Arroyo Grande Chamber of Commerce 2010 Business Plan

2010 Officers

Diane Schlageter, Dee Dee’s Interiors, Chairwoman of the Board
Terence Concannon, Mission Inn of Pismo Beach
Mark Olson, Coast National Bank, Treasurer
Sandy Nichols, Healthy Lifestyles, Secretary
Mike McKenzie, Santa Lucia Bank, Past Chairman of the Board

2010 Directors

Nan Fowler, Nan s Pre-owned Books
Lenny Jones, Jones Goodell & Associates
Janice Kelley, ReMax Magic Real Estate
Madelyn Koontz, Madelyn s Apparel
Russ Pereria, Heritage Oaks Bank
Jared Reindel, Walmart
Kevin Woolley, Business Computer Solutions

Staff

Judith Bean, President/CEO
Kathy Young, Office Manager
Cyndi Silva, Bookkeeper

Mission Statement of Purpose

The Arroyo Grande Chamber of Commerce works to promote a positive, balanced and vital economy and preserve the unique qualities of Arroyo Grande.

Organization of the Chamber

LEGISLATIVE DIVISION

Government Relations Committee

Committee Description and Purpose
In order to ensure the economic stability of Arroyo Grande, the Arroyo Grande Chamber of Commerce recognizes the necessity of properly balanced legislation for enhancement and encouragement of the free enterprise system. In conjunction with our stated goals to promote a positive, balanced, vital economy and preserve the unique qualities of Arroyo Grande, the Arroyo Grande Chamber supports legislation at all levels of government which insures a sound and healthy local economy. When necessary, we will vigorously oppose legislation that threatens the viability of local business as part of the private enterprise system. The Arroyo Grande Chamber of Commerce supports, in general principle, the positions taken by the California Chamber of Commerce on State issues and thoroughly reviews those positions before taking a local position on any specific legislation. The Arroyo Grande Chamber of Commerce encourages a proactive approach to local legislation and supports research, analysis, education, and wide dissemination of proposed legislation that affects local business and the vitality of Arroyo Grande. (Legislative Policy, Adopted December 13, 2005). This committee meets on the third Thursday of the month at 4 pm.

Goals for 2010:

    1. Research issues and legislation that could have an effect on local business and take positions where appropriate.
    2. Maintain regular pro-business communication with city staff and elected officials.


Tourism Committee

Committee Description and Purpose The mission of the Tourism Committee is to create a brand for Arroyo Grande, increase tourism and establish a funding source for local tourism promotion.
  1. Roll out tourism outreach plan
  2. Encourage other local organizations to work cooperatively on a cohesive message
  3. Enhance website to maximize awareness of the city among travelers, travel agents, travel and meeting planners and bus tours.

MEMBER RELATIONS DIVISION

Ambassadors Committee

Committee Description and Purpose
The Ambassadors Committee aids staff in the development of effective acquisition and retention programs designed to educate local businesses about the programs and services available through the Arroyo Grande Chamber of Commerce. Ambassadors concentrate on the retention of existing and development of new members through an awareness program emphasizing personal contacts by Ambassadors. Ambassadors welcome new Chamber members, act as hosts and hostesses at key Chamber events and facilitate interaction at all Chamber functions. Ambassadors handle the Scarecrow Contest for the Arroyo Grande Harvest Festival held in September and solicit auction items for the Installation Dinner held in January. This committee meets on the second Thursday of the month at 8 a.m.



Goals for 2010:

    1. Continue with the “A Cut Above” program to recognize ambassadors who do exemplary work in supporting the mission of the Chamber.
    2. Conduct practical skills training workshops for small businesses
    3. Establish a task force to re-evaluate the Showcase Mixer Tradeshow.

Other Programs and events: Showcase Mixer Tradeshow The Showcase Mixer will be held on June 23rd from 4 to 7 pm at the South County Regional Center.

50+ Expo
The Expo will be held on Wednesday, November 10th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the South County Regional Center.

Breakfast with the Mayor
A breakfast with Mayor Tony Ferrara will be held on April 30 from 7:30 to 9 am

Small Business Skills Breakfast Program Practical business skills will be taught at breakfast programs scheduled for July 30 and September 24.

Monthly Membership Mixers
Mixers will be held generally on the fourth Wednesday of the month from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.

Monthly Membership Luncheons
Luncheons will be held on the third Wednesday of the month at noon.

Annual Installation Dinner
The Installation dinner will be held on January 28th.

New Member Reception
New members will be invited to quarterly receptions where they can learn how to make the most of their membership. Receptions will be held from 5:15 to 6 pm on March 10, June 10 and September 15.

BUSINESS PROGRAMS AND SERVICES DIVISION

Beautification Committee

Committee Description and Purpose
The Mission of the Beautification Committee is to recognize exterior improvements of Arroyo Grande businesses and residences. A Beautification Award is given monthly to provide recognition to both businesses and residences that have made significant improvements which enhance and improve the look of the neighborhood. The criteria considered include: curb appeal, signage, awnings, paint, façade improvements and landscaping.



Goals for 2010:

    1. Keep the main focus on business improvements
    2. Meet as needed

East Grand Avenue Merchants Committee

Committee Description and Purpose
The Mission of the East Grand Avenue Merchants Committee is to support the advancement of East Grand Avenue Merchants (EGAM) by enhancing and increasing the retail utilization of the East Grand Avenue corridor. The EGAM committee will work toward creating a visual focus, highlighting the natural features and attributes of the area. They will produce attractions to encourage residents to shop the avenue, explore the creation or enhanced participation in festivals and special events, make the avenue a shopping and service destination for local residents and build and enhance a solid business reputation with local customers. This committee coordinates the sale and installation of holiday decorations as well as events to enhance the Arroyo Valley Car Cruise night held in July. This committee meets the third Wednesday of the month at 7:30 a.m.

Goals for 2010:

1. Continue working with Arroyo Valley Car Club on cruise night activities

2. Continue with holiday decorating program

3. Continue with the holiday movie matinee.

REGIONAL CENTER OPERATIONS

In exchange for office space, the Arroyo Grande Chamber of Commerce coordinates rentals, and is responsible for interior maintenance of the South County Regional Center. The Center is rented seven days-a-week for meetings, fundraisers and special events throughout the year.

Goals for 2010:
      1. Increase marketability of Regional Center as a scenic location for weddings and special events