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2006 Business Plan

Priorities

100TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
In 2006, the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce will celebrate its 100th year of service to the Alexandria community. A series of events will be held throughout 2006 to both recognize and celebrate the Chamber’s remarkable 100-year history.

VISION
The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce is the primary advocate of Alexandria's business community and is dedicated to building a competitive business climate.

MISSION
The mission of the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce is to further improve the economic climate and quality of life in the City.

Administration 
Ken Moore, President and CEO
Staff: Lynn Craig, Controller

Ensure that the Chamber is equipped and positioned properly to implement its 2006 business plan successfully.

Select new Officers and Directors for the year 2007.

• Appoint a nominating committee in July 2006 who will be responsible for recommending candidates to serve on the Chamber’s Board of Directors. Nominations due to the Board in September 2006.

Manage the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce in a fiscally responsible manner.

• Assist the Chamber's CPA firm in preparing documentation for the annual financial review and tax preparations by April 30, 2006.
• Prepare the 2007 budget for approval by the Board of Directors by December 2006. Advance draft copy presented to the Board at the Annual Board Retreat in November 2006.
• Provide complete accounting support for both the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and Leadership Alexandria.
• Provide Human Resource Management for the Chamber and SBDC  personnel. 
• Monitor Chamber investments on a monthly basis.
• Attain an 85% retention rate for 2006.

Keep past Chamber leaders informed and involved.

• Hold a minimum of two meetings with former Chairs of the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce.

Resource Development and Membership Services Division
Vice-Chair: Donald F. Simpson, Jr., Simpson Development Company
Staff:
Elizabeth Randolph, Director - Resource Development & Member Services
Mary Anastacio, Coordinator - Membership Outreach

Increase membership by clarifying and communicating the Chamber's value to its members and to the community.

RECRUITMENT 
Build membership back up to 950 plus members in 2006.

• Organize successful Member/Guest events in the Spring and Fall of 2006 with a recruitment goal of 10 new members at each.
• Director - Resource Development Member Services will recruit a $25,000 in new memberships during 2006
• Provide input to Communications Division throughout 2006 in development of strategic membership marketing plan
• Work with Communications Division and volunteers to follow-up on post cards mailed to prospective members during 2006
• Target a Top 100 list with the Board serving as the primary recruiter for this group (CVS Model)

RETENTION 

• Work with Carolyn Pluto, to salvage as many delinquent accounts as possible.
• Work with Coordinator-Membership Outreach to provide a personal touch to the retention of existing members and increase organizational retention numbers
• Meet 2006 budgeted retention goals.
• Develop a year-long retention strategy including staff and volunteer
  participation to include:

• Large investor meetings with Chairman
• Targeted mailings in dues invoices
• Membership packages that encourage involvement
• Increased outreach to first year members by Coordinator - Membership Outreach
• Continued outreach to 2+ year members by Coordinator - Membership Outreach

VALUE 

• Increase the value of networking breakfasts with the goal of increasing attendance.
• Host networking events with the Central Fairfax and Arlington Chambers in the Spring and Fall 2006.
• Promote and market health insurance program throughout 2006.
• Develop and promote membership packages to encourage Chamber involvement.

• Manage Annual Resource Campaign to kick off March 2006 with a goal of $340,000 in sponsorships, memberships and budget reduction items.
• Recruit and develop new teams for the 2006 campaign and for future campaigns
• Utilize marketing campaign to develop leads for Annual Resource Campaign volunteers

   

Government Relations Division 
Vice-Chair: Scott McGeary, Washington Gas
Staff: Ken Moore, President & CEO

Serve as a proactive leader for business interests in Alexandria by tracking and analyzing legislative policy, educating the membership on a broad range of business and community issues, and shaping public policy at the city, state and federal levels.

Achieve a competitive political edge for Chamber members by providing strong and consistent advocacy on behalf of the business community at both political and grass roots levels.

• Maintain a Chamber presence through a consistent stream of communication with elected officials on Alexandria business issues.
• Develop and facilitate opportunities for elected officials to discuss pertinent and important issues with the Board of Directors, Government Relations Committee, and the Chamber membership.
• Maintain relationships with relevant city department directors as well as state and federal legislative staff who provide critical information and influence the member’s legislative position.
• Maintain contact with state and federal officials during session through regular visits to each official’s office.
• Conduct at Chamber trip to Richmond during the General Assembly’s 2006 session.
• Host a legislative reception in April/May 2006.
• Serve as a leader in legislative analysis by providing comments and recommendations, taking policy positions, and offering advisory opinions throughout the policy-making process.
• Present a 2006 legislative agenda setting forth issue guidelines and general positions in the first quarter of the year.
• Utilize task forces to develop policy positions on specific issues.
• Actively evaluate and take positions on key issues facing the City including but not limited to the Transportation Plan, Landmark Mall and waterfront development.

• Improve community outreach by strategically identifying and creating coalitions with civic associations, neighborhoods, and business groups.
• Host the annual "State of the City" breakfast with the Mayor and Chamber members in February 2006 with an attendance goal of 350 people.
• Maintain ongoing communications with the City Business Facilitator and analyze the effectiveness of the position in the first quarter of 2006
• Analyze City budget and prepare comments regarding the Chamber position.
• Conduct a City Council Candidate's Forum prior to the 2006 election

   

Communications Division 
Vice Chair: Toni Andrews, The Andrews Agency
Staff: Barbara Lord, Vice President - Communications

Maximize the Chamber's vision for all divisions through focused and cutting edge strategies in media relations, publications, internal and external communications mediums, and public policy.

Establish media relationships to encourage local news to rely on the Chamber as the "information source" for the pulse of business in Alexandria.

• Work hand-in-hand with government relations division to have advocacy actions of the Chamber reported in area newspapers throughout 2006.
• Establish new and maintain old relationships with the local media throughout 2006
• Continue established "Voice of the Chamber" column published in local newspapers on a regular and frequent basis throughout 2006

Provide comprehensive and timely communication to the membership utilizing multiple media forms.

• Produce and distribute weekly electronic news service, Chamber Headlines to the membership throughout 2006
• Develop, produce and distribute targeted e-mails as a new member benefit.
• Work with website host, ChamberWeblink^TM, to continually update and maintain Chamber's site: www.alexchamber.com.

• Continue "Get Plugged In" marketing campaign launched in 2005 throughout 2006 to assist membership division in achieving new member and retention goals
• Expand 2005 "Get Plugged In" 6-month marketing campaign to a year-long campaign to include increased advertisements, increased mailings, a new member marketing piece and a prospective member kit in 2006
• Work with Resource Division and volunteers to follow-up on marketing campaign post cards mailed to prospective members during 2006.

Utilize established publications and media productions to maintain market saturation.

• Design, produce and distribute the annual Who's Who in Alexandria Business membership directory in July of 2006 for Chamber's membership.
• Design and produce annual Alexandria Business Guide to be distributed in the first week of December 2006 through the Alexandria Gazette Packet.
• Produce map of Alexandria to be completed and available in 2006.
• Write and produce 12, thirty-minute, cable television shows of Focus on Business, to be aired twice weekly by Comcast Communications throughout 2006.

Special Events Division 
Vice-Chair: Shawn McLaughlin, McLaughlin Investments, LLC
Staff: Autumn Brown, Coordinator - Special Events 

The Special Events Division sponsors social and community programs that are responsible for the largest percentage of non-dues revenue to the Chamber. The scheduled special events for 2006 are as follows:

• Honor the Chamber’s incoming Chairman of the Board at the Annual Chairman’s Winter Gala to be held in January of 2006. The goal for attendance at this black-tie event is 325 people
• Sponsor 2006 Alexandria Chamber Cup Golf Tournament to be held in August of 2006. The goal for participation is 200 golfers
• Recognize and award the accomplishments of outstanding small businesses in Alexandria and honor an Alexandria businessperson as the 2006 Business Leader of the Year at a Business Awards Dinner to be held in October of 2006. The attendance goal is 350
• Host the Annual Membership Meeting and Holiday Luncheon in December 2006. The goal for attendance is between 200 to 250 people

Business & Community Development Division 
Vice Chair: Charlotte Hall, Potomac Riverboat Company
Staff:  Barbara Lord, Vice President - Communications
            Erika Mendez, Executive Director Leadership Alexandria
         Autumn Brown, Coordinator - Special Events

Provide a vehicle for the improvement of Alexandria's business environment while maintaining its high quality of life.

Provide leadership in educating businesses in how to succeed in the marketplace.

• Conduct Professional Development Workshops on a quarterly basis throughout 2006 with pertinent topics such as e-commerce, work force development and marketing. Workshops will be conducted in cooperation with the Small Business Development Center
• Hold Monthly Business Development Roundtable Meetings designed to facilitate discussion on topics relevant to Alexandria’s small businesses. Meetings will be conducted in cooperation with the Small Business Development Center
• Continue marketing Business Development Roundtable meetings by advertising monthly reminders and topic information in Chamber Headlines. Project will be accomplished in cooperation with the Small Business Development Center

• Maintain and upgrade the newly created interactive map, located at www.alexmap.com.
• Promote the use of the new shuttle system provided to USPTO employees by the City of Alexandria from Carlyle to King Street
• Conduct a "Taste of Alexandria" at the USPTO facility in February 2006
• In cooperation with the SBDC, conduct workshops for Alexandria business which will help facilitate business with USPTO and their contractors
• Continue and expand the CEO Roundtable program throughout 2006

Promote Alexandria as a major technology center in Northern Virginia.

• Hold Annual Alexandria Technology Achievement Week from
  March 20 - 24, 2006 to increase awareness of Alexandria’s technology community. The goal for attendance at the Awards Luncheon is 200

Recognize outstanding contributions to the advancement of Alexandria's high quality of life.

• Honor Alexandria's public safety personnel at The Annual Public Safety Valor Awards Luncheon in April 2006. Attendance goal is estimated at 400 people
• Co-sponsor Philanthropy Summit in Spring 2006 in conjunction with the Alexandria Volunteer Bureau (AVB). Event held annually to highlight businesses committed to corporate philanthropy. Attendance is estimated at 225 with all proceeds benefiting the AVB
• Recognize Alexandria businesses for exceptional business and employment practices for persons with disabilities at the Annual Disability Awareness Awards program to be held at the Chamber Breakfast scheduled for October 2006. The Chamber will sponsor this event in conjunction with The City of Alexandria and The Alexandria Commission on Persons with Disabilities

Leadership Alexandria

Vice Chair: Elizabeth Moon , Focus Data Solutions
Staff: Erika Mendez, Executive Director

• Identify and secure adequate financial funding beginning in January 2006
• Identify and secure Signature Sponsors and Day Sponsors to support Leadership Alexandria.
• Secure scholarships for Leadership Alexandria Class of 2007

100th Anniversary Committee

Vice Chair: Lynn Wyvill, Grant Street Communications
Staff: Barbara Lord, Vice President - Communications

MISSION: The mission of the 100th Anniversary Committee is to recognize and celebrate the remarkable history and achievements of the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce from its establishment in 1906 through its 100th birthday in 2006.

• Hold 100th Anniversary historical exhibit opening and reception on Thursday evening, January 12, 2006 at The Lyceum. Portable historical exhibit to remain at the Lyceum until March and then move to multiple sites throughout 2006.
• Plan and hold special anniversary week Celebration from September 11 - 16, 2006. Week's activities to include proclamation reading, tree planting, and Open House at the Chamber offices. Week will culminate with a 100th Anniversary Dinner on Saturday evening, September 16.

• Prepare "Did You Know?" column with facts and anecdotes telling the Chamber story to be published monthly in the Alexandria Gazette Packet in 2006.
• Reach out to the Alexandria community with the Chamber's 100-year story by participating in identified festivals and parades throughout 2006.
• Have an established portion of each networking breakfasts and business reception program dedicated to 100th Anniversary promotion throughout 2006
• Include a 100th Anniversary component to all Chamber events in 2006.

Alexandria Small Business Development Center
Chair:  Nancy Belmont, Belmont, Inc.
Staff:  Bill Reagan, Executive Director

VISION: The Alexandria Small Business Development Center helps small businesses succeed!

MISSION: The Alexandria Small Business Development Center (SBDC) strengthens small business and promotes economic growth by providing quality services such as management consulting, educational programs and access to business resources.

• Achieve a level of funding and staffing that enables Alexandria SBDC to achieve its full potential as a driver of economic growth for Alexandria’s small businesses. The proposed budget for 2005 is $225,000 and we must raise an additional $70,000 to achieve that amount. (First Quarter 2005)

• Alexandria SBDC is the City’s most vital resource for nurturing small business success and enhancing its entrepreneurial environment. Working with the City, the Chamber and other business organizations, Alexandria SBDC will play a key role in the efforts to revitalize the King Street corridor (Second Quarter 2006)

• Continue co-sponsorship with the Chamber of the monthly Business Development Roundtables and plan a series of quarterly workshops. (First Quarter 2006)

• Alexandria SBDC will take an active role helping businesses impacted by the closure of Defense Department facilities, and will also be a resource for DOD employees that desire to start their own business rather than commute to distant installations. (Second Quarter 2006)

• Continue the Federal Contracting Assistance Program to help business owners at various levels become more proficient doing business with the government. The program will provide assistance in several different forms including routine briefings on the basics of doing business with the government; guidance on subcontracting opportunities with prime contractors; and individual consulting on managing government contracts, preparing better-quality proposals, and identifying new government business opportunities. (First Quarter 2006)
• Co-sponsor a program with Dominion Virginia Power to educate business owners on on manageable steps for Contingency Planning / Emergency Preparedness. (Second Quarter, 2006)
• Continue activities and information to acquaint U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) employees with Alexandria businesses; and to also inform Alexandria business owners about USPTO contracting opportunities and opportunities to serve the PTO workforce. (Ongoing)
• Continue activities and information to acquaint business owners with contracting, sub-contracting and other business opportunities associated with the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project. (Ongoing)
• Work with the Chamber and the City to better communicate with nonprofits and associations located in Alexandria, to better understand how we can support their success and acquaint them with existing resources and services.

Small Business Development Center Board Goals

• Recruit additional funding partners for the SBDC by May 2006
• Hold an SBDC Fundraising Event in March 2006 with a goal of raising $12,000.
  
• Each Board member takes responsibility for adding value to Alexandria SBDC in their area of interest or expertise.