Chamber Committees & Taskforces

PROGRAM OF WORK

Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce

2010-2011

Strategic Priorities:

1)      Renew & Recycle

2)      Improve Columbus streetscape

3)      Drive forward Quality of Life Centers

4)      Encourage regional master planning

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIVISION-Division Chair Ron Asche

Agribusiness- Allan Vyhnalek, Chairman. The committee is a communication and education forum for farmers, agribusiness people, and the business community as a whole. 

2010 Plan of Work includes:

 *Educate students about careers in agriculture

 *Conduct agriculture recognition week

 *Co-host 2010 Businessperson's Breakfast at the Platte County Fair

 *Conduct 7^th Annual Ag Partners Tour

 *Provide ag-related college scholarships

 *Discussion of water issues

Columbus Economic Council-Neal Suess and David Bell, Co-chairmen.  The council develops the plan of action for economic development activities.  Council makeup is per the economic development policy adopted by the Chamber Board. 

2010 Plan of Work includes:

 *Industrial contact team will assist in recruiting business and industry for Columbus and will be the contact group when a prospect is in the community

 *Visit manufacturers identified in the Manufacturing Retention Program

 *Develop additional sites with necessary infrastructure

Entrepreneurship Task Force- Scott Mueller, Chair.  The task force is made up of selected key individuals pursuing retail & commercial development in the Columbus area.

2010 Plan of Work includes:

 *Establish entrepreneurship training & support establishment of an entrepreneurship incubator

 *Pursuing all leads for retail, service, or commercial businesses

 *Develop a retail prospect list/Coordination of franchise opportunities

 *Development & distribution of business succession information to businesses

 *Development of database of business succession opportunities

Workforce Development Task Force – Bonnie McPhillips, Chair.  The task force leads and coordinates workforce development efforts in the region, working with partners in education, business and government. 

2010 Plan of Work includes:

 * Implementation of Drive for Five action items

 *Provide sufficient funding for Drive for Five initiative

 *Ensure coordination with Business/Education Committee, Hometown Competitiveness, and other interested organizations

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIVISION-Division Chair Steven Ramaekers

Business/Education – Duane Matson, Chair.  The committee is comprised of representatives from various educational entities and business and industry.  The mission of the committee is to train and retain future citizens.

2010 Plan of Work includes:

 *Implement “Education in Industry Day”

 *Assist as needed in teacher recruitment with local educational systems

 *Oversight of Workforce Scholarship Program

 *Host monthly meetings at schools and business partners

 *Continue to update website with inventory of business-education partnership opportunities

Clean Up/Beautification Task Force – , Chair.  This task force shall work on projects that will improve the appearance of the Columbus community.

2010 Plan of Work includes:

 *Organize city-wide spring clean-up effort

 *Median landscaping

 *Recognize businesses for beautification efforts

Hometown Competitiveness – Matt Gotschall, Coordinator.  Program of the Nebraska Community Foundation to develop the community through four pillars:

 *Charitable assets – Rick Chochon, chair

 *Youth retention – Lisa Kaslon, chair

 *Entrepreneurship – Scott Mueller, chair

 *Leadership Development – Allan Vyhnalek, chair

Leadership Columbus- Cristal Menke & Tanya Babel, Co-chairs.  This committee will continue the Leadership Columbus program and cooperate with the alumni of the class.  Applications will be taken for the 20^th class to begin the fall of 2010.  Members of Leadership Columbus Alumni coordinate the classes.

Legislative – Don Heimes, Chairman.  The committee reviews and takes positions on behalf of the Chamber membership, in regard to local, state and federal issues.

2010 Plan of Work includes:

 *Co-Host 5^th annual “Northeast Nebraska Day” at the State Capitol

 *Host the State Chamber Legislative Forum

 *Host conference calls with State Chamber during Neb. Unicameral session

 *Maintain a close working relationship with local, state and federal lawmakers

 *Continue to support effort to obtain funding for Columbus-area projects

 *Host annual appreciation event for local elected officials

Transportation – Dennis Grennan, Chairman.  The committee serves as a source of input on traffic and transportation issues for the Columbus area

2010 Plan of Work includes:

 *Encourage progress on Highway 30 Expressway construction to Fremont

 *Encourage completion of the regional transportation study

 *Assist with funding of E. 29^th Avenue viaduct

*Continue to serve as a resource to city, county and state government for Columbus area traffic and transportation issues

 *Continue to build relationships with elected officials and Nebraska Department of Roads

PROMOTIONS DIVISION - Division Chair Steve Gossweiler

Holiday Basketball- Don Mroczek & Todd Halligan, Co-chairs.  The committee plans and promotes the annual Holiday Basketball Tournament held Dec. 2010

Columbus Days- Various committees plan, produce and coordinate the August 19-22, 2010 community celebration. Special emphasis is placed on working with many other community groups and organizations to assure a true community event.

Sidewalk Sale, Holiday Retail Promotion, and holiday season marketing are carried out by individual task forces.

INTERNAL AFFAIRS DIVISION-Division Chair Chris Nelson

Finance- Kori Wendt, Chair.  The committee reviews monthly financial statements and reports to insure proper accounting and reporting.  The committee also reviews and recommends the annual budget as proposed by the President.

Membership Development – Lynette Hogelin, Chair.  The committee is responsible for efforts related to membership recruitment and retention. 

2010 Plan of Work includes:

 *Retention rate of 93%  

 *Membership Drive in spring 2011

 *Coordinate New Member Orientations throughout the year

 *Assist with member retention activities

Commodores- Karen Zimmerman, Skipper.  The Commodores are the goodwill arm of the Chamber and act as the Chamber's official representatives at grand openings and membership promotions. 

2010 Plan of Work includes:

 *Weekly coffees with Chamber members

 *Carry out an all-member contact

 *Assist with member orientation and mentoring

 *Assist with membership drive

 *Assist with annual Member Retain-a-thon

Admirals- Rick Chochon, chairman.  The Admirals each make a minimum of one call per month to a prospective member of the Chamber of Commerce, asking them to join the organization.  Additionally, they will assist with collection of past-due member accounts and will provide significant support to the annual membership drives.

Past Presidents- Rick Chochon, chairman.  This committee will be brought together if needed to receive updates on Chamber activities, to provide input on the program of work, and to assist with Chamber contacts as necessary.

Others-Assistance and management help is provided to the local Service Corps of Retired Executives.

A contract with Platte County provides funding for the Columbus/Platte County Convention and Visitors Bureau.