2010 TACTICAL ACTION PLAN: Our Program Of Work "Your Business Partner In The Robins Region"

2008 Annual Report 2009 Program of Work DOWNLOADABLE Regular Version (suitable for online viewing) High Resolution (large file) (suitable for printing) HARD COPIES available at the Chamber and at all major Chamber events.

The Warner Robins Area Chamber of Commerce is a membership/investment organization. Its purpose is to help members become more profitable and realize a return on their investment in the Chamber. The Chamber accomplishes this by representing and promoting the interests of its members and the business community.

Mission Statement

The Chamber is a volunteer, member-supported organization working full-time to preserve, enhance and expand the opportunities for orderly growth of business, industrial and professional communities. Our objectives are to preserve and increase jobs, capital investment and opportunities for economic growth. The business of the Chamber is business.

Operating Principles

1. Operate the Chamber as an ethical, financially stable, member-driven business organization that represents the needs and expectations of the Chamber membership.

2. Plan and conduct non-dues revenue generating projects and special events that support the needs and expectations of the membership and balance the budget. Insure project budgets are prepared prior to implementation, and financial performance is summarized at their conclusion.

3. Organize and employ the Chamber's resources to accomplish the Chamber's Mission and Annual Program of Work. Chamber resources may only be committed in support of the Chamber's programs and its members.

4. Ensure the Chamber Board is demographically and geographically representative of the Chamber membership and the community.

5. Identify and integrate emerging community leaders into Chamber activities; provide them mentoring and leadership experience; and encourage them to seek leadership roles in the public and private sectors.

6. Within budget, and as an ancillary effort, support and/or facilitate critical community initiatives as authorized by the Board on a case-by-case basis where it is clear their success or failure depends on the Chamber's participation.

Executive Committee. Chairman – Kathy Balletto; Chair-Elect – John Howell; Past Chairman Rick Drury; Vice Chairman, Internal Affairs- Walter “Randy” Randall; Vice Chairman Business Development – Bruce Hullett; Vice Chairman Educational Affairs – Dee Dee Côté; Vice Chairman Governmental Affairs – Shaw Blackmon; Vice Chairman Community Affairs – Justin Ritchie; and President Ed Rodriguez.

Purpose: To coordinate and provide oversight for ongoing Chamber programs; provide advice to the Chamber Chairman; maintain continuity between Board Meetings; and to discuss issues and prepare recommendations for Board policy decision and/or action.

Officers serve as the official Chamber spokesmen; representing the Chamber at social and community functions. Officers contact members being recommended for termination and encourage them to reconsider. Officers visit selected members whose dues do not reasonably conform with the existing investment schedule, and discuss the possibility of adjustment.

Senior Advisory. Chair – Rick Drury; Members – Past Chairmen Neil Suggs, Steve Williams, Brad Fink, and Paul Hibbitts; Chairman Kathy Balletto, Chairman-Elect John Howell, and President Ed Rodriguez.

The 5 Immediate Past Chairmen meet bi-monthly to discuss major Chamber issues and provide advice to the Incumbent Chamber Chairman, Chairman-Elect and President. Senior Advisory is responsible for selecting the awardees to be recognized at the Annual Banquet. All Past Chamber Chairmen and Presidents are invited to participate in the December meeting and photo session.

Community Affairs Division

Chair –Justin Ritchie -  Members – Marsha Buzzell, David Carr, Bob Dubiel, Mike Hogan, Steve Holcomb, Jr., Priscilla Kennedy, Lee Minor, Neil Suggs, Jackie McLear (Ambassador 1st Vice Chair)
 
Purpose:  To initiate, coordinate, supervise and provide continuity for Chamber activities that are of broad general interest to the membership and public; and to communicate those activities thru periodic briefings, reports, press releases, interviews and written articles.  This committee at its 2009 Goals Conference retreat also decided to provide support for this year’s designated chamber theme, to better enable members to share the purpose of the chamber.
           
1.  Play Day Golf Tournament:  Chair : Mike Hogan
 
Conduct the annual “Play Day” Golf Tournament and Food Festival/Business After-Hours as a daylong social and recreational outing, an opportunity to expand business-to-business relationships, and a major non-dues revenue generator. For 2010, the committee will work on recommendations for possible marketing-oriented changes to the event, including a name-change or re-branding, attraction of more diverse sponsorships, and retaining (but re-branding) the Super Business After Hours.
 
2.  Business After Hours:  Chair – Priscilla Kennedy & Justin Ritchie
 
Identify sponsors for the monthly premiere networking event; normally conducted on the 2nd Thursday from 5:30 to 7:00 PM.
 
Increase the value of the Business After Hours experience by implementing new ways of encouraging networking interaction at these events. This committee will work on improving the overall member experience at Business After Hours, recommending new activities, staging techniques, non-profit participation opportunities, and networking ideas.
 
Collaborate on joint Business After Hours events with other regional Chambers, as appropriate.

3.  Leadership Warner Robins: Chair: Christina O'Brien
 
Conduct the 2010 Leadership Warner Robins program.
Launch the Leadership Warner Robins Alumni Association with a forum event 1Q 2010
Plan the 2011 Leadership Warner Robins program.
 
4.  Christmas Parade: Chair: Fritz Marggraff
 
Plan, coordinate and conduct the 53nd annual Warner Robins Chamber Christmas Parade.

Business Development Division

Chair – Bruce Hullett Members – Jim Danielson (AIC Chair), Jimmy Spinks (Business Development Advisory Chair), Morgan Law, Lisa Bowen, Kathy Cripe, Scott Free, Dale Richmond, Chuck Shaheen

Purpose: To enhance business development in the Robins Region, to include new industries, existing industries, tourism and small businesses; to recognize and support the business community and its employees; to continually assist employment needs; and to preserve, through planned growth, the high quality of economic development which currently exists in the Robins Region. Responsibilities include verbal and written reports on the division’s activities.

Monitor proceedings and represent Chamber at key development meetings.

* Houston County Development Authority Board meetings.
* Warner Robins Downtown Development activities.
* Centerville Downtown Development Authority meetings.


Robins Regional Business Forum: Chair: Kathy Cripe
Plan and conduct the monthly Lunch & Learn events to provide a forum for members on critical issues facing small business.

Business EXPO Chair: Chair: Jim Taylor
Plan and conduct a sponsored Business Expo to showcase Chamber business members. For 2010, the committee will explore ways to revamp the event to promote more participation by exploring and recommending changes in pre-event promotion and increasing on-site programming variety, including the possibility of a “green” component.

Small Business and Employee Recognition: Chair: Chuck Sheheen
Identify, coordinate, prepare and submit monthly nominations for and recognition of local small businesses and outstanding employees.

Tourism Development: Chair: Bruce Hullett
The committee partners with the Warner Robins Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) and the Museum of Aviation to develop, support and exploit tourism opportunities for the benefit of Chamber and community businesses. The Chamber and the CVB collaborate to produce a multi-purpose community guide and map. The committee participates in joint planning, coordination and execution of programs that create and expand opportunities which improve destination/relocation appeal to visitors.

The Committee is also a key advocate in generating business support for initiatives of Keep Warner Robins Beautiful and the Historic Heartland Travel Association.


Business Development Advisory Board: Chair: Jimmy Spinks

This Advisory Board is comprised of the remaining members of the former WRING Board serving out their complete current terms during the three-year period between 2009 and 2011.

This Board shall serve in an advisory capacity to the Chamber's Executive Committee, making recommendations on projects, programs, and activities dealing with business development issues in the Robins Region. The Board may concern itself with recommendations on any business development issues, including those issues and programs that traditionally were a part of the agenda of the former Warner Robins Industry Now Group (i.e., SCORE, Industry Recognition, and membership programs), as well as any new business development issues or programs. They will also serve as advisors to the Chamber Executive Committee on recommended expenditures of Business Development funds.



Aerospace Industry Committee (AIC): Chair: Jim Danielson
Restricted Account
AIC is the Chamber’s link between the civilian aerospace industry and the defense logistics community; developing and implementing its own program of work, subject to approval by the Chamber’s Board of Directors. It operates in conformity with Warner Robins Area Chamber of Commerce Policies and Procedures. AIC conducts monthly luncheon meetings featuring key leadership from RAFB and other agencies as guest speakers. AIC plans, coordinates and conducts an annual gold tournament; part of the 8th annual WR Chamber/AIC & WR-ALC Requirements Symposium at the Miller-Murphy-Howard and Roquemore Conference Buildings at the Perry Agricultural Exposition Center, or an alternative location. AIC coordinates its annual Program of Work with the Military Affairs Committee and Warner Robins Industry Now Group to insure unity of effort. Chair attends Board of Directors Meetings as an Ex-Officio and reports on committee activities.

Educational Affairs Division

Chair: Dee Dee Côté. Members: Mary Coon, Nicole Crofutt, Lori Johnson, Beth McLaughlin, Paul Hibbitts, Mike Hale, Dann Webb, Dr. Ivan Allen, Dr. Anna Holloway - All public, technical and higher education institutions are invited to send ex-officio representation to the division meetings.
 

Monitors Represent Chamber at
* Chamber at Houston County BOE meetings.
* Chamber at Peach County BOE meetings.
* Chamber at CLCP meetings
* Chamber at Middle GA Technical College meetings.
 

Purpose: To plan, coordinate, and raise funds to promote selected educational activities and advocate support of capital construction in the community; and to encourage lifelong learning opportunities for our citizens. Responsibilities include verbal and written reports on the division’s activities.
 

1. Educational Funding Task Force
Long-Term: Chair: Lori Johnson This committee will complete its work establishing a 501 (C)3 foundation to raise money for the ongoing support of the various Educational programs currently undertaken by the Warner Robins Area Chamber and considered priorities of the Educational Affairs division

Short-Term: This committee will also explore additional funding opportunities for Educational Affairs for the short-term, in order to meet the committee’s priorities for calendar year 2010.
 

2. Youth Leadership Warner Robins: Chair: Helen Starling
Identify sponsors for the Youth Leadership Warner Robins Program; which develops young community leaders from Warner Robins, Northside and Houston County High Schools. 24 selections made by the respective schools. Education Division selects 2 at-large applicants from private/home schools in Houston County. For 2010, the committee will explore and make recommendations to changes deemed necessary, including but not limited to participation apportionments due to the addition of a new high school, increased promotion of the program at the 10th grade level, and others as deemed necessary.
 

3. Educational Resources & Recognition: -
Star Student/Teacher. The Warner Robins and Perry Area Chambers identify sponsors for the Houston County STAR Student-Teacher recognition program; splitting he cost equally. The Perry Chamber takes the lead in odd-number years, and the Warne Robins Chamber in even-number years.
 

4.  L.V. Osigian Teacher of the Year Award: The division identifies sponsors to recognize the Teacher of the Year at the HCBOE Assembly at the Perry AG Center, as elected by the Houston County Board of Education, with presentation of the L.V. Osigian eacher of the Year Award plaque and a cash award of $1,000. The 4 runners-up are also ecognized with plaques; and the cost of their 4 plaques is shared equally with the Perry Chamber. $1600

Educational Issues Brochure: Chair: Needed. Continue distribution of the Chamber's Schools Brochure, monitoring supplies and recommending revisions or changes for a possible reprint or refocusing in 2011. 

5. Workforce Development

Interface with the Workforce Investment Board and other agencies to promote effective workforce training, upward mobility and development of community career ladders

Support the Certified Literate Community (CLCP) efforts to advance the literacy level and integrate minorities in the Warner Robins area. This includes promoting GED training and testing, conversational Spanish classes for front line employees, English-as-a-Second-Language, and citizenship training for immigrants. Helps minority businesses identify and participate in developmental training, and encourages them to invest in training and certification programs for their employees. The division recommends minority business leaders to the Chair-Elect for appointment to 1-year Director terms.

6. Monitor Legislative issues that may require Chamber support and coordinate with Governmental Affairs Committee for possible inclusion in Legislative Agenda.

Internal Affairs Division

Internal Affairs Division.  Chair – Randy Randall; Members – Brad Fink, Kevin Lipford, Steve Williams, Jessica Shoudel, Guy Starling and Paul Boyer (Ambassador Chair)
 
Purpose:  To provide for the effective organization and structure of the Chamber; to include its membership, volunteer manpower, real property and equipment, and its paid staff. Responsibilities include verbal and written reports on the division’s activities.  The Division reviews the composition of the Chamber Board, its organization and functions, the Chamber Bylaws, and updates the Chamber’s Long and Short-Range Plans.

Membership Recruitment, Development, and Retention Program:  Chair: Jessica Shoudel
 
Conduct a membership campaign in 2010 to increase Chamber membership.
Evaluate current membership benefits and possible expanded benefits.
Continue membership retention programs such as the weekly staff calls and make recommendations where needed.
Conduct surveys to obtain feedback and better understand member priorities.
Continue and increase participation of chamber leadership in ribbon-cutting and ground-breaking ceremonies.
Conduct the annual Pre-Goals Conference Survey for use in Tactical Planning for 2011 


Chamber 2011 Travel Event to Italy: JaLynn Hudnall
This committee will be responsible for coordinating promotion of the 2011 trip to Italy to the membership, the general community-at-large, and neighboring communities and chambers.

Communications & Public Relations Advisory Team: Chair: Steve Williams, Vice Chair: Kevin Lipford
Monitor the ongoing progress on recommendations put forth by the 2008 Communications Task Force and expand on the Information Technologies and Website capabilities and opportunities. This team will also consider recommendations on possible establishment of a college membership for juniors and seniors in college.

Chamber 101 – New Member Orientation – Chair: Guy Starling
Conduct Chamber 101 at least quarterly for purposes of orientation of new members and as a refresher course/networking opportunity for existing members. Increase emphasis on existing member participation for 2010. Also utilize this event as a recruiting tool for prospective members.
 
Ambassadors:   Chair –Paul Boyer; 1st Vice Chair – Jackie McLear ; 2nd Vice Chair – Lisa Redmond.
The Ambassadors are the Chamber’s principal volunteer membership and community relations committee.  They meet bi-monthly, conduct ground-breaking and ribbon-cutting ceremonies, participate in all Chamber-sponsored events, assist in recruiting new members, aid in retention and visitation efforts, and represent the Chamber to its members and the community.   Selection to this committee confers special distinction upon those chosen and they are identified by special name badges.  Responsibilities include developing written policies & procedures for selecting and orienting new ambassadors; which will be included in the Chamber’s Policies & Procedures Manual. Develop procedures for selected Ambassadors to attend Chamber functions free in return for welcoming arrivals, introducing new members to the Chamber leadership, and encouraging participants to circulate and meet new people.  Chair attends Board of Directors Meetings as an Ex-Officio and reports on the committee’s activities. 

Ambassadors identify and enlist new members on a continuing basis throughout the year, and assist in identifying requirements and opportunities for membership development. 

 
Branding & Marketing Task Force: Chair: Brad Fink
                                        
For 2010, this committee will complete the current process of developing a Regional Brand, , in conjunction with other regional entities, including chambers, economic development, and tourism development entities.  Coordinate this effort  with the Tourism Development Committee of the Economic Affairs Division.

For 2010, this committee will also finalize work toward a new Chamber Brand.


Strategic Planning Team: Chair: Executive Board
The Executive Committee will periodically review progress on the 2009-2013 Strategic Plan and make recommendations for updating and/or amending it as deemed necessary.


US Chamber Accreditation: Chair: TBD
The Chamber will be going through US Chamber Re-Accreditation in 2010. This will be a major priority of Internal Affairs this year.

Governmental Affairs Division

Chair – Shaw Blackmon.  Members – Keith Brown, Tod Cowart, Kathy Hart, Daryl Long, Pam Piper, Dan Callahan, Ron Carbon (MGMAC Chair), Dick McCoy (MAC Chair), Stephen Holcomb, Sr. (MAC Vice Chair)
 
Purpose:  To represent the Chamber membership; build and maintain productive relationships between the Chamber and local, state and federal governments and their various agencies;  promote communications and constructive dialogue; and speak in support of or in opposition to legislation, regulations and programs that affect the Chamber membership.  The division oversees the development of Legislative Issues for approval by the Chamber Board of Directors and integration into the Chamber’s Legislative Agenda.  Responsibilities include verbal and written reports on the division’s activities.
 
1. Local Government Liaison:  Co-Chairs – Kathy Hart & Daryl Long
Designate monitors to work with the Mayors and Councils of Warner Robins, Centerville, and Byron, as well as the Houston County Board of Commissioners, on all issues that affect the Chamber membership.  To further enhance communications with our local governments, these monitors represent the Chamber at each of their scheduled meetings and provide reports to the Government Affairs Division and Chamber Board. 

2. Federal and State Legislative Affairs:  Co - Chairs – Tod Cowart & Dan Callahan
Work with the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and state and federal legislators on issues affecting the Chamber’s membership.

Coordinate purchase of tables and participation in the GA Chamber of Commerce Eggs & Issues breakfast in Atlanta the GA Chamber’s Legislative Luncheon.

The Warner Robins Area Chamber will support the annual Atlanta trip of the Leadership Warner Robins & Leadership Perry classes and will promote this trip as an educational, networking, and involvement opportunity to the membership-at-large.

The Warner Robins and Perry Chambers co-sponsor a legislative appreciation reception at a date to be determined following the adjournment of the legislative session to thank the members of the delegation for their services.  The Warner Robins Chamber takes the lead in even-number years, and the Perry Chamber in odd-number years.

3.      Military Affairs Committee:  Chair – Dick McCoy; Vice Chair – Steve Holcomb, Sr. – Restricted Account
                                                                                   
The Warner Robins Military Affairs Committee (WRMAC) promotes, preserves and enhances the missions and functions of Robins Air Force Base (RAFB).  Independently, and in concert with the Middle Georgia Military Affairs Committee (MGMAC), it meets with military leaders, conducts orientation programs, plans and conducts events at RAFB and in the community.  Committee members wear red blazers with distinctive pocket badges.

WR-MAC is the largest of eight 8 local Military Affairs Committees comprising the Middle Georgia Military Affairs Committee (MG-MAC)
Warner Robins (68); Macon (59); Peach County (31); Perry(28); Hawkinsville(20); Cochran(8); Dublin (6); Dodge/Eastman (4)

The Chair participates as a collaborative partner in meetings and initiatives of the 21st Century Partnership. 
 
The committee coordinates its Program of Work with the Chamber’s Aerospace Industry Committee and Warner Robins Industry Now Group to insure unity of effort.  The committee identifies opportunities for the Chamber’s Governmental Affairs volunteers to form task forces and accomplish short-term projects not envisioned in the Program of Work.

WR-MAC Programs – 2010
Support MG-MAC activities (Ron Carbon – MGMAC Chair)
* We provide funding to assist MG-MAC activities which generally support a broader base of activities including Out of town visitors, CC Farewell/Welcome etc…
* Hole Sponsor and Sponsor an Airman at the General Scott Golf Tournament
* Sponsor and orchestrate Tours of RAFB for MG MAC members

Speak at WR Newcomers Orientation Sessions and Reintegration Events
Speak and provide food and drink for the RAFB and 116th Reintegration Events

Annual Six Flags Trip
Chair: Ashley Sitz
Provide transportation, lunch, and drinks for 90+ RAFB members and dependents to Six Flags annual.

Sponsor two RAFB people for Leadership Warner Robins Class of 2010

Sponsor RAFB representatives at the WR Chamber Annual Meeting

Sponsor the Airman’s Ministry Center Dinners once each quarter
Chair: Dick McCoy

Donate to the Airman’s Ministry Center facility operations annually

Orchestrate the community involvement for the Military Ball and RAFB Air Show, and/or alternate events such as the proposed Air Force Anniversary.

Provide funds annually to the First Sergeant’s Operations Seasons Greetings project

Orchestrate the Military Discount Program in Houston County

Support Public Service Announcements through Cox

Support Special Requests for support from ALC Leadership
 
Partner with the Warner Robins Convention & Visitors Bureau to staff an information table at the Robins Officers’ Spouses Club annual Special Activities Coffee at the Museum of Aviation.


 
4.      Eggs & Issues:  Chair: Shaw Blackmon
 
Conduct a quarterly breakfast for members and community leaders to receive update briefings and ask questions of key officials.  The programs and schedule are:
 
February 2010 Houston County
April 2010 Houston County's State Legislators
August 2010 Houston County Board of Education
September 2010 City of Centerville
October 2010 Houston Healthcare
December 2009 City of Warner Robins

5.      HobNob 2010: Chair: Keith Brown & Pam Piper

Conduct the Third Annual Middle Georgia Regional Political HobNob providing face-to-face, one-on-one interaction between the business community and candidates for public office.


6.      Census Awareness:  Chair: Tod Cowart
Assist the local US Census committees with their efforts to promote participation in the 2010 US Census to ensure a full and accurate population count for the communities that comprise the Robins Region.