BAINBRIDGE-DECATUR COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PROGRAM OF WORK FOR 2006

“To improve the quality of life and enhance the well being of our community.”

AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE
Mission: To assist the agriculture community, both farmers and agriculture-related businesses, in increasing the awareness of the community as to the economic impact of agriculture on Bainbridge and Decatur County

1. Host Annual Ag Appreciation Luncheon.
2. Sponsor Spring forum to meet candidates for Agriculture Commissioner.
3. Public Relations Campaign to educate the community on agriculture.
     (ie - Newspaper and Newsletter Articles spotlighting local growers)
4. Study opportunities to offer or assist with more agricultural education.
      (ie – Virtual Field Trips, Science project, etc.)
5. Actively assist and support the agricultural community on important issues , i.e., water, navigation, and the environment.
    

AUCTION COMMITTEE
Mission: To provide revenue to the Chamber of Commerce and quality entertainment for the membership.
 

CHAIRMAN’S COUNCIL
Mission: To provide additional revenue to the Chamber. (NOTE: The Chairman’s Council oversees the Decatur County Fall Festival & Fair, the annual Membership Auction, and other Special Revenue projects as well as Chamber Accreditation.)
 

COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
Mission: Ensure open communications concerning Chamber programs, services and activities.

1. Go live with new website.
2. Evaluate opportunities to offer better communications to the membership and the community. (ie – radio spots, email newsletter and survey members on newsletter interest).
3. Assist with planning and execution of Annual Meeting.
4. Support monthly Breakfast meetings and the Business After Hours program and help find sponsorships when needed.
5. Enhance weekly newspaper articles and assist with schedule. Catalog all articles for reference.
    

EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Mission: To support and enhance quality education and recognize accomplishments of educators and students.

1. Strengthen Business and Industry involvement.
   • Re-evaluate the Business/Education Partnerships.
   • Sponsor the annual School Leader for a day program.
   • Assist and support the new “Math Extreme” program.
2. Sponsor Star Student/Teacher program and the GOAL program.
3. Acknowledge, support and promote scholarship opportunities for Bainbridge College and Bainbridge High School.
4. Co-Sponsor with the Library the Annual Teacher Appreciation Breakfast.
5. Assist and support the new Mentor Program, the Decatur County Youth Leadership program, and the Leadership Decatur County program.
6. Support the L.I.F.E. program and help with annual Graduation.
7. Support and assist BHS with the new Reinventing High School program.
    

EXISTING INDUSTRIES COMMITTEE
Mission: To assist and promote existing Decatur County industries through Chamber resources and shared efforts of the Development Authority.

1. Develop new Entrepreneurial Program.
2. Re-evaluate annual Industry Appreciation Week. (Date, Activities, etc.)
3. Sponsor annual Job Shadowing Day for middle school students.
4. Work with Education Committee to re-evaluate the Industry/Education Partnership program.
5. Sponsor two industry luncheons.
    

FAIR COMMITTEE
Mission: Provide revenue to the Chamber of Commerce and quality entertainment to the community with the Decatur County Fall Festival and Fair.
 

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Mission: To advise and inform the membership on governmental issues and to coordinate with the public officials to support the Chamber’s mission.

1. Meet as often as necessary during the Legislative Session and communicate important issues to the membership.
2. Enhance relationships with local and state elected officials.
3. Evaluate need for annual Legislative Breakfast & Community Retreat.
    

HOUSE & GROUNDS COMMITTEE
Mission: Assess, preserve and maintain the Chamber buildings and grounds in an economical and professional manner.

1. Assess and prioritize specific facility needs to help plan for budget and liability issues.
2. Consider capital building campaign.
    

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
Mission: To attract and retain membership by providing support and services.

1. Increase membership by 10%.
2. Evaluate Ambassadors program and determine ways to better utilize their services.
3. Encourage Board members to recruit at least one new Chamber member this year.
4. Develop “talking points” for soliciting new members.
5. Evaluate opportunities that are available for gaining more members.
6. Evaluate retention programs and protocol and make suggestions on how to improve.
    

RIVER TOWN DAYS FESTIVAL

1. Create mission statement for new Festival.
2. Develop solid programs/activities for the community to enjoy.
3. Research ideas for more regional/tourism participation.
4. Build sponsorship program.
    

SMALL BUSINESS COMMITTEE
Mission: To promote and enhance the retail climate in Bainbridge and Decatur County.

1. Re-write mission to reflect the new committee name.
2. Assist the Existing Industries Committee with the Entrepreneurial program.
3. Host annual Retail Appreciation event “Membership Mingle” to spotlight Small Businesses. Sponsor and honor Small Business of the Year recipient.
4. Expand the “Bainbridge Bucks” program to include year-round promotions.
5. Research a Chamber of Commerce comment card program and a mystery shopper program.
6. Assist Main Street with their Annual Holiday Open House.
    

TOURISM COUNCIL
Mission: Promote activities, events, and natural resources that attract visitors to Bainbridge and Decatur County.

1. Implement the Tourism and Marketing Plan developed in 2003 for Bainbridge and Decatur County.
2. Assist with the Annual River Town Days Festival.
3. Participate in regional tourism shows and enhance community tourism efforts.
4. Develop Tour Bus opportunities.
5. Work with the City on collaboration efforts.