2007 GOALS

The Fredericksburg Region enjoys one of the finest business climates in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Members of the Chamber, the president and board of directors, the staff and the surrounding governing bodies share a desire to facilitate healthy economic growth; indeed, it is the Chamber’s mission.

The Chamber regularly reviews its programs to assure that program goals and outcomes are achieved as we strive to improve member benefits. The Board of Directors engaged in a strategic planning exercise in 2005 and approved a five-year Strategic Plan at their December 14, 2005 board meeting.  To continue to make that plan a reality, Chamber staff is focusing their efforts on three areas:  Member Services; Community Development and Advocacy; and Communications and Marketing.

MEMBER SERVICES

Chamber staff is always working to develop programs of practical benefit for members. In 2007, the Chamber will open a North Stafford office to accommodate the needs of the northern part of our service region. This additional office will serve as a more convenient location for many members and will help to increase the visibility of the Chamber in the community.

Staff will continue to improve existing programs such as the Spotsylvania Roundtable. The new Latino Roundtable will continue reaching out to local Latino business owners in order to help them plug themselves more snugly into the Fredericksburg area’s booming economy.

The Chamber will develop two new councils in 2007, each intended to respond to the needs of specific sectors of the economy. Their structures will be similar to those of the new Military Affairs Council and the Healthcare Council. The councils resemble the guilds of old – they will help unite businesses with common interests, marketing needs and best management practices.

The Chamber will continue to provide high-quality events and programs for its members to encourage networking, offer business opportunities, and provide education and training. In addition to monthly and annual events, the Chamber will manage events hosted by FredTech, the Military Affairs Council and the Healthcare Council.

The Chamber will continue member benefit programs such as Chamber Care. Chamber Care provides additional healthcare benefits to members. The Chamber will provide sponsorship and advertising opportunities through its events and publications and will partner with other regional organizations and members for program delivery.