Chamber Establishes Goals for 2005

The Everett Area Chamber renewed its commitment to deliver strong member benefits and endorsed an expanded communications program at its annual board planning retreat
Oct. 7-8.

During the retreat, board members, representing the Chamber’s 650+ members, set the agenda for Chamber work in 2005 and established work groups to create action agendas for the retreat’s range of mission initiatives.

“Understanding our members and how the Chamber can best help them achieve business success is our top priority in 2005,” said Chamber President Louise Stanton-Masten. “As a complement to that work, it is clear that our members have a deep thirst for communication. Our responsibility in 2005 is to provide clear, targeted, real-time information on the subjects members care about most.”

A Chamber action team is creating a communications plan that will guide 2005 communications activities.

“Our greatest strength is also our challenge,” Stanton-Masten said. “The Chamber offers such a broad range of services, business-building assistance, advocacy and marketing opportunities that we must be sure the value of each is clearly and consistently communicated.”

“The Chamber’s primary 2005 goal is to deepen its understanding of what its members require and then to build programs that fulfill those requirements,” said Chamber Chairman Steve Gilmore. “Communications tools today give us the opportunity to reach a level of sophisticated analysis we haven’t been able to access before.”

In June 2004, members participated in a full Chamber survey about a range of membership issues, which served as a baseline for retreat discussions. A second survey is scheduled for later this year. This survey will build on the findings of the first and help guide prioritization of Chamber activities.

In 2005, the Chamber will establish and implement a market research program, to include a membership survey that identifies Chamber member needs and gaps in services. Programs will be evaluated and plans will be developed to expand or improve services, based on market research conclusions.

Additional 2005 Chamber initiatives will continue the progress made during 2004 in several areas. Specifically the Chamber will continue its focus on improving the competitive climate for business through active government affairs advocacy and will provide business assistance and services through the Chamber’s Business Resource Center. Supporting Naval Station Everett operations and military families will be an ongoing emphasis, as the region addresses the Dept. of Defense Base Realignment and Closure process. Finally, the Chamber has made a commitment to analyze and strengthen membership retention programs and improve membership growth rates.