Top Organizational Objectives for 2008

• Create “Certified Sites & Buildings” inventory

• Continue workforce housing development initiative

• Develop community introduction program

• Implement technology enhancements & website updates

• Present Kenwood-Oakdale Park recommendations and work for their implementation

Strengthen the Chamber and Enhance our Resources

• Grow and Develop Stronger Membership Base
• Increase volunteer recognition via various means
• Energize volunteer base by clearly outlining ways for members to be involved
• Conduct training program for Ambassadors to assist in member recruitment and retention

Enhance Financial Resources & Organizational Structure

• Complete update of organization by-laws and employee manual
• Reorganize organization chart to designate volunteers serving as “Division Chairs” of operating divisions to be responsible for activity reports at board meetings and other events
• Develop, budget and implement a technology plan including planned upgrades and enhancements to website
• Address staffing needs and office logistic issues

Facilitate Community Leadership and Collaborations

• Evaluate, and adjust as needed, the Junior Leadership program so that it is the premier youth development program in Salina
• Working with Greater Salina Community Foundation, continue to study potential changes for Leadership Salina program

Participate in the Success of our Members

• Increase Value of Membership Events
• Study opportunities to add new membership events
• Review membership events such as Business After Hours for opportunities to make them more meaningful to members

Tell Our Story

• Conduct annual briefing meetings with all former board chairs
• Analyze annual meeting to determine best approach that meets organizational objectives
• Host membership luncheons/events so that members can better understand chamber services and to increase the opportunities for members to get involved
• Work with local media to inform others of the work of the chamber. Opportunities can include occasional print guest columns and appearances on news shows

Celebrate and call attention to our members

• Maintain “Dennis/Don Do My Job” outreach to increase visibility of chamber members and chamber staff
• Continue new “Member Appreciation Friday” program to showcase members
• Develop a “Member 2 Member” incentive program to encourage shopping with members by employees of member businesses and also by visitors to Salina.
• Conduct annual Business Hall of Fame program to recognize exceptional past and present business leaders  

Insure the Economic Prosperity of the Salina Area

• Create Jobs and Expand Economic Base Through Private Sector Capital Investment
• Secure resources to implement the new Economic Development Strategic Plan for the Salina area
• Partner with the Salina Airport Authority to improve the passenger air service in Salina.

Continue and Enhance Workforce Development initiatives

• Implement workforce development section of Economic Development Strategic Plan.
• Lead the development of workforce housing in a price range that will attract workers and residents to the Salina area.
• Create a Community Introduction Program to assist in the recruitment of individuals to Salina

Improve effectiveness of Private and Public Sector Economic Development Efforts

• Implement existing business expansion & retention and new business attraction sections of the Economic Development Strategic Plan
• Conduct frequent briefings with Kansas Department of Commerce staff
• Work with City of Salina, Saline County and the Airport Authority on projects that add to the quality of life. Release findings of the Kenwood-Oakdale Park team recommendations and work for the implementation of the team’s proposal.

Support the recognition of agriculture as an economic force in the Salina area

• Sponsor the Mid America Farm Exposition & the Kansas All Breeds Junior Dairy Show.
• Provide financial and consultative support for the Tri- Rivers Fair and farm youth organizations.
• Sponsor an Agriculture Awareness Day and tour to emphasize the importance of agriculture in Saline County
• Maintain and expand the visitor and tourism component of the Salina area economy
• Develop and implement a marketing effort and marketing grant program to further leverage resources for Salina area attractions.
• Update print and electronic Visit Salina marketing materials.
• Sponsor the NJCAA Women’s National Basketball Championship tournament
• Continue aggressive approach and outreach to book new significant meetings and events, including a program to engage members in the process
• Work to retain major convention & sports events currently hosted in Salina by addressing specific challenges they face
• Conduct research and analysis of tourism market trends to understand competitive opportunities for Salina
• Participate in and provide leadership in local, state, regional and national organizations related to travel industry
• Continue to target sports and special events to make Salina a destination for visitors, with particular emphasis on state/regional/national tournament opportunities
• Promote the performing and visual arts that operate in multiple venues in Salina
• Recognize the impact of cultural activities on the economic development of the Salina area and support their enhancements.

Advocate for Employers and for Salina

• Enhance Governmental Relationships to Advance Issues of Concern to Employers

• Government entities provide verbal updates and reports at monthly board meetings
• Communicate community priorities to decision makers in Topeka
• Continue proactive contact in Washington DC with Salina-specific appropriation requests to support community and economic development objectives
• Sponsor a candidate forum featuring candidates for County and City Commissions and for State legislature. When appropriate, sponsor forums on local election issues
• Actively support the Kansas Tourism Initiative (KTI), a project to create a comprehensive plan for tourism in Kansas