2008 BUSINESS PLAN
Approved and Adopted by the Board of Directors February 19, 2008

I.  Mission

The Vallejo Chamber of Commerce is organized for the purpose of advancing the commercial, industrial, civic and general interests of Vallejo and the surrounding area.

1. Dynamic forum for the exchange of ideas and the development of business leadership and quality of life in the community.
2. Comprehensive source of business information and education for existing members and potential members.
3. Collective representative of community business interests to local, state and federal government officials.
4. Facilitator of economic development, business retention, business expansion and business relocation in Vallejo.
5. Foundation for the enhancement of the community through business interests, involvement and experience.

II. Executive Summary

1. In 2008, we will continue to build on the Chamber’s rich community history, comprehensive volunteer structure and strong financial foundation.
2. In 2008, we will continue to improve and enhance community events and other major revenue sources.
3. In 2008, we will continue to upgrade our communications materials (Vallejo Business and vallejochamber.com) and marketing collateral (prospective member, new member, and relocation) to more effectively and completely represent the organization.
4. In 2008, we will strengthen Vallejo’s educational community by developing an effective Educational Task Force.
5. In 2008, we will take the next steps in developing a United Voice for Business in Vallejo with the Vallejo Chamber as the central advocate and facilitator for a cohesive and united voice that involves all business organizations in Vallejo.
6. In 2008, we will work to build a more powerful and attractive Vallejo economy for business through the development of a vibrant ecology for local companies to thrive (Existing Businesses and Start-up) and a destination location with a Waterfront, Downtown and Mare Island full of high-end shops and restaurants.
   

III. Economic Development

1. Policy and Program Development
1. Develop a Strong Brand and Marketing Strategy for the City of Vallejo incorporating the following elements (Initiate 2nd Quarter, 2008; 2009 Deliverable)
1. Infrastructure
2. Arts, Culture & Recreation
3. Health Care
4. “What’s Right with Vallejo”
2. Craft/Present a Statement of Intent to City Council to Restructure Staff and Ordinances to Support Vallejo as a Business Directed/Driven City
1. Develop and present Vallejo Business First Preference Policy for City contracts. (1st Quarter, 2008)
2. Identify and groom future City Council Candidates and Planning Commissioners (2nd Quarter, 2008)
3. Support a Vision and Development Plan for the Solano County Fairgrounds (2008)
4. Support Current Efforts to Establish a Foreign Trade or Enterprise Zone on Mare Island. (2008)
5. Support Efforts to Promote an increased Maritime Economy centered on a Regional Ferry presence. (2008-2009)
2. Business Retention/Attraction
1. Continue Facilitation of Business Retention and Mare Island Task Forces.
2. Develop Long-Term Strategy to Attract New Businesses to Vallejo   (2008-2009)
1. Improve the Look of Vallejo’s Gateways
2. Provide Free Wireless Downtown
3. Develop Investment Capital for New/Expanding Businesses
4. Implement a Business-Friendly City Government
3. Economic Development Partnerships
1. Continue to Build Strong Partnerships with Vallejo and Solano County Economic Development Organizations
1. City of Vallejo
2. Vallejo Business Alliance
3. Downtown (VMS/CCRC/DAV)
4. Convention & Visitors Bureau
5. Solano EDC
6. Solano SBDC
4. Develop Stronger Link Between Vallejo Business and Education (TBD – Needs Board Direction, Leadership and Champion)
1. Launch Educational Task Force in 1st Quarter, 2008
1. Execute first task force meeting in March 2008
1. Mission Statement
2. Meeting Schedule/Location
3. Identify Goals
2. Create Mentorship/Internship Framework for VCUSD for implementation by the beginning  of the 2008-2009 School Year (August 2008)

IV. Political Advocacy

1. Act as Communication Channel
1. Consistent communication with elected officials by facilitating monthly meetings
2. Evaluate legislation and advocate on behalf of business when necessary
3. Identify potential Candidates and Commissioners (2nd Quarter, 2008)
4. Organize Legislative Day (2nd Quarter, 2008)
5. Acquire and Develop Voter Voice Software Program for issue communication to membership (2nd Quarter, 2008)
2. Advocacy
1. Continue to Develop stronger presence at City of Vallejo Meetings
1. Regular attendance at council, planning and other designated commissions/sessions.
2. Track and record elected/appointed officials votes on issues that Chamber supports/opposes
3. Publish issue positions in all publications
4. Represent member issues when identified
5. Facilitate Presentations, Letters, and Meetings when called upon.
3. Develop Business and Job Friendly Candidates
1. Identify candidates for 2009 City Council election. (2nd Quarter, 2008)
2. Continue to raise ValPAC funds for use in 2009 City Council Election. (4th Quarter, 2008)
4. Partnerships
1. Continue to build relationships with other politically active organizations through Business/Labor Partnership, Vallejo Business Alliance and others.
5. Policy and Program Development
1. Identify Critical Issues for the Business Community (1st Quarter, 2008)
1. Ferry Legislation
2. Development Fees
3. Health Care
2. Develop Policy Presentations
1. Continue work on Ferry Issues. (1st Quarter, 2008)
2. With Economic Development Committee, develop and present Vallejo Business First Preference Policy for City contracts. (1st Quarter, 2008)

V. Membership Services

1. Member Relations & Services
1. Continue to develop more effective member communication and more active member involvement
2. Develop services, programs and seminars for small business education and involvement through ValNet. (1st Quarter, 2008)
3. Host quarterly New Member Orientations (2nd Quarter, 2008)
2. Designate board members to recruit additional ambassadors and committee leaders for potential future service on the board of directors. (2nd Quarter, 2008)
3. Provide additional avenues of promotion via website and electronic news
1. Introduce category specific news promotions on a monthly basis beginning in 2nd Quarter.
4. Enhance referral systems and increase referral opportunities (2nd Quarter, 2008)
5. Achieve member growth among Chamber ambassadors group
6. Continue to Build Stronger Community Partnerships
1. Vallejo Business Alliance
2. Community and Non-Profit Organizations
3. Community Event Participation
4. Community Calendar
7. Member Retention
1. Continue extensive staff membership retention program
8. Develop enhanced recognition program for long-time members through new program with Ambassadors. (2nd Quarter, 2008)

VI. Community Promotion and Marketing

1. Event Management
1. Upgrade and Improve Business Mixers
2. Build on Grab A Bite for Vallejo first year
2. Develop a New Annual Fundraising Event (2008)

1. Goal is net revenue of $16,000
2. Will include an auction

3. Plan, organize, staff and facilitate the following major events:
   1. Annual Installation of Officers and Dinner (January)
   2. Legislative Day (April)
   3. Monthly Mixers
1. All Chambers/Vallejo Business Alliance Mixer (July)
2. Merchants Hall of Fame Mixer (May)
3. Teacher Recognition Mixer (October)
1. Great Vallejo Ducky Derby (July)
2. Good Morning Vallejo (TBD)
3. Annual Golf Tournament (August)
4. New Annual Fundraising Event (TBD)

VII. Operations

1. Financial Goals (Further outlined in 2008 Budget)
1. Total Revenues
1. Evaluate New Revenue Streams
2. Membership
2. Renewals
3. New Members
4. Sponsorship
1. Cornerstone

B.  Products & Services
      a. Compliance Materials

C. Staff Goals
      a. Integrate New Membership Database/Accounting Software (2nd Quarter, 2008)
      b. Enhance training and education in management and specific skill sets
      c. Implement Updated Employee Handbook (3rd Quarter, 2008)  
      d. Reestablish US Chamber Accreditation Status (2nd Quarter, 2008)
      e. Complete Financial Audit (2nd Quarter, 2008)

D. Operations/Facilities
      a. Finalize Management Agreement for USA World Classics Event Center (2008)
            1. Market Facility Regional

 E. Marketing/Marketing Communications

1. New Category Specific E-News on a Monthly Basis (2nd Quarter, 2008)
2. Establish Chamber Public Access Chamber TV show for Cable Access. (4th Quarter, 2008)
3. Establish Chamber Classifieds on Website. (3rd Quarter, 2008)
4. Market Chamber via Vallejo Business Alliance channels (2008)

Vallejo Chamber of Commerce © 2008 All Rights Reserved