2006 Annual Element

2006 Element of the Chamber Strategic Business Plan for 2004-2006

Vision: A regional environment that fosters and supports commercial activity, enhancing the ability of businesses to function in a global economy, while ensuring a high quality of life for our communities.

Mission: To support and enhance the MetroWest region’s vitality through strategic economic development, advocacy for business interests and regional alliances. 

The strategic goals of the 495/MetroWest Partnership, Inc., are an integral part of the business plan for the MetroWest Chamber.  MetroWest volunteers and staff play key leadership roles in the Partnership and will provide a continuing liaison through the implementation of Partnership programs.

Economic and Workforce Development
Goal: Increasing economic activity in MetroWest by promoting and assisting retention and expansion of existing companies and start-ups of new companies, while supporting efforts in education at all levels and inclusion of new workers.

  • Coordinate with 495/MetroWest Partnership efforts
  • Assist in retention and expansion of companies
  • Support SCORE and SBDC Counselling
  • Develop Local Liaisons
  • Support ESL Programs (expand)
  • Participate in MAWD
  • Support local STEM Efforts
  • Enhance local connections with Natick Labs (moved and modified)
  • Expand Education Initiatives (new)
  • Revitalization of Downtowns and Underutilized Former Industrial Sites (new)
  • Advocate Smart Growth Reuse (new)

Public Policy
Goal:  Advocating for public policy that is responsive to community and business interests

  • Coordinate with 495/MetroWest Partnership efforts
  • Identify issues
  • Develop policy positions
  • Engage policy makers
  • Advocate for Business Positions on: (listing new)
    • Regional Transportation Authority
    • Health Insurance Reform
    • Reasonably Priced Housing
    • Immigration Reform
    • Tax Classification
    • Water and Sewer Rates
    • Override Proposals
  • Enlist Chamber members in grassroots advocacy on important issues (new)

Transportation
Goal: Improving the quality of life and the free movement of commerce in MetroWest by enhancing transportation options.

  • Coordinate with 495/MetroWest Partnership efforts
  • Support MetroWest/495 TMA
  • Promote creation of Regional Transportation Authority
  • Advocate for highway improvements
  • Move Route 126/135 Project Ahead (new again)
  • Support passenger and freight rail improvements

Small Business Development
Goal: Helping small business grow and prosper

  • Continually improve existing Networking opportunities
    • Networking Breakfasts
    • Nearly Noontime Networking
    • Business After Hours
    • Implement new programs as needed
    • Seminars (being studied)
  • Expand Discount Card Program

Marketing
Goal: Positioning the MetroWest Chamber as a trusted leadership force and service provider to business and community constituencies.

  • Improve Member Communications
    • Newsletter
    • E-mail (HTML)
    • Fax
    • Website (new)
    • Online Directory
    • Quality of Life Membership Directory and Buyers’ Guide
    • Media Contact (constant)
  • Provide Event Management
    • SBC Programs
    • Annual Meeting
    • 495/MetroWest Business EXPO
    • MAWD events

Membership Development (new)
Goal: To enhance the overall growth of the Chamber through recruitment of new members and retention of existing members.

  • Assess Existing Member Benefits
    • Retention Surveys
    • Networking
    • Group Health & Dental Insurance
    • Credit Card Processing
    • Payroll Services
    • Member Discount Card
    • Marketing Services
  • Expand Member Benefits
    • Assess Needs
    • Request/Select Vendor
    • Market to Members
    • Stay competitive and up-to-date on healthcare insurance
  • Member Retention and Growth
    • Retention Plan Implementation
    • Support Ambassadors
    • On-going Surveys
    • Member Referrals
    • Staff Sales
    • Volunteer New Member Campaign

Strategic Alliances
Goal: Enhancing strategic alliances along the 495/MetroWest Corridor.

  • Involve Volunteers Leaders in 495/MetroWest Corridor Partnership
  • Identify and implement joint efforts with Affiliated Chambers
    • 495/MetroWest Affiliated Chambers Economic Forecast Breakfast (Feb)
    • 495/MetroWest Business EXPO (May)
    • 495/MetroWest Affiliated Chambers Mega Networking (Sept)

Strategic Planning (new)

  • Provide facilitated presentations and discussions at Board meetings on regional issues in cooperation with Leadership MetroWest
  • Design new process to update 2004-2006 Strategic Business Plan
  • Implement Strategic Planning process
  • Adopt new MetroWest Chamber Strategic Business Plan for 2007-2009