07-31-2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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• Major Accomplishments: 2001-2002 GOVERNMENT RELATIONS: • Revitalized the Public Policy Task Force to focus on 3 main state issues and several local issues. • Volunteers actively participated in Business Day at the Capitol,where we met with all of our legislators to • discuss the chamber issues. • Focused on the main issues of Transportation,Rising Health Care Costs and Education Reform • Held 3 open forum meetings with Education representatives and business members to discuss education reform • Held a Legislative Session Review with all local legislators in attendance. At this meeting we re-emphasized our priorities and focused on the next session. • Actively promoted for a few businesses on the electronic signage issue in the City of Fridley and are still in negotiations with them. • Held numerous legislative issues forums to better educate the members of the chamber with topics of property tax reform,health care reform,joint and several liability and education MEMBERSHIP: • Actively pursued and obtained a merger with the New Brighton Mounds View Chamber of Commerce • Expanded our membership base to now cover 6 communities with over 425 total members. • Recruited 32 new members for the year. • Maintained a retention rate of 88%,which is higher than the state average of 85%. • Increased our volunteer base by an additional 41 active volunteers • Revised dues schedule to remain competitive with other chambers • Established focus groups to meet with chamber members regarding their issues and needs. • Increased our communication by broadening our mailing list for newsletters,email and broadcast faxes. • • All Board members participated in membership drive. • All new members were contacted either by staff or by the membership services committee. VISIBILITY • Effectively used the slogan"Chamber of Choice"on all marketing publications • Created a marketing coupon book to use as a recruitment and retention tool. • Held luncheons at 5 different locations in all different communities. • Changed the format of the newsletter to increase readership and readability. • Formed a very successful networking group that has brought in over 30 prospective members to the chamber. STAFF • Conducted staff retreats to train and motivate staff. FINANCIAL • Maintained fiscal responsibility and limited spending • Eliminated$6500 from our negative fund balance • Revised dues structure to compete with the surrounding 5 chambers of commerce. • Obtained$3800 of non-dues revenue from the county for our Career Jam •