Participation in this group was designed to assure that the goal of establishing, evaluating and assimilating the needs of small business, would be addressed through proactive membership. The focus was on current small business issues and trends and the way that the Chamber could address those ideas or concerns.
Chairperson - Jeff Jones
1. Media and marketing packages were developed to provide more affordable advertising including outdoor, radio, special publications, and newspapers. ACCOMPLISHED
2. The 2008 EXPO, “A Celebration of Small Business,” was held during Small Business Appreciation Week to show our commitment to this segment of our business community.
ACCOMPLISHED - The 2008 Business Expo had the largest turnout since its inception. 800 attendees were present at the VIP reception which hosted over 50 business this year.
3. Business seminars, covering a variety of timely business topics, from legal to promotional subjects, were offered throughout the year.
ACCOMPLISHED
4. The design of a “Road Map to Start a Business” is in progress. It would be of great benefit to potential and existing small businesses coming into the area.
ALMOST COMPLETED
5. Redesign of relocation packets with updated data such as stats, graphs and informational envelope.
ACCOMPLISHED
6. Health insurance is a national concern and we remain on the lookout for solutions to assist our area businesses.
ON-GOING
7. Established a "Member to Member" program designed to encourage businesses to do business with other Chamber members.
ACCOMPLISHED
"I found the focus group very helpful in making me aware of challenges fellow business people are facing as well as rewarding in how willing people were to find solutions to common problems. I learned so much about the business community and the contacts I made were very beneficial." ~Jane Dalier, Valley Business FRONT
TOURISM FOCUS GROUP
The focus of the "Tourism" group was to promote and facilitate between the Town of Pulaski, Town of Dublin and Pulaski County a strategic tourism plan. By working together the group was able to incorporate some cross marketing strategies to promote our area businesses and distinct natural resources. Participation in this committee will continue planning for follow-up initiatives.
Chairperson- Shawn Hash
1. Strategic Tourism Plan: Co-operated with stakeholders from various groups within the County in the development of this plan. The Plan was considered for adoption by the County, Town of Dublin, and Town of Pulaski governing bodies. Once adopted, it is hoped that the Chamber and all these entities will more effectively co-ordinate our efforts and make tourism a more profitable industry.
ACCOMPLISHED - The plan continues to move foward and grow, as the group keeps implementing new ways to provide the surrounding areas with more profitable marketing ideas to promote Dublin, Pulaski, and Pulaski County.
2. “Discover Your Passion in Pulaski County” is a long term campaign developed to increase local awareness and to promote our many natural resources and attractions.
Details of the plan are being refined for future implementation.
ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOCUS GROUP
The mission of this committee was to focus on strategies that provide sound planning for long-term growth in the areas of techonology, education, transportation, and industrial infrastructure, to enhance infrastructure and promote economic develpment in the Towns of Dublin, Pulaski and Pulaski County and to build strong Chamber support with viable economic development projects within the jurisdictions.
Chairperson - John Neel
1. ABC Initiative: Gathered signatures to include this referendum on the November ballot in the Robinson, Massie and Ingles districts.
ACCOMPLISHED - Referendum passed in Robinson and Massie districts. Gathering signatures for Ingles district will continue in 2009.
2. Youth Excel Program was developed in conjunction with our County school system and New River Community College. The goal was to give 11th grade students an opportunity to experience a variety of professions through our business community by allowing them to mentor/shadow adult workers for a day.
ACCOMPLISHED
"As a small business owner, participating in the focus group has allowed me to interact with other business person in brainstorming new ideas and creating solutions to similar common problems. As a committee member I can assist in the goal-setting process for our Chamber to meet its long term goals. Membership involvement also keep me on the inside track of upcoming technology, education and economic development of our county." ~ Debbie Lyons, The Job Depot
Based on the success of 2008 and the momentum built by this year's groups, we invite you to come grow with the Chamber by joining one of the 2009 focus groups that are now forming. BE READY TO EXCEL, BE READY TO GROW, BE READY TO HAVE YOUR VOICE HEARD.