Download the
2008 Work Plan

Summary

As part of an ongoing effort to grow the business community of Bloomington, the Bloomington Chamber of Commerce has set forth the following set of priorities to ensure member organizations realize maximum return on their investment of time, energy and dollars. This plan outlines the work of the Bloomington Chamber of Commerce in four main areas: Chamber Brand and Structure, Membership Growth, Economic Development, Public Policy and Community Development.

 

CHAMBER BRAND AND STRUCTURE

Objective: To foster relevance and influence across the spectrum of the Bloomington business community, while reinforcing the necessity, history, stability, and value of the Bloomington Chamber of Commerce.
Work Plan Portion by Board of Directors - Chair: Jane Salmen and Co-Chair: Dan Jasper

Strategies to define who we are & what we do:

Conduct a Current Image Survey

  • Business Members
  • Prospective Non-Business Members
  • Greater Community Opinion

Conduct a Metrics Assessment

  • Current Situation – Benchmark Creation
  • Comparison to Similar Surrounding Chamber Organizations
  • Dollars & Units necessary to remain ongoing concern and/or reach critical mass

Define Current Benefits of Membership

  • Tangible Benefits
  • Intangible Benefits
  • What does Bloomington Chamber of Commerce offer?

Final Definition of the Bloomington Chamber of Commerce Brand

  • What and who is the Bloomington Chamber of Commerce?

 

MEMBERSHIP GROWTH

Objective: Assess and redefine growth and retention strategies that allow the Bloomington Chamber of Commerce to reach critical mass.
Work Plan Portion by Board of Directors, Membership Advisory Committee and Staff

Strategies to increase retention & growth rates:

Recruitment Methodology

  • Define Benefit Areas of Membership
    • Example: Networking
    • Example: Advocacy
  • Evaluate Costs of Membership
  • Define role of professional chamber staff and role of volunteers in membership recruitment
  • Create new membership benchmarks and goals based upon surrounding and similar chambers of commerce and business associations

Retention Methodology

  • Create method (s) to communicate identified benefits
  • Increase and emphasize use of Ambassadors Program
  • Increase and emphasize use of Diplomats Program
  • Set retention benchmarks and goals based upon surrounding and similar chambers of commerce and business associations

Create Marketing Plan

  • Visibility: Evaluate office location
  • Implement Press Program, including:
    • Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies
    • Guest Column – Local Paper
    • Press releases

 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Objective: Attract new businesses to Bloomington while working to retain and assist growth of existing businesses in Bloomington
Work Plan Portion by Economic Development Sub-Committee Chair: David Senness Co-Chair: Tom Kendall

Strategies to stimulate growth in Bloomington:

Gather & communicate current information about issues / economic conditions in the Bloomington business community

  • Conduct 40 “Business Voice” Interviews through use of personal committee visits, web-based collection and potential use of Ambassadors
  • Create & conduct “2008 State of Bloomington Business” forum in Fall
  • Conduct 15 “Grow Minnesota” interviews with Bloomington Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

Take action on findings from 2007 Business Voice Interviews

  • Develop and explore opportunities for the redevelopment and revitalization of the Lyndale corridor in Bloomington
  • Support members with local regulatory issues or concerns
  • Develop & promote a formalized process for members to ask for help with local policy related issues
    • Example: Signage
    • Example: Parking
    • Example: Conditional Permitting
  • Create a process for coordination of relocation / new business inquiries
  • Formalize management of incoming calls /web-based inquiries
  • Creation of “Welcome Package” – Bloomington Chamber of Commerce Specific
  • Formation of “Relocation” Committee similar to organizational structure of Ambassadors and Diplomats (Would include training program)

 

PUBLIC POLICY

Objective: Develop, communicate, and promote chamber policy positions that support the directives of the chamber board as well as interests of the general business community
Work Plan Portion by Public Policy Sub-Committee Chair: Ken Vinje Co-Chair: Dan Jasper

Strategies to inform members, policy makers, and the greater community about issues important to business:

Develop communication methods to inform members about issues of importance

  • Create “City Hall Info” Bulletin for electronic delivery to members and non-members
  • Create format to deliver committee work plan progress and issues for internal chamber delivery

Develop Stronger Presence at City Hall

  • Recruit volunteer group to attend and report on agenda items and discussions at various city meetings:
    • City Council
    • Planning Commission
    • Traffic & Transportation Commission
  • Goal: 75% of all meetings with representation
  • Create concise summary reporting method

Support MOA Phase II

  • Tactics & Goals to come

 

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Objective: Raise the public profile of the Bloomington Chamber of Commerce within the community through participation in community events and partnerships with community organizations
Work Plan Portion by Community Development Sub-Committee Chair: Jolene Thibedeau Boyd Co-Chair: Kari Gast

Strategies to create a better connection to the community:

Community Events

  • Partner on Taste of Chocolate – March 9th, 2008
  • Partner with BUY (Bloomington United for Youth) to support the Bloomington Job Fair
  • Explore opportunities to partner with interested parties to promote and grow Memorial Day Parade
  • Create branding opportunities with Bloomington Sesquicentennial (150th Anniversary)

Business / School Partnerships

  • Create membership promotion plan for “Prepare Bloomington”
  • Create chamber “Speakers Bureau” database for use by Bloomington School District teachers & staff
  • Identify & promote opportunities for individuals in the business community to volunteer in schools
  • Create “High School Business Class” membership and associated opportunities for students to participate

Leadership Bloomington

  • Identify Project Lead from Chamber
  • Schedule/Participate in planning session with project leads from each partner to develop general business plan
  • Determine timeline & feasibility
  • Define roles and funding sources