Metrowest Chamber of Commerce

General Outline for Strategic Planning Process

February 2, 2006:  Board Members were invited to attend the Leadership MetroWest 20/20 Vision Community Leadership Forum at the Crowne Plaza in Natick.  The keynote speaker was Scott Harshbarger and a distinguished panel discussed Strategies for Civic Leadership and Community-Building.  The forum was followed by an optional 20 minute CPR training session.

Helen Lemoine, Executive Director of Leadership MetroWest, has agreed to coordinate a series of panel discussions on topics relevant to our strategic planning process.  The hour long panel discussions will take place at upcoming Chamber Board meetings:

March 29, 2006:  Selectmen from several of our towns were invited to share their insights on challenges and opportunities facing our local communities.  Selectmen from Ashland, Framingham, Hopkinton, Natick and Southborough attended.

April 26, 2006:  Housing experts addressed the current crisis in reasonably priced housing. 

May 24, 2006:  Transportation issues were the topic for a panel of local and state officials.

June 21, 2006:  Other issues affecting the businesses and communities in MetroWest were discussed.

September, 2006:  A two-thirds day strategic planning session Friday September 29^th will identify the specific issues relevant to the business community in MetroWest and determine how the Chamber can most effectively address those issues.  Because we are doing much of the Situational Analysis during our next four Board meetings, we will be able to finish up by mid-afternoon on the day of the session. 

October, 2006: Finalize Draft 2007-2009 Strategic Plan

November, 2006: Adopt 2007-2009 Strategic Plan