Nearly 100 Chamber members and business leaders gathered at the Rolling Hills Country Club for the 2024 State of YOUR Chamber luncheon. For those who were unable to attend, we’d like to share the work YOUR Chamber has been engaged in and provide context for what you can expect for 2024.
This is part 1 of a 5-part series focusing on where YOUR Chamber is, and where we are heading. Today, we will take a brief look back at what we have been doing.
The state of YOUR Union County Chamber is strong and focused on a bright future. Our mission is to champion business growth and business prosperity throughout Union County. This mission statement was crafted thoughtfully, and the words were chosen with intentionality. The word business was duplicated to ensure there is no doubt that our mission is business focused.
Membership Survey Results
Last August, we conducted a general membership survey. The purpose of the survey was to garner feedback from our members about the challenges and opportunities they are facing, the services they need or want from their chamber, and to seek feedback we can use to plan for the upcoming year.
We are proud to say that survey respondents rated YOUR Chamber 4.8 out of 5. We are grateful for our members’ trust in us.
- » The survey showed the number one reason businesses join the Chamber is to connect with leaders.
- » Over 90% of those surveyed feel the Chamber’s Advocacy is either very important or somewhat important to their business.
- » The respondents agree the Chamber’s advocacy closely aligns with their business concerns.
- » Unsurprisingly, the top 3 challenges facing businesses were workforce issues, marketing/growing their customer base, and the economy.
YOUR Chamber will send a survey to members every August and use the results to guide plans and programming for the following year.
Strategic Plan
In 2021, the Chamber’s Board invested in creating a comprehensive three-year strategic plan that included an initiative to create a new tiered dues structure providing our members with more value and additional benefits. The new membership investment structure offered more transparency to new members and provided all members with the opportunity to determine the investment level and corresponding benefits that best suit their business’ needs.
The strategic plan is the map that guides all the work we do at the Chamber. Our Board members work side-by-side with staff to champion the work we are doing to meet the strategic objectives set by our Board. Our strategic plan is a living, breathing document. In fact, our Board members can monitor the progress of the plan and provide feedback at any time. The Board is currently finalizing the next three-year strategic plan.
Chamber Communications
We learned last year that we have an opportunity and a need to enhance our communication with our community. Many residents in our community do not fully understand the work YOUR chamber does or why it’s important to have a strong, independent chamber of commerce advocating for business and industry. We need to tell them our story and ensure our community understands that the Chamber is not the staff or even our Board of Directors – the Union County Chamber is the almost 600 business, industry, and nonprofit organizations that make up our membership. Organizations that employ thousands of Union County residents, pay taxes that support the infrastructure our community depends on and enhance the quality of life for those who live here by supporting nonprofits that provide services and care for the most vulnerable in our community. Having a robust, successful business community is the very foundation of a thriving community. We invite you to join us in sharing that important story when you are out in the community.
As you read this and the ensuing blogs on the work YOUR Chamber is doing, we hope you’ll take a moment to pat yourself on the back. Because YOU, our members, made this happen.
Last modified: April 1, 2024
