According to the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce bylaws there are standing committees the nature of which is to manage business matters specific and internal to the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce. Standing committees will have at least one Board of Directors representative. Committee members shall be Chamber members in good standing.
Chamber Committees are: Special Events, Marketing, Economic Development, Business Advocacy/Government Affairs, Membership, Visitor Information Center/Volunteers, and Long Range Planning. The following is an outline of each of the current standing Chamber committees and their functions.
Special Events Committee
The Special Events committee’s mission is to increase the Chamber’s visibility within the community through the organization and promotion of Chamber sponsored events.
Meetings:
As needed. Historically, Special Events Sub-committees meet in accordance with the timing of the particular events.
Annual Events:
Chamber Auction, September/October - This event is available for multiple-company sponsorships. The event attracts a large audience and is held in the Fall.
Installation Dinner, February - The annual installation dinner is held every February. This yearly dinner recognizes the contributions of outgoing board members, Citizen and Business of the Year, and volunteers for community service and devotion to the Chamber. The gavel of leadership is passed from current Chair to the newly elected Chair and newly elected board members are installed to the Board of Directors.
Member Events:
Mix & Mingle – Encourage members to attend the Mix & Mingles, the Chamber's monthly networking event. Assist businesses hosting Mix & Mingle events. Host 11 monthly networking mixers, designed to enhance business interaction and promotion. Provides special opportunity for added visibility for hosting business.
Educational Workshops - Plan and coordinate quarterly educational workshops for members and non-members alike. Subject matter ranges from community involvement, to leadership, and marketing and promotion.
Marketing Committee
The Marketing committee’s mission is to implement marketing strategies to promote the Sisters Area and member businesses in accordance with the Chamber’s marketing plan. The Marketing committee will communicate advertising and marketing opportunities to the Chamber membership. It creates visibility of Chamber activities and events with the community through a variety of media. Maximize media contacts to increase awareness of the Chamber throughout the community and the region.
Meetings:
Monthly on the second THursday of the month, October - May. Sub-committees for each project/campaign meet as needed.
Current Projects:
None at this time
Economic Development Committee
The purpose of the Economic Development Committee is to strategize the best ways to enhance the economic vitality of Sisters businesses and community. The primary focus of the committee in 2006 is Workforce Development, Community Visioning, Business Recruitment and Retention, and SOHO's (Small Office/Home Office).
Meetings:
Meetings are held the fourth Wednesday of the month at 9:00am at the Chamber Office.
Responsibilities:
Workforce Development - Identify and engage workforce resources to assist new and existing businesses with workforce needs and information.
Community Visioning - Work cooperatively with the community and city agencies and organizations on community visioning process and take and active role in the implementation of the plan.
Business Recruitment & Retention - Identify potential incentives to entice new and relocating businesses to locate in Sisters. Promote nonpolluting industries and businesses that provide family wage jobs. Diversify the local economy to be full-service and self-sufficient. Five sectors are represented in this group Agribusiness, Retail, Tourism, Light Industrial, SoHo/Entrepreneur’s.
SOHO's (Small Office/Home Office) - Identify and assist entrepreneurs and telecommuters in Sisters with networking and business resources.
Business Advocacy/Government Affairs Committee
The Business Advocacy/Government Affairs committee mission is to act as liaison between City of Sisters and Chamber membership. To address issues ranging from current legislation to System Development Charges and transportation issues. To be the voice of the membership on issues pertaining to city, county, or state government and business concerns.
Meetings:
As needed.
Responsibilities:
City Council - Chamber representative to attend meetings
City/Chamber Workshop – Work with the city on behalf of the member business with regard to business related issues.
Rapid Response Team - Team consisting of the City of Sisters, Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce and CATS who respond quickly to emergency issues related to business.
Membership Committee
The mission of the Membership committee is to recruit and retain Chamber members.
Meetings
As needed.
Responsibilities
Ambassadors - Personally visits new members and present membership materials to maximize the value of membership
Membership Retention - Make personal calls to past-due members to encourage their continued involvement. Gather exit information form non-renewing members to further retention efforts
Marketing - Identify tactics, develop promotional materials and marketing strategies to enhance the Chamber’s image with its members and potential members. Create marketing materials to support the recruitment and retention of members.
Recruit Potential Members – Actively solicit new members for the chamber through directed sales efforts.
Retain Current Members – Stay in communication with members to identify and eliminate problems or negative issues.
Public Relations - Develop a comprehensive public relations plan to promote Chamber programs and events.
Membership Development - Segment and devise strategies to increase membership sales and retention among all types of businesses and industries. Develop a year-round volunteer effort to recruit new members. Coordinate a board of Directors membership drive.
Visitor Information Center/Volunteers
The Visitor Information Center/Volunteer committee's mission is to recruit and retain a good volunteer staff, and keep the Visitor Information Center stocked with information pertinent to the members and the Sisters area.
Meetings
The last Tuesday of the month at 9:00am
Responsibilities:
Volunteers - Recruit,train and motivate visitor center volunteers. Plan quarterly appreciation events. Attend regular meetings.
Visitor Information Center - Review VIC information on a regular basis to ensure consistency with Chamber policies. Track visitor numbers and inquiries.
Long Range Planning Committee
The purpose of the Long Range Planning committee is to determine long range goals for the Chamber and establish an action plan for their implementation.
This committee is made up of the Executive Committee of the Chamber Board of Directors. Meetings are held twice annually (June & December). This is part of the Chamber's on-going commitment to the Chamber membership and community to "enhance the economic vitality of its members and the Sisters community."
Meetings:
June and December
Responsibilities:
Long range planning - 5-year strategic plan.