As we close in on the first quarter of 2015, we have some important news to share. After having met with the Board, executive committee and been presented with the 2nd annual January member-driven strategic planning results, it is clear to us at the Chamber we have our work cut out for us.
Realizing, after having reviewed input over the last quarter, from membership and local area thought-leaders, business owners and political and agency representatives, if we are to better meet the needs of our membership and the region together, the chamber needs to bring itself to a next level operation.
We realize we’re in uncharted territory. We’re facing new experiences. Adapting to new things often feels like stepping off cliff. We also realize as local area leaders we have no choice, if we are going to better serve our community.
In response to the overwhelmingly positive input from January’s member-driven planning session, Melissa Fulton, chamber CEO, myself, Board and Executive Committee members have been working diligently behind the scenes to make an important shift from within the organization. We decided to stop the old way and begin a new way of thinking, planning and acting for improved results. Here are the four goal categories, we believe inputs we received fit.
1 — Shore up management and new media talent. Hire experts in new media, branding, strategic positioning, management and marketing development. Hire new Chamber support staff and develop an internship program.
2 — Clarify and refine chamber direction and goals. With stakeholder input: update our by-lays, appoint chamber liaisons to attend and report on city, county and unincorporated community sessions to report news and information via social media. Champion a more hospitable business environment. Work more closely with all community interests under common goals.
3 — Update our branding and communications style, methods and marketing, so we can better compete in the marketplace and promote our the region, businesses and communities.
4 — Mobilize by action teams focused on results. Refine communication, unite and move more swiftly together; County of Lake, other government agencies, cities of Lakeport and Clearlake, business owners, business associations, civic and social groups, Lake County and Clearlake Chamber members, and local area residents.
We realize this is a pretty ambitious agenda. We also believe we are up for it. We are taking the time to reset our direction this first quarter. Our aim is greater transparency, inclusion, and to better ensure progress that matters to business owners and the greater community.
