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Strategic Direction 2007-2009

Overview

On November 24th, 2003 the Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce engaged the services of a consultant to lead the staff and directors in a strategic planning session for the purpose of guiding the future direction of the organization and improving value to its members. Then, on November 24th, 2006, the senior staff and board of directors of the Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce participated in a strategic planning session facilitated by Ray Bushfield. The results of this session will guide the direction of the board for the next three years. Since its inception in 1906, the Chamber has grown its membership to 560 members, a level which has been sustained over the last several years. It has a credible reputation as Brockville's 'Voice of Business' and provides many valued membership services including networking events, information distribution, marketing opportunities and business tools.

Highlights from the year 2004-2006 include:

  • Celebration of 100th Anniversary
  • Enhanced community profile and further development of pertinent relationships
  • New and improved membership services and networking
  • Increased membership and member activity in event attendance and volunteerism
  • Continued development of public positions including the municipal budget
  • Enhanced delivery of tourism including completion of provincial tourism asset audit, undertaking the Premier Ranked Tourist Destination Framework
  • Participated in travel and consumer trade shows in Ottawa, Toronto and Montreal

Summary of Strategic Direction 2007-2009

  1. Advocacy
  2. Membership
  3. Economic Development and Tourism
  4. Resource Management

Vision Statement

We are the "Voice of Business."

Mission Statement

To foster a competitive business environment in the Brockville region that benefits the people of this region through the growth of jobs, wealth and quality of life. The Chamber serves small business, tourism oriented businesses, industry and institutions through these core functions:

  • Advocacy on behalf of businesses to ensure a competitive business environment
  • Providing networking and recognition events
  • Distributing information pertinent to the operation of business and the business community in general
  • Delivering value added services including discounts, referrals and marketing opportunities
  • Offering a forum in which every business has input into the decisions that affect this community
  • Promoting initiatives that support the economic development of the region

Strategic #1: Advocacy

Ensuring the views of the business community will be made known to all levels of government and other appropriate stakeholders.

  • Research, develop and present policy positions on local and regional issues
  • Ensure Chamber membership input is reflected in the development of public positions
  • Increase support of provincial/federal issues identified by the Ontario and Canadian Chambers

Strategic Direction #2: Membership

Providing valuable membership services to increase new member development and retention

  • Develop membership communication and marketing plan
  • Review, develop new and improve current member benefits
  • Ensure Chamber staff is well trained and policies support good customer service

Strategic Direction #3: Economic Development and Tourism

Identify and support economic development initiatives essential to business development and retention.

  • Act as the Destination Management/Marketing Organization in Brockville and area
  • Monitor and influence the effective delivery of regional economic development initiatives
  • Lead initiatives and engage other Chambers on matters important to regional economic development

Strategic Direction #4: Resource Management

Ensuring resources are adequate to maintain the core services of the Chamber long term

  • Increase net membership and volunteer base
  • Ensure resources are adequately aligned to the strategic directions of the Board
  • Develop a plan to address long term sustainability of Chamber with a focus on premises

Implementation

This Strategic Direction represents the views, objectives for change/growth and related action items of the Members, Directors and Staff of the Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce required to maintain the strength of the organization. This is an adaptive, non-static document subject to change with new and additional input. It will work in conjunction with each year's business plan. Conversely, the annual business plans are designed to take the Chamber to its objective using the Strategic Direction as a road map.

Success will be achieved through the commitment and support of members, volunteers and staff.