2012 Winthrop Chamber
of Commerce Goals and Activities
Desired outcome: To
grow and support a community of businesses, non-profit organizations,
individuals and governmental agencies committed to developing a vibrant
Winthrop and Methow Valley economy.
Governance
1.
Create and adopt a 2012 budget, goals and
activities
a.
Present 2012 budget, goals and activities at
February general membership meeting and post on the Chamber blog
b.
Present 2012 budget, goals and activities at a
February Winthrop Town Council meeting
c.
Monitor monthly income and expenses, fund
balances and ensure accurate distribution of income and expenses to appropriate
funds and classes
2.
Hold monthly board meetings
a.
Publish agenda on the blog one week in advance
of meeting
b.
Consent agenda: meeting minutes, financial
reports (profit and loss and balance sheet)
c.
Monthly reports: marketing, visitor center (when
open) and fulfillment
d.
New and old business with decision points and
actions items
e.
Publish meeting minutes on the Winthrop blog
3.
Comply with contractual obligations with the
Town of Winthrop for operation of the Visitor Center, use and management of 3%
funds and employment and management of Event Coordinator.
a.
Work with Town of Winthrop to make updates to
contracts as necessary
4.
Convene a committee comprised of representatives
from the Winthrop Town Council and Winthrop Chamber board and marketing
committee to vision and plan for marketing efforts and events, 2013 and beyond
5.
Convene a committee of members to review
Winthrop Chamber of Commerce by-laws and make recommendations to the general
membership for approval
6.
Convene a committee of members to identify and
develop policies to bring Chamber governance and operations in compliance with
federal and state regulations, along with non-profit best practices, and
forward recommendations to the general membership for approval
Membership goals
1.
Increase membership
a.
Coordinate outreach (personal visits, phone
calls, emails, letters) to past members and identify potential members, sharing
the benefits of Chamber membership.
2.
Enhance communication with members
a.
Write a thank you letter to businesses that
renewed their 2012 membership, including member benefits and goals, activities
and budgets for the year
b.
Write and disseminate monthly chamber and
marketing updates via the blog
c.
Offer 7 general membership meetings with content
relevant to doing business in the region and networking opportunities
d.
Host 2 Chamber socials for the purpose of
networking and building relationship among business owners
e.
Visit by board representative(s) to each member at
least once during 2012
3.
Maintain and enhance member services
a.
Present data, tips and tools via membership
meetings and blog
b.
Coordinate speakers on topics relevant to doing
business in the region
c.
Continue relationship with Methow Recycles and
Red Apple Market to offer cardboard recycling services
d.
Launch a Buy Local campaign in collaboration
with the Twisp Chamber of Commerce and TwispWorks
e.
Enhance member marketing opportunities via Winthrop
events, website and Facebook opportunities
4.
Sponsor 2 socials
a.
Solicit 2 members to host socials
b.
Publish agenda on the blog one week in advance
of social
c.
Provide very brief program and ample time for
socializing and networking
5.
Hold 7 general membership meetings
a.
Publish agenda on the blog one week in advance
of meeting
b.
Present financials (profit and loss and balance
sheet)
c.
Coordinate speakers and topics
d.
Provide for networking time
e.
Publish meeting minutes on the Winthrop blog
Visitor
Information Center
1.
Maintain and enhance visitor information
services
a.
Develop and disseminate new visitor marketing
collateral with an emphasis on Winthrop and Methow Valley amenities and
services, especially Chamber member information
b.
Provide relevant and timely materials to all
information requests
c.
Operate the visitor center in compliance with
Town of Winthrop contract
f.
Improve communication with and management of Visitor Center operations and staff
Marketing
1.
Enhance and grow marketing efforts
a.
Increase the Town of Winthrop’s social marketing
reach
b.
Enhance and grow the Town of Winthrop’s
website including mobile platform site
c.
Provide a contact for media and large group
visitor requests
d.
Increase communication with visitors who have
shared contact information with us
e.
Coordinate with area-wide groups on marketing
efforts (OCTC, Cascade Loup, Twisp Chamber, MVSTA,etc)
f.
Enhance membership by increasing marketing
communication and education on how to grow individual and community-wide
marketing success
Events
1.
Sponsor high-quality events that increase
business engagement, local participation and tourist visitation
a.
Sponsor Snowshoe Softball, Balloon Roundup,
49rs, Golf Tournament, Christmas at the End of the Road, Auto Rallye
b.
Increase marketing outreach for all events
c.
Identify and arrange coordination needs for all
events
d.
Create a budget and profit and loss statement
for each event
2.
Develop a long-term plan for Winthrop Chamber
sponsored events
a.
Identify Winthrop Chamber signature events and
develop a growth plan and budget
b.
Define sponsorship relationships and
requirements for individuals and organizations that wish to present an event
for the benefit of Winthrop and/or the Winthrop Chamber.
3.
Define and focus event sponsorship
a.
Define Winthrop
signature events and the Chamber’s role in those events
b.
Develop a policy and MOU for individuals,
businesses and organizations sponsoring fundraisers for the Chamber: Snowshoe
Softball, Golf Tournament, Auto Rallye, etc.
