2007 Program of Work

Economic & Workforce Development

·Identify and work with partner organizations and agencies to develop the vision, strategy and fundraising capability necessary to support a long-term economic and workforce development program.

·Continue to build a strong team of economic and workforce development staff and partners focused on key industry clusters identified in the Research Triangle Regional Partnership’s Staying on Top strategic plan and in concert with the focus of the State of North Carolina’s Department of Commerce.

·Implement and support an aggressive existing industry outreach program to ensure support for businesses currently contributing to the economic prosperity of Durham County.

·Lead recruitment initiatives to attract businesses in target clusters to relocate to Durham and invest in the community.

·Implement and monitor the Make !t Durham executive relocation program to attract more executives with relocating and expanding businesses to choose to live in Durham.

·Work with the Chamber’s Governmental Affairs Division and local government leaders to provide a streamlined business permitting process to support business recruitment, expansion and retention.

·Continue to build a strong partnership with Durham Public Schools, Durham Technical Community College, North Carolina Central University, Duke University, University of North Carolina, and other higher education institutions to develop a continuum of educational programs that enable area youth and adults to be able to obtain jobs created through the Chamber’s economic development efforts.

·Be actively engaged with Durham Public Schools to advance career awareness and workforce preparation for area students and bring business and education leaders together to help ensure relevancy, rigor and relationships critical to successful student outcomes.

·Continue to provide job development services and support for harder-to-employ adults in the Durham community through the Criminal Justice Resource Center and the Work First program through the Department of Social Services.

·Work with the City of Durham, Durham Police Department, and Durham County Criminal Justice Resource Center to advance the Project Strike/Restore program to provide training and workforce readiness, as well as employment opportunities, for individuals who want to get out of gang activity.

·Develop and maintain a strong partnership with human resource professionals in target industry clusters and throughout the business community to help meet employer needs for a strong, qualified local workforce.

Small Business & Membership Resources

·Launch and support the Small Business Management Institute, an escalated program addressing four key resource areas critical for small business growth and development.

·Continue the successful Fast Track Advisors advisory board for small business owners and managers to address challenges and help provide solutions.

·Provide monthly Lunch & Learn programs for small businesses on topics relevant to the success of their businesses.

·Continue a strong and relevant Leadership Durham program and attract professional business men and women in the community who will benefit from the program and contribute to the future prosperity of the community.

·Build program content and activity among participants in the Non-Profit Committee to support special needs of this business sector.

·Grow the resources and activity of the Professional Women’s Network and identify ways PWN participants can further support the Chamber’s strategic objectives in workforce and community development.

·Continually enhance events and programs that recognize excellence in small business, non-profits and community leadership.

Governmental Affairs

·Develop and successfully advocate strong local, state and federal legislative agendas around key policies that support a positive business climate and economic competitiveness.

·Plan and execute the Chamber’s first Inter-City Visit Leadership Program to engage broad community leadership in learning from the successes of communities similar to Durham around key strategic initiatives.

·Continue to increase value of Chamber governmental affairs activities important to members and ensure representation of the business community at local and state government meetings.

·Build a stronger partnership with regional chambers and related organizations around initiatives that help the Research Triangle Region maintain its competitiveness in a global economy.

·Work closely with the City of Durham and Durham County, as well as with key partner organizations, on local and state policies of importance to the business community and our quality of life.

·Provide relevant, meaningful candidate forums for the public prior to the general election in November 2007 for municipal offices.

Community Image

·Develop and support a strong relationship with key community leaders and engage each of them in enhancing Durham’s image through pro-active, positive messages to multiple constituencies.

·Work closely with Durham Public Schools to communicate the successful outcomes of programs, students and teachers; ensure business leaders are fully informed and are actively engaged with the K-12 education system.

·Continue to participate in the Public Information & Communications Council to advance Durham’s image.

·Implement and monitor the Make !t Durham executive relocation program to attract more executives with relocating and expanding businesses to choose to live in Durham and contribute to the future of the community.

·Begin working with the City of Durham, Durham County and their appropriate committees to develop a beautification program to enhance the appearance of key entryways and business neighborhoods.

Building Membership & Providing Value

·Ensure membership information and benefits are professionally presented and communicated to potential and current members to attract new members and support existing ones.

·Continue to solicit input from members about program, activity and membership benefits value, making changes to the investment program as needed.

·Develop new web-based resources for members and continue to enhance the Chamber website and e-mail communications.

·Seek new opportunities to communicate with the overall community what the Chamber does on behalf of the community.

Building the Durham Chamber Legacy Foundation

·In coordination with efforts to develop a long-term economic and workforce development program, successfully raise necessary funding from the public and private sectors to carry out the program over a multi-year period utilizing the Chamber foundation.

·Continually examine opportunities appropriate to support community initiatives or programs related to the long-term economic and workforce development program through the foundation.

·Work to grow the foundation’s resources on an ongoing basis.

Develop and Support a Professional Staff Team

·Hire the most qualified professional staff, clearly communicate expectations, and provide resources necessary to be successful.

·Continue to enhance the work environment to support high productivity, solid teamwork, and supportive relationships.

·Encourage and support professional development activities that enhance staff members’ value to the organization.

·Provide comprehensive staff evaluations and appropriate communications and resources to maintain a positive working environment.

Grow the Financial Resources of the Organization

·Build the capacity to design and implement new programs of value to members by increasing financial resources through sponsorships, program participation, membership investment, and other opportunities.

·Ensure accuracy, accountability and transparency of the Chamber’s financial resources.