2010 Program of Work

Helping members grow their business is the primary function of a chamber of commerce and the Bartlett Chamber takes this responsibility very seriously. Throughout 2010 the BACC will look for ways to improve the products and services already being provided to our members and to identify new opportunities to help our members grow their business. These will include informative and relevant workshops and forums, networking opportunities, Member to Member Marketing, spotlighting BACC members to the buying public, Member to Member Hot Deals, and more.

Growing the BACC membership makes for a stronger chamber of commerce and enhances the ability of members to do more business with fellow members.  The Chamber will be looking to strengthen its reach to the overall business community within the Bartlett area. This will require additional personnel dedicated solely to increasing the membership base. It also means enabling the Chamber Ambassadors to be more aggressive in promoting the benefits of the Chamber with improved marketing collateral.

Growing the overall economy by expanding existing businesses and attracting new investments will take on a much greater significance in 2010. The Bartlett Chamber will be unveiling a major public/private economic development initiative in 2010 that will be a milestone for the community. This long-term strategic plan will be used to market and brand the assets that make the Bartlett area such a strong location for existing businesses as well as new companies.

2010 will be a pivotal year for the BACC as we move forward in a more pro-active direction of growth and sustainability. It will be a great year to be a part of this dynamic membership.        

DEPARTMENTS

MEMBER SERVICES:

Membership Development

Chamber Website – BartlettChamber.org is the official website of the Bartlett Area Chamber that provides current and useful information about the entire community, including business information, Chamber and community events, membership information, regional history, local amenities, Member-to-Member Hot Deals and much more. The site serves as the primary portal into Northeast Shelby County.

v      Continual process to update information

v      The entire BACC staff can make changes and update in their perspective area

v      Produce a video for the site; possibly changing it several times throughout the year

v      Improve search engine optimization

Chamber Newsletter - The Chamber’s official newsletter is distributed to over 24,000 households in NE Shelby County and mailed to all BACC members.

v      Review our options regarding a print newsletter

v      Promote advertising in the publication as a less expensive alternative

Chamber e-Newsletter - Weekly email to our members with Chamber news and events, community news and paid advertisements. This broadens our communications to the members while giving them an outlet to advertise inexpensively to their fellow members.

v      Improve the e-newsletter format - the look, the size of the document and the content

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 and Sponsorships are available.

v      Increase average attendance

v      Continue “The Chamber Advantage” segment highlighting the benefits of the Chamber and how it directly affects the individual member

Chamber Golf Tournament - The official Annual BACC Golf Tournament held in the spring at one of two area courses and Sponsorships are available.

v      Sell out the teams!

v      Continue the Eagle Sponsorship, bringing in Celebrity players

v      Continue Tent Sponsorships and market them as a face-to-face networking tool

v      Start a Fall Golf Tournament

Annual Chamber Gala - The Chamber’s premier annual social event and a major fundraiser.  The evening Gala features live music or DJ, silent auction, heavy hors d’oeuvres, dancing and good fellowship. Now combined with the Holiday Open House, the Gala replaces the general membership meetings for the months of November and December. Sponsorships are available and silent auction donations are accepted from all members.  Invitations are mailed to entire membership and event announced in all Chamber mediums.

v      Keep event to Friday evening and keep less formal format

v      Continue the free photographs and find an inexpensive photo folder engraved with the evening’s information

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 who share a common belief – that membership in the Bartlett Area Chamber is an investment in your company and the community.

v      Seek input from Ambassadors to identify new ways to promote the Chamber

v      Enhance Ambassador rewards program

v      Create official by-laws

v      Continue to grow Ambassador Group

Business Development

Bartlett Business Expo – The Expo is the primary venue for businesses in Northeast Shelby County to showcase their products and services. Over 80 local businesses promote their products to 1000 plus attendees.  The Chamber co-presents it with the City of Bartlett and Saint Francis Hospital-Bartlett.  Sponsorships available.

v      Sell out all available booths

v      Continue to grow the Expo as a premier event for Northeast Shelby County

v      Actively pursue more sponsors

Tourism Guide for the Northeast Corridor  – The I-40 / Northeast Corridor is the region’s premier location for overnight accommodations, restaurants, shopping and entertainment venues, yet no marketing materials exists to promote the area. The Bartlett Area Chamber plans to develop a marketing strategy that highlights Northeast Shelby County as “The Choice Location” for tourists and people visiting Memphis and the Mid-South.

v      Create a focus group of businesses interested in developing a marketing strategy for Northeast Shelby County

v      Use the services of the Chamber’s Ad Agency in soliciting input and developing a brand for the area

Business After Hours - Networking event open to the membership and guests. Printed and electronic invitations are sent out to entire membership and announced in Chamber publications. Sponsorships available.

v      Promote and enhance the Mixer as the businessperson’s ‘Go-To’ event in Northeast Shelby County

Northeast Shelby County Map – The only map printed specially for the Northeast Shelby County area.

v      A new map is planned for 2010; ads sold by the publisher

“Bartlett a la Carte” – Opportunity for area restaurants to promote their signature dishes and increase exposure.  Proceeds will benefit area charities, BACC, and Bartlett Cordova Rotary Club.

v      Increase exposure and attendance

v      Start planning process earlier

v      Increase number of vendors

Business Networking Coffees – Morning networking events hosted by member businesses. Coffees are complimentary and open to members and prospective members. Post on all BACC mediums. Dates scheduled to coordinate with Chamber calendar of events.

v      This program as been dormant for a couple of years – bring it back in 2010 with a bang

Ribbon Cuttings – A Ribbon Cutting is the official ceremony to celebrate new member businesses opening in the community, announcing new locations, remodeling and new ownership/management. Dates are posted on all Chamber mediums.

v      Continue to make the Ribbon cutting ceremony a valued benefit for new and existing members

v      Continue to build attendance with Ambassadors and others in the community

Sponsorship Opportunities - Sponsorships are a cost effective way for members to promote and advertise to fellow members. Members are encouraged to review the numerous opportunities available throughout the year and contact the Chamber staff for more information.

v      Seek new products that the Chamber can offer its members that will enhance their business

“Staying Ahead of the Curve” Business Series - Scheduled monthly morning presentations feature a range of business related topics presented by professionals expert in their particular fields. It is free to the general Chamber membership.

v      Promote the series to member businesses seeking a competitive advantage and increase attendance

“Discover Bartlett” Radio Campaign – This is a program that is tailored especially for Bartlett Chamber members to advertise on all local Citadel Radio stations at an extremely low rate.

v      Continue existing program in 2010

v      Integrate the “Discover Bartlett” jingle with the Expo package

Restaurant Loyalty Program – While increasing business for the participating Chamber Member restaurants, this program will give Loyalty Card carrying Chamber Members a minimum 10% discount at participating Chamber Member Restaurants.

Bartlett Area Magazine – This annual publication, which highlights the Bartlett Area, is due for a revision. Identify various options available to make the magazine more relevant to our members and the general public. Seek ways to make the piece a revenue source for the BACC.

v      Seek the most effective way to enhance and distribute the publication

v      Enhance the content, relevance, photography and distribution

Travel With The Chamber – The Chamber has joined hands with ABC Destinations to offer Trips to Tuscany, Italy Mar 17-25; Buenos Aires, Argentina June; Costa Del Sol, Spain November for 2010. 

  v Develop media relationships

       v Develop relationships with potential travel groups.

       v Develop collateral material

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:

Bartlett Ten Year Economic Development Plan- Initiate and develop a 10 year strategic plan to promote economic development for the Bartlett Area. 

• Host strategy session with Strategic Partners
• Host Roll-Out with current investors and potential investors
• Attract new investors into Strategic Plan
• Begin implementation

Life Science Initiative - Promote the area as a viable Life Science Corridor and work with existing Life Science companies to identify industry enhancement opportunities.

v      Update list of all Life Science related companies

v      Conduct meetings or consultations with all companies

v      Work with Educational programs to address issues with workforce

v      Develop a marketing campaign to promote the Life Sciences

v      Further relationships with area organizations, ie: Innova, Memphis BioWorks, etc.

v      Determine need for Life Science Park in Bartlett

v      See also Life Science Action Plan and Initiatives

Strategic Partners & Economic Investors – Continue to develop a public / private partnership where investors share their concerns and visions for the region and work in a cooperative manner to establish goals and objectives.

v      Continue to solicit public & private investors interested in supporting a long term economic strategy for Bartlett and the Northeast Corridor

v      Cultivate relationships with existing Strategic Partners

v      Conduct at least three informational progress meetings with Strategic Partners

v      Introduce “Industry Champions” and find sponsors

v      Work on ways to get partners more involved

New Business Development – Continue to develop a business recruitment strategy for the Northeast Corridor market that targets specific industries conducive for the Bartlett Area.  Market to key cluster industries and define synergies.   Continue to promote Bartlett to retail/commercial opportunities.

v      Coordinate with the overall ED strategy

Existing Business Program – Continue current existing business program and maintain an accurate database of consultations.  Play an active role in Shelby County’s Existing Business Team. Coordinate appointments with local businesses (Chamber members and non-members) to address business concerns and offer assistance and incentives to encourage growth and development.

v      Remain an active member of the Shelby County Existing Business Team

v      Maintain current database of existing business consultations

v      Define “At Risk Companies” and establish plan of action

Business Inventory – Continue to Develop and maintain a database of primary industries within Northeast Shelby County by industry classifications, employees, market size, etc.

Enhance the database already begun and manage effectively

v      Update Largest Employers List in 2010

v      Update Corporate Park information in greater Bartlett Area

v      Conduct at least one in-leakage vs. out-leakage opportunity gap analysis

v      Archive press clippings about area businesses and future developments

Workforce Development – Work with area agencies and businesses to address the concerns related to the local workforce.  Conduct strategy meetings with Southwest Tennessee Community College, National College, area High Schools and other educational institutions.

v      Determine high demand occupations

v      Work with local educational programs and organizations to facilitate programs that address concerns of the local business community

v      Get local companies involved in discussions and programs geared to promote workforce development

v      Further enhance and develop OppCity.com

International Development - Provide assistance and educational opportunities for area businesses interested in exporting and /or importing.

v      Conduct import /export workshops

v      Work closely with US Foreign Commercial Service

v      Identify and inventory businesses engaged in international commerce

v      Identify and inventory foreign-owned companies in the Northeast Corridor

v      Maintain active membership in Japan American Society of Tennessee

v      Establish identity with Foreign Consulates in the Southeast US

Real Estate Database – Maintain a complete inventory of existing and potential land, buildings and infrastructure in market area.  Keep records of vacancy rates and absorption rates for retail, office and industrial properties.  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.

v      Maintain service with Co-Star

v      Conduct an informational summit on real estate assets in N.E. Shelby County - coordinate with Co-Star Representative

v      Conduct study of retail and industrial vacancy rates vs. absorption

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, shop & play.  Continue to make upgrades and enhancements to the Economic Development portion of the chamber’s website. (www.bartlettchamber.org)

v      Develop economic development collateral that effectively utilizes print and electronic media

v      Develop a marketing strategy for Life Science Industry

v      Coordinate all marketing efforts with City, Strategic Partners and Ad agency of record

v      Determine which trade shows and conferences are most important and attend

v      Further develop social networking sites, ie:  Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn

v      Explore Google Earth as a marketing option

v      Develop International Development Initiative

v      Develop website to promote Bartlett Station Historic District

v      Enhance marketing efforts to promote N.E. Shelby County Corporate Parks

v      Further utilize ImagesBartlett website and cross promote

v      Search Engine Optimization:  Twitter, Wikipedia, etc.

Industry Appreciation Picnic – Continue annual event to 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.

v      Conduct a picnic for June 2010 hosted by Primary Industry Council

Also see: Primary Industry Council

Bartlett Station Historic District - Work on branding and marketing the Bartlett Stations Historic District for revitalization.  Build relationships with property owners and tenants.  Help with recruitment of new retailers to the area.

v      Update website (www.bartlettstation.org)

v      Work on marketing and branding website and district

v      Help coordinate events that attract people to the area

v      Develop plan for 84 Lumber site

v      Encourage property owners to get involved

v      Strategize with Bartlett Station Commission and property owners

v      Strategize with Bartlett High School

Primary Industry Council (PIC) - Work on further developing and branding the Primary Industry Council.

v      Annual Appreciation Picnic

v      CoverTN-Small business healthcare options

v      Establish a 2010 program of work for Primary Industry Council

v      Establish a calendar of events and “Staying Ahead of the Curve” seminars that cater to the needs of the PIC

Commercial Real Estate Summit – Conduct at least one Commercial Real Estate Summit to introduce area brokers, developers, and agents to the assets and services of the area.

Intern Program – Continue 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.

v      Continue the intern program with Rhodes College and other local institutions of higher learning

v      Work with Chamber staff to create more projects for interns to better utilize time and resources

Branding Bartlett Corporate Park – Initiate an enhancement program for Bartlett’s greatest economic asset – Bartlett Corporate Park. Develop a brand for the park which will include a website, signage and printed collateral that can be used as a marketing tool and also to increase the Park’s value for existing and prospective tenants.

v      Conduct a survey of existing tenants and determine the level of investment required for an effective program

v      Work in tandem with the Primary Industry Council and the City of Bartlett

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT:

Bartlett Chamber Foundation – The Foundation, which received its IRS certification as a 501(c) (3) organization in October 2008, serves as the umbrella for the Leadership programs and other activities that fall under the Community Development heading.

v      Work to make the Leadership Programs more inclusive to volunteers

v      Engage the Leadership Bartlett Alumni Assoc. and make it a major participant in the Foundation.

v      Identify activities that enhance the community

v      Focus on workforce, education and lifestyle amenities

v      Fall Golf Tournament

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.

v      Enhance participation by soliciting the pro-active support of LBAA 

v      In Hiatus for 2010

Youth Leadership Bartlett – Based upon the model of Leadership Bartlett, the program is aimed at High School students interested in knowing the mechanics of our community.  Sponsorships are available.

v      Bring back the program from a one-year re-vamping

v      Promote as an elite program and highly sought after recognition

Holiday Heroes - The Chamber’s primary annual charity program provides Christmas gifts to the children at Youth Villages Boy’s Town.  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.

v      Allow the general public to participate in this event

Bartlett Festival and Bartlett Catfish & Jazz Festival – Actively participate in Bartlett’s two premier festivals. Promote to members and maintain a presence at each.

v      Work with the City of Bartlett to encourage Bartlett businesses to participate in the annual “Sidewalk Sale”

v      Work with the Bartlett Station Commission and Bartlett Historical Society in making the Catfish & Jazz Festival a bigger draw

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 school teachers serving the schools in Bartlett. Donations are accepted to fund grants.

v      Continue the Annual Distinguished Alumni Awards for graduates of Bartlett High and Bolton High

v      Review the rezoning of Shelby County schools for additional inclusions

v      Look for additional fundraising events