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2008 Program of Work                                                           Download Printer-friendly Version
 
Dear Chamber Members:

Teamwork is a critical factor of success. Each of us knows that it is teamwork that makes things happen in our business or organization. And the same is true with the Chamber. Having been named one of the top three chambers in the nation this past year means that our team is doing things right. During the coming year, we want to enhance our strong track record of success. In making plans, we began by listening to our members and then built a program of work that is “bold by design.” Our plan emphasizes seven key proactive strategies: lead, market, impact, connect, embrace, invest and grow.

It is my privilege to serve as the chair of the board of directors for 2008, and I am committed to these strategies in three particular ways:


1) by walking the talk of the Chamber’s mission through strengthening the business environment, enhancing the quality of life, communicating the views of business and supporting constructive initiatives on major issues of public policy;

2) by providing leadership to our community in what we say and do. It is critical that the Chamber continue to anticipate and respond to its important role in Greenville, Pitt County, and the eastern region. This means keeping abreast of new developments and opportunities to improve the quality of life in this area;

3) by embracing inclusiveness through the inclusion of businesses with owners who represent the ever-changing nature of our population and making sure that every member has the opportunity to be a part of the American dream. I believe that this practice makes our business climate ever richer and more representative of the people we serve.

I ask you to join me in this effort. We need you on the team.

Austin Bunch
Chairman
2008 Board of Directors
 

Membership & Business Development

Division Vice Chairman
Dr. Rick Croskery, Physicians East

Annual Membership Gala
B.J. Whitley, Manpower
Martha Flowers, Rock Springs Center

Ambassadors
Boots Mills

Business Expo
Chad Reynolds, Wachovia Securities
Jason Harrell, Re/Max Preferred Realty

GATE
Kevin Jones, MSI Cleaning & Restoration
Mary Parsons, Parsons & Robinson Insurance

Membership Campaign
Liz Freeman, Re/Max Preferred Realty
Don Mills
Dawn Raiford, Awards Committee

Young Professionals
Kelly Andrews, Pitt County Development Commission
Will Franklin, First Citizens Bank

  • Conduct a second "membership madness" campaign to grow membership and strengthen the Pitt County voice of business.
  • Assemble cost-saving opportunities for memberships through packaging or tiered investment.
  • Work with minority-owned chamber member businesses to promote inclusiveness and provide networking opportunities.
  • Create a Young Professionals networking group.
  • Create specialized networking opportunities for members.
  • Organize and Implement the second Business Expo as a member showcase of products and services to the public and for networking among members.
  • Conduct an aggressive Ambassador program with visits to new members and contact with existing members throughout the year.
  • Market new and updated businesses with ribbon cuttings and publicity.
  • Focus on networking skills and provide speakers on topics of importance to small business at monthly meetings of GATE – Greenville-Pitt Advisory Team for Entrepreneurs.
  • Host the Annual Membership Celebration in January and honor the Greenville-Pitt County Citizen of the Year.
  • Recognize outstanding leaders and volunteers at a special awards luncheon.
  • Providing networking opportunities and chamber information to small groups of members through "Coffee with the President."
  • Present Business After Hours events to showcase businesses and encourage networking among members.
  • Provide education and networking opportunities for small business at “Lunch & Learn” events in partnership with Pitt Community College.
  • Celebrate Small Business Week in May. Host a gathering and present awards for excellence in small business and customer service.
  • Provide opportunity for businesses to market their products and services to college students at the annual ECU Merchants Fair.
  • Market local businesses through gift certificate program.

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Education & Workforce

Division Vice Chairman
Phil Hodges, Metrics, Inc.

Education Cabinet
Joel Butler, University Health Systems of Eastern Carolina

OASIS
Alice Keene, Pitt County Community Schools & Recreation

Education Summit
Don Mills, NACCO Materials Handling Group

Teen Leadership
Tarrick Cox, East Carolina University

  • Support efforts to increase education opportunities in science, math and technology.
  • Implement the Education Cabinet’s Drop-out Prevention program for selected rising 9th graders in conjunction with Pitt County Schools.
  • Continue to further the mission and vision of Partners in Education through work with the Education Cabinet. Increase the number of OASIS partners.
  • Host the Annual Education Summit to focus on an issue of importance to K-12 education.
  • Partner with DSS and STRIVE on workforce development by providing marketing and education services for Work First.
  • Recognize businesses with outstanding safety records at the Annual Safety Awards Banquet, in partnership with the N.C. Department of Labor.
  • Sponsor the annual Teen Leadership program to provide opportunities for growth in leadership for high school students.
  • Support the Pitt County Educational Foundation Teacher Executive Institute.

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Government & Community Issues

Division Vice Chairman
Dan Nichols, SCA Collections

Power Lunches
Tony Cannon, Greenville Utilities

Governmental Affairs
Bill Brown, Brown & Wood Pontiac Cadillac Buick GMC (check this order)

  • Create formal governmental affairs policies and/or processes to expand the chamber’s involvement and leadership at the local, regional and state levels.
  • Develop a communication process to gather input on issues from members and to communicate with them on issues. Proactively identify critical issues and create pro-business positions.
  • Provide information on issues of political and community importance at Third Tuesday Power lunches throughout the year.
  • Work with Eastern Region to continue providing leadership for the Chambers of Commerce of North Carolina’s Eastern Region, strengthening coalition of eastern Chambers, business and elected officials.

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Marketing & Technology

Division Vice Chairman
Stuart James, University Health Systems of Eastern Carolina

Reverse Raffle
Dawn Raiford, Bank of America
Justin Tart, Culpepper Investment Group

  • Upgrade the Chamber’s web site and maximize use of technology to market the Chamber and community and to provide member services.
  • Create web-based marketing opportunities for members.
  • Create web-based networking opportunities for members.
  • Help members marketing their businesses by providing advertising and sponsorship opportunities through Chamber Champions.
  • Market Chamber plans and accomplishments via the Annual Report of 2007 and Program of Work for 2008.
  • Publish quality of life and newcomers magazine.
  • Respond to newcomer requests with high quality materials and comprehensive information and provide members with opportunities to promote their businesses.
  • Maintain updated membership directories both in print and on CD.
  • Market the Chamber and raise funds through Reverse Raffle fundraising event.

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Community Support & Leadership

Division Vice Chairman
Leigh Ann Raiford Odom, Meridian Park Apartments

Community Unity
Rhonda Jordan, Greenville Police Department

Community Safety
B.J. Whitley, Manpower

Leadership Institute
Michele Miller, Pitt County Memorial Hospital

Spelling Bee
Leigh Ann Raiford Odom, Meridian Park Apartments
Melissa Whealton, American Heart Association

  • Assist ECU in Founders Day Breakfast.
  • Embrace diversity and promote inclusiveness through the annual Community Unity Breakfast.
  • Organize and sponsor the Leadership Institute program to develop future Greenville-Pitt County leaders.
  • Present special events to honor the community’s law enforcement, fire fighting and rescue professionals.
  • Organize and implement a new event -- the Adult Team Spelling Bee -- to support Partners in Education.
  • Support ECU Centennial through the Painted Pirate Project.

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