The Bartlett Area Chamber of Commerce is the largest business membership organization in Northeast Shelby County and one of the largest in West Tennessee. It is comprised of approximately 500 members who represent a broad array of industries and professions within a market of over 250,000 people.

The Bartlett Chamber’s primary mission is to sustain and grow the economy of the region by representing the interests of its members, develop and implement programs that assist in the growth of existing businesses, market the community’s assets and attract new capital investment. To measure its success, the Chamber focuses on three areas of growth:
1) Membership
2) Economic activity
3) Per capita income

By using these three measurements as its chief barometer, the Bartlett Chamber can effectively monitor the success of its economic development strategy which is aimed at enhancing the economic and social prosperity of all citizens in Northeast Shelby County.

Competition is the source of our nation’s economic success. To remain competitive means never being complacent and never stop searching for excellence. As a member of the Chamber, your company profits in many ways. Not only do you benefit in the numerous cost savings and networking opportunities that are trademarks of a strong chamber, but you are also directly responsible for supporting a pro-active economic development strategy that ultimately benefits you, your customers, your employees and the long-term health of the community.

Membership in the Bartlett Chamber is one of the best investments your company can make. The Chamber becomes your voice and ally in matters that affect your bottom line. It is always looking for ways to assist your business in becoming more profitable, and it is tirelessly working to strengthen the economic vitality of the region. Thus growing your customer base, your workforce and ensuring that your taxes remain low.

The Bartlett Chamber is the largest membership organization concerned with the success of your business and the future prosperity of Northeast Shelby County. Act now and become an active member of this worthwhile organization—The Bartlett Area Chamber of Commerce.

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STAFF

John Threadgill............................................President/CEO
Judy Summers...............................Administrative Assistant
Mary Crone..................................Communications Director
Beverly Holmgren.......Director of Membership Development
Clay Banks.....................Director of Economic Development

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BARTLETT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

2007 ANNUAL REPORT

The Bartlett Area Chamber embarked upon an aggressive and ambitious agenda for 2007. Over 20 programs were targeted to enhance membership value. The Chamber directly managed and coordinated programs that ranged from providing small businesses with technical and professional expertise to assisting companies increase their exposure to fellow members and the general consumer.

Brand recognition for Bartlett and the Northeast Shelby County area was a major priority for 2007 as was building the image of the Bartlett Area Chamber. The need to enhance the visibility and concerns of the primary industry sector were recognized in 2007.

The Chamber also formed a public / private partnership with the City of Bartlett aimed at developing an economic development strategic plan for Northeast Shelby County. A Director of Economic Development position was created as the first step toward this initiative.

To provide the products and services expected of a progressive chamber of commerce requires financial resources. The Chamber aggressively sought new investors throughout the year as well as encouraged existing members to step-up their commitment to the community’s future.

These programs and initiatives serve to benefit Chamber members as well as the community at large. The support provided by the membership is crucial to the organization’s success. We are indeed appreciative of your investment and look forward to your involvement in 2008.


ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Stan Romanoff, Vice Chairman
Promote the expansion and attraction of capital investment and job creation within the primary industry sector.

• Business Inventory – Develop and maintain a database of primary industries within Northeast Shelby County by industry classifications, employees, market size, etc.
  Database created and continues to be updated
• New Business Development – Develop a capital investment recruiting strategy for the Northeast Shelby County market. Target specific industries and businesses conducive for the NE Corridor.
  Phase One – asset inventory development in progress
• Existing Business Services – Implement an existing business program, in conjunction with the Shelby County Existing Business Team, which provides relevant information and assistance to all industry groups.
  Active participation in Shelby County’s Existing Business Team (EBT)
• Co-Star Real Estate Database – Maintain service with Co-Star. Assist in updating commercial and industrial properties throughout Bartlett and the Northeast Market. Utilize Co-Star as the definitive source of commercial properties within the I-40 Corridor.
  Bartlett Chamber is an active subscriber and participates in quarterly updates. Provides data services to members and prospects
• Marketing Materials – Initiate a new inventory of promotional materials (print & electronic) that enhances the image of the Bartlett Area as an exceptional place to live, work, play & buy.
  Created collateral materials and initiated web site re-design
• Industry Appreciation Picnic – Celebrate the economic contributions made by the primary industry sector with an event aimed at the businesses of Bartlett Corporate Park and the surrounding area.
  Held picnic at Brother Industries in June and about 100 attended
• Intern Program – Initiate an economic development intern program with local institutions of higher learning. Develop a curriculum for students interested in pursuing a career in economic development and related activities. Use the program as a tool in furthering the resources of the chamber.
  Rhodes College provided 3 interns
• Economic Investors – Create a collaborative effort to support the needs of the primary industries of Northeast Shelby County by attracting major stakeholders.
  Aggressively solicited Economic Investors
• Strategic Partners – Solicit major public/private investors within the region interested in supporting a long term economic strategy for the Northeast Shelby County Corridor. Develop a partnership where participants share their concerns and visions for the region and work in a cooperative manner to establish goals and objectives.
  Increased Strategic Partners from 2 to 8

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
David Tennant, Vice Chairman

Identify and implement projects and programs aimed at recruiting, promoting and expanding small business; and to provide continued educational opportunities for novel strategies.

• Maintain a pro-active Retail & Commercial Council to address the needs of the industry.
• Expand the Bartlett Business Expo.
• Actively support the development of Bartlett Station.
• Monitor and assist in filling vacant retail spaces.
• Initiate Job Fairs as needed.
• Maintain an active Governmental Affairs Committee to monitor business legislation and alert members to important issues.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Bill Weirich, Vice Chairman

Enhance the quality of life for citizenry and businesses through economic growth while preserving the cohesiveness of the community.

• Monthly Chamber Meetings – Official monthly meeting of the general membership from January through October. Guest speakers address issues of interest to the local business community. Increase average attendance to 100. Solicit sponsorships from member companies seeking exposure to the general membership.
  Average attendance was 87; sponsors were obtained for all ten meetings
• Small Business Sponsorship – Opportunity for member businesses to display their products and services at the Chamber’s monthly meetings at a modest cost. Promote the program and secure an average of one per meeting.
  This program requires further attention
• Bartlett Business Expo - Primary venue for businesses in Northeast Shelby County to showcase their products and services. Over 80 local businesses promote their products to 1500 plus attendees. Co- presented with the City of Bartlett and Saint Francis Hospital-Bartlett. Sponsorships available. Sell out all available booths and continue to grow the Expo as a premier event for Northeast Shelby County.
  Sell out shy by 14 booths
• Chamber Golf Tournament - The official Chamber Golf Tournament held in the spring at one of three area courses. Sponsorships available. Increase the number of teams over previous years. Pursue the opportunity of a fall tournament.
  Successful spring tournament at Quail Ridge; fall tournament plans put on hold
  
• Chamber Newsletter - The Chamber’s official newsletter distributed to all BAC members. Identify and implement better and more efficient ways for distribution. Create the Newsletter into a business advantage for the general membership by promoting member to member business and to area consumers. Entered agreement with Bartlett & Cordova Appeal to publish BACC news bi-monthly with a circulation of 40,000+
  
• Chamber e-Newsletter - Create an e-newsletter format as an alternate means of communicating to members. Placed the current BACC news on our web site
  
• Chamber Website – The official website of the Bartlett Area Chamber that provides current and useful information about the local business community. The site also serves as the primary portal into Northeast Shelby County. In addition, the website includes such information as Chamber and community events; membership information, historical overview of the region, shopping & restaurant guide, job postings, local amenities, member to member discounts and much more. Treat the website as a work-in-progress continually seeking ways to improve its content, architectural design and overall attractiveness. Make the website a useful tool for Chamber members, economic development and general enquiries about the region. Explore revenue generating opportunities.
  Entered into agreement with InternetOne for a completely new overhaul of website
  
• Membership Directory - Annual printed directory of the Chamber membership. Directory provides contact information in an alphabetical listing as well as by business category. The Directory provides information about the Bartlett area, Chamber officers & staff, program of work, councils and committees and other pertinent information. Advertising is available to members only. Promote the Directory as the member’s primary source for products and services in the Bartlett area. Improve the Directory’s efficiency and distribution.
  Published and promoted the Membership Directory
  
• Images of Bartlett & NE Shelby County Magazine - Yearly publication that highlights Bartlett and Northeast Shelby County. Emphasis on promoting the area’s quality of life and unique business climate. Advertising is available. A minimum of 5,000 are produced annually and distributed to all members, advertisers and the community at large. Enhance the content, relevance and distribution.
  2008 issue published in November
• Northeast Shelby County Map - This map details the entire Northeast Shelby County area. Advertisements are available with a distribution of 5000 copies. Create the map as the definitive map for Northeast Shelby County.
  Advertising sold and map to be released in first quarter of 2008
• Holiday Heroes - The Chamber’s primary annual charity program that provides Christmas gifts to the children at Youth Villages Boy’s Town and Hobbs House. Members are paired with a child and purchase gifts specifically for that child. A party, in cooperation with the Kiwanis Club of Bartlett, is held at Youth Villages for the “heroes” to present their gifts to the children.
  Event held December 11 with 98 children
  
• Leadership Bartlett - A leadership development program designed to educate citizens about the dynamics involved in making a viable community. Ultimately, its purpose is to develop a core group of individuals interested in being involved in planning and developing programs and projects for the betterment of the Bartlett area. Program ran January through June with 14 participants
  
• Youth Leadership – Based upon the model of Leadership Bartlett, the program is aimed at High School students interested in knowing the mechanics of a community. Program ran August 2006 through April 2007 and included Arlington High School for the first time
  
• Bartlett Education Foundation - A charitable organization under the umbrella of the Chamber and run by volunteers. The Foundation’s primary mission is to provide financial support to county schools in the Bartlett area.
  Awarded 28 grants totaling over $13,000
  
• Nightmarez - This haunt is organized and run by volunteers with support from the BACC. Thousands come to the haunt and sponsors are on website, printed material and in the haunt lobby. Proceeds benefit Youth Villages.
  Event moved outside of Bartlett and the chamber was not involved

MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
John Linthicum, Vice Chairman

Retain and grow chamber membership by promoting and enhancing its benefits and value to existing and prospective members.

• Ribbon Cuttings - Official ceremony to celebrate new member businesses opening in the community. Posted on all Chamber mediums. Ribbon cuttings are also available for member businesses announcing new locations, remodeling, or new ownership/management. Continue to make the Ribbon Cutting ceremony a valued benefit for new and existing members.
  Averaged 3-4 ribbon cuttings per month to celebrate members; most photographed events appeared in local publications
• Networking Coffees - Monthly networking events hosted by member businesses designed to showcase their business location and products. Coffees are complimentary and open to members and non-members alike. Posted on all Chamber mediums. Dates scheduled to coordinate with Chamber calendar of events. Discover new and better ways to enhance the visibility that businesses can obtain through membership.
  Coffees provided networking opportunities, but participation was lower than desired
• “Staying Ahead of the Curve” Business Series - Monthly scheduled morning presentations featuring a range of business related topics. Presented by member professionals expert in their particular fields and open to the general Chamber membership. Presentations scheduled for the third Thursday of the month at no cost to the membership. Promote the series to small businesses seeking a competitive advantage.
  Eight sessions were presented; participation varied based on subject matter
• Existing Business Program - Economic development partnership program with local and state agencies. Existing Business Team members coordinate appointments set with local businesses (Chamber members and non-members) to address business concerns and offer assistance and incentives to encourage growth and development. Remain an active member of the Existing Business Team. Conduct at least four team visits in Northeast Shelby County during 2007 including a “Business Blitz” in the first quarter of ’07.
  Business Blitz held at Youth Villages; economic development specialists addressed pertinent issues to primary industry; conducted less than four team visits
• New Member Orientation - Morning-coffee orientations are offered on the second Wednesday of every other month. Orientations are designed to provide new and existing members a concise overview of the function of a chamber of commerce, the mission of the Bartlett Chamber and the benefits that members derive in affiliating with the largest business membership organization in Northeast Shelby County.
  Conducted orientations as stated
• Holiday Open House - The Chamber’s official annual Open House held in December in place of the regular monthly membership meetings. A casual networking event for the entire membership hosted at the Chamber office. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
  Event held December 6 and was well attended
• Business After Hours - Quarterly networking event open to entire membership as well as the general public. Sponsorship is provided by a volunteer member in partnership with a participating restaurant or event facility. Printed invitations are mailed out to entire membership and announced in Chamber publications. Promote and enhance “Business After Hours” as the businessperson’s quarterly ‘go to’ event in Northeast Shelby County.
  Changed name to “Chamber Mixers After Hours”; held three at varied locations
• Annual Chamber Gala - The Chamber’s premier annual social event and a major fundraiser. The evening gala features live music, silent auction, dancing and good fellowship. Held each November, the Gala replaces the general membership meeting for the month. Sponsorships are available for Title Sponsor, Gold Level Sponsor, and Small Business Sponsor. Silent auction donations are accepted from all members. Formal invitations are mailed to entire membership and event announced in all Chamber mediums. Enhance the image and promotion of the event to the membership. Establish a goal of 300 participants for 2007.
  Held at new venue, Esplanade Memphis and included dinner, live music and silent auction; attendance was approximately 150
• Ambassadors – The chief volunteer representatives of the Bartlett Chamber whose mission is to promote the advantages and benefits associated with being a Chamber member. Ambassadors represent a cross section of industries and professions yet share a common belief – that membership in the Bartlett Area Chamber is an investment in your company and the community. Work with Ambassadors to find effective ways to promote the Chamber.
  Chamber is fortunate to have a dynamic and dedicated group of Ambassadors who participate in most events and enjoy premium networking opportunities
• Sponsorship Opportunities - Sponsorships are an essential funding source for the Chamber and one of the most cost effective ways for members to advertise to fellow members. Members are encouraged to review the numerous opportunities available throughout the year and contact the Chamber staff for more information. Coordinate sponsorship opportunities with the Director of Communications and other staff members. Seek new products that the Chamber can offer its members that will enhance their business.
  Directors presented a team effort for soliciting sponsorships

GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
Kenny Crenshaw, Vice Chairman