Chamber Vision January 2015 | Page 7

Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau Action Plan 2: We plan to: Leadership Development: It is vital for us to develop future Chamber and community leaders and networks. Action Plan 1: We Plan To: The Emporia Area Chamber and Visitors Bureau is an advocate for its broad and diverse member businesses, providing leadership in critical business, social and civic issues. • Continually seek ways to improve and grow the value and effectiveness of Leadership Emporia. • Explore methods to educate the Leadership Emporia Alumni on the new theories and strategies adopted in the Leadership Emporia program. • Partner with Emporia Next and help establish a foundation for young professionals to stay in our community. Be the #1 Voice for Emporia’s Business Community We Plan To: • Support a 2015 joint Legislative Agenda with other community partners. • Provide opportunities to our members to meet with elected officials. Action Plan 3: • Increase communications with our members and the public concerning issues vital to the business community. Community Visioning: The Emporia Area Chamber will take the lead in efforts to create a community vision. • Expand Chamber’s relationship with elected officials at local, state, and federal levels. We Plan To: • Work in partnership with community organizations to move the visioning process forward. Action Plan 2: Be proactive in business development for our membership. We Plan To: Business Advocacy and Development The Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau is the community’s leading advocate and champion for business. Its primary objective is to create a climate of growth and success in our community and the surrounding area. By leveraging the support, talent, and resources of its diverse businesses and members, the Emporia Area Chamber and Visitors Bureau is one of the leading organizations helping to improve the economic vitality and quality of life for everyone. • Act as a liaison between business and education by strengthening our partnerships with Emporia State University, Flint Hills Technical College, and all the K-12 institutions. • Educate members on the ways to utilize technology in their business. • Be a recognized resource for business and professional contacts, as well as the premier business improvement network. • Define and develop our relationships throughout the community, create alliances, and take action. January 2015 Date 7 Organizational and Operational Sustainability The Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau was given a gift of a beautiful facility in 1996. It is the commitment of the Board of Directors to keep it as a shining front door to our community and its visitors for years to come. We plan to: Action Plan 1: Fundraising: We will continue to explore avenues to raise nondues revenues within our budget. In looking at these avenues, we will keep our members in mind and look for programs that are forward thinking and bring value to our members. We Plan to: • Partner with the Kansas Leadership Center in promoting their program Your Leadership Edge. • Investigate programs that will help sustain the Chamber budget either to help maintain the dues investments by our members and/ or impact the members’ bottom line and provide net income to the Chamber. Action Plan 2: Improve the branding and marketing of the Chamber through the utilization of technology. We Plan To: • Work with the Visitors Bureau injunction with their new branding. • Determine appropriate staff members to manage technology. • Develop a marketing plan for the organization.