued membership in Chamber programs.
• Assist the Chamber in the recruitment of a diverse membership base.

Public Affairs
Chair: Scott Rogers - Gloria Jean's Coffees
Staff Liason: Brett Geboy
Goal: Be a proactive voice for the business community, to facilitate communication between government and 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 and influence issues that may 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.

Workforce Development Committee
Chair: Jane Lokken - Ruder Ware, LLSC
Staff Liason: Brett Geboy
Goal: To study workforce issues affecting businesses, implement programs to address the issues, and partner businesses and education.

• Continue strong partnerships with educational institutions to address needs to retain and attract students and alumni.
• 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 business in Eau Claire and Chippewa Valley. Encourage cooperation and alignment of economic development efforts.
• Identify and promote availability of the area's infrastructure as a key asset for business relocation and retention.

Young Professionals of the Chippewa Valley
Chair: Jason Craig, Luther Midelfort-Mayo Health System
Staff Liason: Katy Kiley
Goal: Engage and empower young professionals by providing relevant educational, networking and community events.

• Nurture young leaders and encourage them to remain or return to the Chippewa Valley’s workforce.
• Nurture young leaders and encourage them to remain or return to Eau Claire's workforce.
• Continue strong partnerships with educational institutions to address needs to retain and attract students and alumni.

OTHER PROGRAMS

Blue Angels Air Show: The Chamber will support the Blue Angels Air Show on September 13-14, sponsored by the Boy Scouts, by purchasing a chalet and reselling tickets to Chamber members.

Business Recognition Luncheons: Held four times a year to recognize a local industry and say thank you for being in Eau Claire..

Chamber Gift Certificates: he Chamber sells more than $675,000 in gift certificates annually that can be redeemed only at Chamber member businesses.

Chamber/UW-Eau Claire Community Breakfast: Held annually in March to bring the university and business communities together for a better understanding of what each other is doing.

Chamber/CVTC Community Breakfast: Held annually in October to bring technical college and business communities together for a better understanding of what each other is doing.

Community Communications Committee (CCC): The Chamber facilitates the CCC which represents 20 CEO's of community organizations that meet bi-monthly to have interactive discussions on important community issues.

Eau Claire Express Baseball: The Chamber will host a night at the Eau Claire Express sponsored by four Chamber member businesses

LEADS Groups: The Chamber facilitates the formation of LEADS Groups, which provide members the opportunity to further business interests through the exchange of tips, leads and information.

Receptions:The Chamber Board will meet once a year with 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 29, during Small Business Month, to recognize two Small Businesses of the Year that was named at the Chamber's Annual Meeting.

UW-Eau Claire Welcome Bags: The Chamber assembles 2,200 welcome bags for new freshmen at UW-Eau Claire to acquaint them with the Eau Claire community and businesses.

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

Monthly Opportunities
Business After Hours: Monthly networking opportunity on the second Monday evening at a host business site with hors d'oeuvres and door prizes.

Business Connection: Monthly networking opportunity on the first Friday at a host business site. Each participant has the opportunity to share information on their business, learn about other businesses and meet other Chamber members.

Your Chamber Orientation Orientation - Held monthly at the Chamber office, for members to learn about Chamber programs and activities and to meet Chamber staff.

Other Opportunities
Progressive Power Lunches: Held three times a year for members to network with seven new people at three different tables while they enjoy a salad, entrée and dessert.

Holiday Open House: Held December 4 at the Chamber office to allow members a time to network and celebrate the holidays.

EAU CLAIRE CHAMBER EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

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