New strategic objectives to carry Chamber to next level

Every successful business has a strategic set of goals that it hopes to achieve which in turn will help that business to be productive and survive in the market place. Recently, Microsoft made one such strategic move by acquiring Skype to further its competitive advantage in its industry.

The Valpo Chamber is no different in that it has a set of strategic objectives and goals to improve its member services. Four years ago, the Valpo Chamber adopted two important strategic objectives to help build a stronger organization.

The first objective was to undertake a major renovation of the second level in the Chamber building creating a first-rate conference facility for use by the Chamber as well as its members. The second objective included upgrading the Chamber web site, www.valparaisochamber.org, to better serve the members, provide a communication tool, to have a dynamic presence on the internet. Both objectives were accomplished.

In May, the Valpo Chamber Executive Committee hammered out a new set of strategic objectives that has since been approved by the Board of Directors. When accomplished, over the next several years, these strategic objectives will make the Valpo Chamber a stronger and more dynamic membership-based business organization.

Valpo Chamber Strategic Objectives:

1. Improve communication by surveying the membership to find out what our members feel is important.
2. Engage the Valparaiso City Council on Chamber programs and initiatives.
3. Advocate priority in spending proceeds of $185 million resulting from the sale of Porter Hospital.
4. Inform the membership of the importance of Porter County Regional Airport and its impact on industrial expansion and job growth.
5. Expand advocacy on state legislative issues impacting Valparaiso businesses.
6. Increase dialogue with federal elected officials for business, city, and regional projects.
7. Use 100-year Chamber Anniversary, in 2012, to build new resources and membership numbers.
8. Engage Valparaiso School system on capital expenditures for needs of K-12 schools. 

Some of these strategic objectives will take more than one year to accomplish. To accomplish these goals, the Chamber will continue to utilize its committed Board of Directors, knowledgeable and professional staff, and dedicated, active members.

Rex G. Richards
President

rrichards@valparaisochamber.org