As we near the close of the first quarter of 2015, we at the chamber have some important updates to share.
We have been working diligently on our Four Pillars: 1 — shoring up management and new media talent; just last week we began our new media roll-out. A couple dozen Chamber members met at the Yacht Club in Lakeport to share their experiences and develop plans for connecting Facebook posts to the Chamber’s Facebook page. Participants definitely want a follow-up and will be meeting again to keep the process a priority. Special thanks to Jack Buell with Sutter Lakeside Hospital, Stephanie Ashworth with Wells Fargo Bank, Kurtis Woodard of Solar City/Jeri-co Garage Doors and Sherryl Dever of TBR/3 Wings Media.
2 — Clarify and refine Chamber Direction & Goals; We are in the process of refining our basics with the Board. We recently reviewed our annual events for changes that need to be made to bring them to more contemporary standards. We are in the process of a getting back to basics campaign with the Board, refining when and for what purposes the Chamber Board meets and works together and uses technology in order to serve membership events better.
3 — Update our branding and communications style, methods and marketing; we have begun the copy-re-writes for the Chamber’s new and improved website. In our efforts to become even more transparent, so that everyone can see everything that is going on behind the scenes, our new website is being designed with the following priorities: It is set to become the Chamber’s business plan, main communication and member-services portal, even easier to access member directory and membership marketing and promotions gateway. We are in the process of designing all new simpler, more effective e-publications and frequency schedule set to roll out officially July 1, 2015.
We are also very excited about refining our services and member benefits which based on feedback from earlier in the year is set to help improve the way we do business together and focus on how we can support membership even more in promoting their businesses throughout the region. This work will be rolled-out over the next 60 to 90 days.
4 — Mobilize by action teams focused on results. This month, we are set to roll out a new way of connecting with our committees. We will be working with committees over the next 90 days to further emphasize results over activity and becoming more connected using social media.
So look for some really exciting changes; a new website; new e-publications; more social media and personal connection to members. And remember, these changes are being made because our members and the community have spoken. We listened, we looked within, we are taking action … it’s time!
For more information on these programs or to become more involved email me at tedmandrones@gmail.com or post something on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lakecochamber.
Ted Mandrones is president of the Lake County Chamber of Commerce
