FY 2005-2006 STRATEGIC PLAN

INCREASE VALUE OF MEMBERSHIP

Encourage Business Relationships Among Members

1. Formally evaluate the new Ambassador's Program, determine its efficacy on membership recruitment and retention. Consider expansion possibilities. (Membership Development)
2. Begin to develop “Business-to-Business” and “Business-to-Consumer” pre-qualified networking events program.
3. Focus efforts of Vice President of Marketing and Communication to assist staff and VPs in promoting to membership two aspects of Chamber networking events (to be determined)
4. Implement crab feast/music event to be held late summer 2005
5. Monitor and formally evaluate on-going Member-To-Member Benefit Program (Membership Development)

Increase/Retain Membership - Membership Development

1. Increase membership by 10% in 2005-06, and specifically market to and recruit new members from areas other than Bethesda CBD.
2. Implement Trade Association membership subcommittee and recruit additional such organizations
3. Retain 81% of 2004-5 membership
   • Focus on retention, develop Board outreach program that ensures quality interaction between active members and new members
4. Continue bi-annual contact with top-dues paying members (with Exec. Comm.)

Evaluate Membership Communications and Services

1. Throughout the year, conduct monthly, online membership surveys on single-issue (Strategic Planning and Marketing & Communications Committees)
2. Compile list of names and reasons of those businesses solicited who will not join, for further review and analysis by Membership Development
3. Implement development of updated website pursuant to RFP being prepared 2004-05

Exercise Pro-Active Leadership on Key Issues Facing each Region served by Chamber Economic Development Committee

1. Bethesda CBD:
   
   • Work with county on transition to Stage II
   • Continue to support and work with BUP and via Woodmont Triangle Advocacy Committee on key Woodmont Triangle issues
   • Lobby for Inner Purple Line and other transit initiatives
2. Chevy Chase / Friendship Heights / Westbard:
   
   • Meet with developers, new business owners and established organizations to inventory needs and issues; monitor Friendship Heights Task Force and the Transportation Management District (FHTMD) activities; monitor Westbard Sector Plan process.
3. North Bethesda / Rockville Pike:
   
   • Serve as liaison with new developments, monitor progress of new Parking Lot District (PLD); support efforts for a North Bethesda Urban District; start working with M-NCPPC staff on White Flint Sector Plan.
4. Rockspring Park / Montgomery Mall / Old G’town & Democracy:
   
   • Meet with developers, business owners and established organizations to inventory needs and issues

Advocate for Business - Economic Development Committee

1. During upcoming election year, continue to monitor legislative issues important to the Chamber and work closely to ensure that candidates are aware of Chamber priorities and issues
2. Begin program that identifies those members whose primary reason for joining the Chamber is advocacy; solicit needs/goals from members on that list, work to get them more involved and show them Chamber is responsive to their issues. (Member Services & M&C Committees)

Expand Role as Business Liaison with Community - Community Development Committee

1. Develop relationship with one new/existing community organization and make them recipient of funds from one event while maintaining existing non-profit relationships.
2. Continue building relationship with member high schools and Junior Achievement in the Annual Career Partnership Day program, and investigate the development of a new scholarship program.

Develop Board and Committee Leadership - Executive Committee

1. Conduct follow up meetings with members who expressed desire for leadership role in prior surveys
2. Implement briefs of committee achievements and goals in Newsletter and/or website; each committee and subcommittee chair to provide monthly for inclusion. Work in conjunction with website development.

Focus on Chamber's Public Relations - Communications & PR Committee

1. Install the new Chamber welcome signs
2. Consider monthly program to honor one member who has taken a leadership role within the Chamber and publicize accordingly (M&C, Exec. Committee)
3. Expand Community Service Day activity into a networking opportunity (Community Dev.)
4. Increase visibility of Chamber in television and print media
   • Police/Fire/Rescue Awards program to receive increased publicity (Community Dev. with Communications & PR Committees)
   • Member leaders/spokespersons to author, be highlighted or interviewed through local TV, radio and op-ed pieces (e.g. Post, WBJ, Gazette)
   • Chair to participate in 4 television interviews (Comcast)

   Evaluate Internal Operations and Efficiency - Executive Committee and Strategic Planning Committee
   

   1. Balanced Budget for 2005-2006
   2. Have 2004-05 Financial Statement audited
   3. Evaluate Chamber re-staffing and management goals

   Back to top