CHAMBER

2006 Element of the Chamber Strategic Business Plan for 2004-2006

Vision: A regional environment that fosters and supports commercial activity, enhancing the ability of businesses to function in a global economy, while ensuring a high quality of life for our communities.

Mission: To support and enhance the MetroWest region’s vitality through strategic economic development, advocacy for business interests and regional alliances. 

The strategic goals of the 495/MetroWest Partnership, Inc., are an integral part of the business plan for the MetroWest Chamber.  MetroWest volunteers and staff play key leadership roles in the Partnership and will provide a continuing liaison through the implementation of Partnership programs.

Economic and Workforce Development
Goal: Increasing economic activity in MetroWest by promoting and assisting retention and expansion of existing companies and start-ups of new companies, while supporting efforts in education at all levels and inclusion of new workers.

• Coordinate with 495/MetroWest Partnership efforts

• Assist in retention and expansion of companies

• Support SCORE and SBDC Counselling

• Develop Local Liaisons

• Support ESL Programs (expand)

• Participate in MAWD

• Support local STEM Efforts

• Enhance local connections with Natick Labs (moved and modified)

• Expand Education Initiatives (new)

• Revitalization of Downtowns and Underutilized Former Industrial Sites (new)

• Advocate Smart Growth Reuse (new)

Public Policy
Goal:  Advocating for public policy that is responsive to community and business interests

• Coordinate with 495/MetroWest Partnership efforts

• Identify issues

• Develop policy positions

• Engage policy makers

• Advocate for Business Positions on: (listing new)

  • Regional Transportation Authority

  • Health Insurance Reform

  • Reasonably Priced Housing

  • Immigration Reform

  • Tax Classification

  • Water and Sewer Rates

  • Override Proposals

• Enlist Chamber members in grassroots advocacy on important issues (new)

Transportation
Goal: Improving the quality of life and the free movement of commerce in MetroWest by enhancing transportation options.

• Coordinate with 495/MetroWest Partnership efforts

• Support MetroWest/495 TMA

• Promote creation of Regional Transportation Authority

• Advocate for highway improvements

• Move Route 126/135 Project Ahead (new again)

• Support passenger and freight rail improvements

Small Business Development
Goal: Helping small business grow and prosper

• Continually improve existing Networking opportunities

• Networking Breakfasts

• Nearly Noontime Networking

• Business After Hours

• Implement new programs as needed

• Seminars (being studied)

• Expand Discount Card Program

Marketing
Goal: Positioning the MetroWest Chamber as a trusted leadership force and service provider to business and community constituencies.

• Improve Member Communications

• Newsletter

• E-mail (HTML)

• Fax

• Website (new)

• Online Directory

• Quality of Life Membership Directory and Buyers’ Guide

• Media Contact (constant)

• Provide Event Management

• SBC Programs

• Annual Meeting

• 495/MetroWest Business EXPO

• MAWD events

Membership Development (new)
Goal: To enhance the overall growth of the Chamber through recruitment of new members and retention of existing members.

• Assess Existing Member Benefits

• Retention Surveys

• Networking

• Group Health & Dental Insurance

• Credit Card Processing

• Payroll Services

• Member Discount Card

• Marketing Services

• Expand Member Benefits

• Assess Needs

• Request/Select Vendor

• Market to Members

• Stay competitive and up-to-date on healthcare insurance

• Member Retention and Growth

• Retention Plan Implementation

• Support Ambassadors

• On-going Surveys

• Member Referrals

• Staff Sales

• Volunteer New Member Campaign

Strategic Alliances
Goal: Enhancing strategic alliances along the 495/MetroWest Corridor.

• Involve Volunteers Leaders in 495/MetroWest Corridor Partnership

• Identify and implement joint efforts with Affiliated Chambers

  • 495/MetroWest Affiliated Chambers Economic Forecast Breakfast (Feb)

  • 495/MetroWest Business EXPO (May)

  • 495/MetroWest Affiliated Chambers Mega Networking (Sept)

Strategic Planning (new)

• Provide facilitated presentations and discussions at Board meetings on regional issues in cooperation with Leadership MetroWest

• Design new process to update 2004-2006 Strategic Business Plan

• Implement Strategic Planning process

• Adopt new MetroWest Chamber Strategic Business Plan for 2007-2009