ExecutiveVoice

From the Chair
Eileen Eakins, Attorney at Law

With the launch of the Chamber’s all-electronic weekly newsletter early in the fall, and the recent approval by the board of directors of a major redesign for our web site, the Chamber’s communication tools are being upgraded, made more efficient and, we hope, more effective.  As we improve the means, however, we also need to refine our message.

In my opinion, the first step toward recruiting and retaining members is a well-developed “elevator speech,” which briefly explains the six key benefits of Chamber membership:  (1) Exposure for your business; (2) making connections; (3) community involvement; (4) public policy; (5) professional development; and (6) legislative influence.  When we find out what our members and prospective members are looking for, we can better help them get it.  And if they still don’t get it, we know where improvements can be made. 

In the coming months, watch for changes in our public message and marketing that hone in on these core benefits.  And, as always, please let us hear from you. 

President's Message

Wilda Parks, ACE; President/CEO

It occurs to me that a Chamber of Commerce evolution could be similar to that of automobiles.

Years ago there was one kind, it sort of fit all, but if you wanted to be part, you bought that one kind. Then a few options came along, and next were not only one kind, but several. For chambers that might mean Alliances, or Business Associations, or Leeds groups or a Chamber of Commerce next door. For cars that meant Ford now competed with Chrysler or Chevrolet or (remember this?) Studebaker, or Hudson.

In the car world consumers began to ask for more features, radios, white sidewalls, larger trunks, evolving into stereo sound, sun roofs, fold down seats; which have continued to evolve as demand requests.

Chambers aren’t much different; new networking was added, now it’s business relationships (connections are fleeting, relationships are more stable). Segmentation was there years ago, went away, and is now back again (sort of like Chrysler’s PT Cruiser, looks like the car bodies of fifty years ago) in the form of women’s groups, young professionals, manufacturing or retail groups.

New forms of educational classes, videos, webinars, as well as the face-to-face classrooms need to be part of our model line. Websites, Twitter (we’ll be there soon) Facebook, LinkedIn, Blackberries, they all are part of our tools of today to provide the features and benefits you, our members, want, need and expect.

Resources and research, connecting people to decision makers, bringing in speakers on topical subjects, transit options, touring opportunities, celebrations of community and employees; all are in our model line this year.

Just like the R&D sections of the automakers, Chamber teams of volunteers are seeking better ways to bring benefits and provide value. I invite any of you to share your thoughts about any aspect of the Chamber, and how we can benefit you to a higher degree.

It’s taken chambers a bit longer than cars to evolve (and we aren’t done yet). The first Chamber of Commerce in the U.S. opened in 1768 in New York City. Henry Ford’s first car rolled off the line in 1903.

Our Chamber staff; me, Sandi, Debra, Diane and Michelle, have determined to be the consumer choice in Chamber of Commerce, constantly seeking ways to bring benefit to our region. It’s a conscious choice we’ve made, and we do it for your success.