Plan of Work

	2013 Plan of Work
		Randy Gilchrist Chairman of the Board Economic Development – Richard Kyle Goal: Create value for Chamber members by initiating and supporting activities that create a positive economic impact on businesses and on Central Louisiana. 1. Small Business Council – Jerry Williams, Chairman Perch for small business Serve as advisors to the Board on small business issues Connections to one another, resources, referrals, networking events 2. Development and Promotions Committee – Greg Gormanous, Chairman Recruit sports tournaments and other programs Promote events and attractions such as Mardi Gras 3. Support and partner with CLEDA on economic development efforts Education/Workforce – Lafe Jones Mission: Create a competitive advantage for Chamber members by growing and improving the workforce through results-driven education and workforce initiatives and partnerships. Vision: Facilitate partnerships that produce a globally-competitive workforce. 1. Facilitate partnerships that meet current employer workforce needs. 2. Facilitate the identification of future workforce needs and strategies to meet the identified needs. Governmental Affairs – Blake Cooper Goal: Deliver the most effective advocacy program that supports business-friendly legislation and funding/prioritization for infrastructure and transportation projects. Legislative Committee – 1. Fully utilize Chamber’s new Legislative Advocacy Website 2. Develop 2013 Federal Legislative Priority List for Washington DC trip 3. Host meeting with state delegation prior to session 4. Meet weekly during state session to analyze and take positions on legislation 5. Host Central Louisiana Day at the Legislature 6. Host post session review luncheon 7. Schedule Strategic Luncheon and roundtables with US Senators and Congressional delegation 8. Work with the Governor and administrative staff as needed to advocate for business and industry in Central Louisiana 9. Support efforts to form the Central Louisiana Legislative Caucus 10. Explore forming a Political Action Committee. Infrastructure Committee – Jonathan Dean, Chairman 1. Continue to work with municipalities, MPO, Red River Waterway Commission, Port of Alexandria, Central Louisiana Beltway Commission to compile priorities lists for projects and to advocate for them 2. Place list on Chamber Advocacy Website 3. Make presentation to the Joint Legislative Committee on Transportation Membership – Octavia Williams, Chairman Goal: Grow Chamber membership to 1000 members, participate in retention efforts and program events to increase member satisfaction Goal: Grow Chamber membership to 1000 members, participate in retention efforts and program events to increase member satisfaction 1. Conduct quarterly membership drives 2. Develop welcome packets for new members 3. Establish a Welcome Committee Assign mentors to new members 4. Plan programs, workshops and events of value to members 5. Further develop and utilize VIP Ambassador Committee 6. Develop new incentive program for members who bring in new members 7. Assist membership director in contacting renewals 60 days from renewal 8. Continue to develop Member 2 Member Discount Program and Members Only Section on Website 9. Facilitate “Thank You Note” writing campaign for Board of Directors 10. Host Chamber 2 Chamber Receptions 11. Provide communications such as weekly Chamber Connection, news releases, KLAX spots, etc. Military Affairs – Charlie Elliott Goal: Support military installations and service members in our region. 1. Continue strong Military Affairs Committee to support Ft Polk, Camp Beauregard, USS Alexandria, US Coast Guard, VA Medical Center, EAFB Reunions. 2. Increased dues to provide more funding 3. Build strong relationships with military leadership 4. Host Holiday Dinner for military 5. Host military at Mardi Gras Parade Military Family Section 6. Increase military family discounts by 50 7. Serve as advocates for military installations and surrounding infrastructure 8. Support Apple Pie Brigade efforts 9. Continue support efforts for veterans to find jobs Quality of Life - Melinda Anderson Goal: Create value to Chamber members by enhancing quality of life by linking the business community to the arts, events, and sports. Define Central Louisiana as a premier wilderness and outdoor destination. Quality of Life Committee 1. Continue to participate in efforts to establish Wilderness and Outdoor Festival Plan Expo to be operated by the Chamber Young Professionals Group – Dustin Matthews, Chairman 1. Develop YPG leadership structure 2. Develop programs and networking events to be held at least bi-monthly 3. Grow membership 4. Grow corporate sponsorships