Strategic Plan

Business & Industrial Relations

OBJECTIVE

To strengthen the relationship between the Chamber and local industry through networking, direct contact and special events, and to ensure continued growth and development in Lincoln County.

STRATEGIES

INDUSTRIAL AWARENESS COMMITTEE

• Continue the relationship with the Lincoln County Industrial Managers Association by attending meetings and discussing the needs of Lincoln County
• Co-sponsor with the North Carolina Department of Labor the annual Safety Awards Banquet
• Continue to support the Lincoln Economic Development Association during Business Appreciation Month

SMALL BUSINESS COUNCIL

• Organize business-networking luncheons and breakfasts for all Chamber members
• Select the Small Business Person of the Year
• Coordinate and sponsor a media campaign for Small Business Week
• Facilitate Chamber Future Business Leaders of Lincoln County Program
• Contact various restaurant chains to open new restaurants in Lincoln County
• Identify the needs of small businesses in Lincoln County
• Promote and distribute the Permit Planner developed for businesses opening up in Lincoln County
• Continue to develop Young Professionals Group

Lincoln County Relations & Community Development/Promotions

OBJECTIVE

To help represent and promote the needs of eastern Lincoln County businesses and the need to create a Lincolnton Area Council.

STRATEGIES

EAST LINCOLN AREA COUNCIL

• Coordinate efforts with other area groups to unite the East Lincoln Business Community through the Chamber
• Identify current and proposed county ordinances that affect East Lincoln, and bring forth any issues and concerns that East Lincoln businesses may have on these ordinances
• Work with NCDOT to stay apprised of road improvement status and any projects that will impact East Lincoln
• Coordinate speakers that address the needs and concerns of the East Lincoln area and continue unifying East and West Councils.

WEST LINCOLN AREA COUNCIL

• Invite a representative from DOT to speak to the West Lincoln Area Council to give updates, requests, and address road concerns
• Look into getting permanent directional signs for West Lincoln from DO
• Continue unifying relations between East Lincoln Area Council and West Lincoln Area Council

Strategic Planning & Membership Development

OBJECTIVE

To ensure, through strategic planning and membership development, the Chambers continued leadership position in the social and economic growth of the community, while raising public awareness of the Chamber’s role.

STRATEGIES

CHAMBER AMBASSADORS COMMITTEE

• Recruit and retain Chamber members through educating and encouraging their involvement in upcoming Chamber activities
• Promote Chamber events to the Chamber Membership and Community
• Committee members to contact members monthly for feedback on Chamber membership, events, and functions. The goal would be to reach all existing members over the course of one year with an in-person visit, phone call, or email by an Ambassador
• Relay concerns and considerations of Chamber members to the staff and Board of Directors
• Attend and facilitate Grand Openings & Ground Breaking events
• Assist in membership growth and campaigns
• Select Ambassador of the Year for Annual Banquet recognition
• Participate in the Apple Festival and Denver Days

PAST CHAIRPERSONS COMMITTEE

• Conduct evaluation/focal sessions with past chairpersons to solicit from them their insight on the Chamber’s direction and effectiveness

ANNUAL BANQUET COMMITTEE

• Meet periodically to plan the Annual Banquet
• Assist in sponsorships for the banquet
• Review and vote on bids for the meal and the venue for the Event
• Set up tables and any necessary decorations on the day of the banquet

LEADERSHIP LINCOLN COMMITTEE

• Conduct the Leadership Lincoln Program for the continued development of community and Chamber leaders

GOLF OUTING COMMITTEE

• Organize one annual golf outing as a membership benefit and to provide funding for Chamber operations
• Identify future Chairs with a goal of matching these leaders with the general location of the future years’ Outings. i.e. East Lincoln Resident for Verdict Ridge, Cowan’s Ford, and Westport and Lincolnton or West Lincoln Leader for Lincolnton CC, Glen Oaks, and Cherryville Country Club. These individuals will assist this year’s Chair to grow the current event and ensure best practices carry forward to future events.

Public Affairs & Education

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate and support federal, state, and local affairs that affect the economy and quality of life for Lincoln County and work to enhance school programs by involving business and industry.

STRATEGIES

EDUCATION COMMITTEE

• Co-sponsor the annual Academic Achievement Awards Banquet with the Lincoln County Board of Education
• Award four $1,000 scholarships. A $1,000 scholarship given to a high school senior from each of the county’s four high schools at the Academic Achievement Awards Banquet
• Co-sponsor an Adult Spelling Bee with the Lincoln County Public Education Foundation
• Promote Chamber business members that support the New Teacher Incentive Program

ADVOCACY & GOVERNMENT

• Address quality of life/recreation issues in Lincoln County
• Monitor city, state, and federal legislation that could affect the business climate in Lincolnton and Lincoln County
• Sponsor a “Candidates’ Forum” for Candidates running for office
• Sponsor a Meet Your Legislators Luncheon
• Maintain open communications with relevant agencies to assure a full understanding of our evolving transportation needs