GLUE Member Update Nov. 7, 2007

Dear GLUE Members:

I’ve become more involved with the Grand Lake Area Chamber of Commerce over the past year in an effort to expand their agenda to include significant issues as in the SMP. Next year’s president will likely be Harbors View Marina’s Judy Florida. If things go as planed, I’ll take on the presidency the following year. It’s my vision that GLUE and the Chamber can join forces in becoming a significant body of influence.

As a board member of the organization, I was personally involved in the selection of Cindy Morris as the new executive director and convincing the chamber to step up to the plate with a competitive salary, an increase from 30k to 50k, to attract a real chamber professional who is state chamber board certified.  I’m excited about where the chamber is headed and expect the organization to become a major player in Grand Lake’s political landscape. We, GLUE, will need their legislative influence in the months ahead in our efforts with the SMP. Since all GLUE members have a personal and financial stake in the future of our great lake, I’d encourage each of you to consider a membership in the chamber to solidify our partnership with the organization. An investment of $75 in an individual membership in the organization would be money well spent. And for those of you doing business around this great pond, there are business level membership options.

Below I’ve pasted a piece I authored to promote a recent chamber fund raiser to give you an idea of where this chamber is headed and hopefully to encourage you to consider a membership in the organization. I’m also attaching a membership application for your review. The next report will be issued following next week’s GRDA board meeting when the full board may vote on the proposed SMP.

Cheers

The Grand Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, known until earlier this year as the South Grand Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, has been a work in progress for many years. In the early days, it was more like a social club hosting a monthly meeting to break bread and swap stories. It did little to develop the economy, influence state government in a positive way or lead the way for its members.

The next phase saw the group take a giant step forward by appointing Barbara Conner as a full time executive director and later adding an administrative assistant. This resulted in most of the chamber’s energy being expended in the fund raising mode to cover the expenses of a long over due commitment to a staff and the establishment of a visible office location. The organization was mostly recognized as the sponsor of fish fries, chili competitions and any other event that might generate much needed budget dollars.

This year, under the leadership of Brent Howard and the board of directors, the chamber set out to elevate its mode of operation to the next level and reduce the number of self serving events. The mission statement was changed to reflect the goals of a viable chamber of commerce. The board voted to invest in the future by hiring a professional to manage the chamber’s operation. A 27-year veteran specializing in chamber management and state certified, with stops at Bartlesville, Grove and Table Rock Lake, Cindy Morris was hired in June. Change is definitely underway.

Morris’ first step was to improve the administration at the Chamber office, evaluate membership benefits and services and continue to improve the Chamber’s image around the Grand Lake area. Morris, staff and board members met recently in an all-day Planning Retreat to evaluate the Chamber’s past efforts and develop a Business Plan.

The Chamber is celebrating the great successes of 2007 and is moving toward 2008 with a new Business Plan. The successes of 2007 includes: New Name… New Board… New Direction; Hired Highly Qualified Staff; Totally Restructured Budget Process And Budget Then Achieved It; Hosted Legislative Weekend to Create A Grand Lake Voice; Spent 10k On A Television Ad Campaign Promoting Grand Lake; Improved Networking Opportunities Through Member Luncheons; Took Solid Unified Position On Lake Issues, such as, support of the Shoreline Management Program; Partnered With Grand Lake Association To Create One Unified Lake Visitor Guide; Eliminated Events That Were Not Advantageous To The Members.

Building Your Future is the theme and focus during 2008. One of the Chamber’s strategies will be to create a stronger local economy by meeting existing business needs, develop a business recruitment plan and provide business assistance to existing and new businesses.  The Chamber will address community needs such as sewer, water and roads. Increased member needs will also be at the top of the Chamber list through improved communication with members and better support and promotion of Grand Lake businesses. Having a Grand Lake voice with government entities and building relationships with them will also be a top priority in 2008.

The above mentioned priorities are those at the top of the new Business Plan. However, continuance of existing programs and projects will also play an important role in the new plan. New priorities and the existing programs need financial support in order to be successful.

The Art Weedin Auction & Fantasy Golf Tournament is a major fundraiser for the Chamber. These specific funds will assist us in accomplishing these greater goals for 2008. Plus money raised from this special event assists in keeping the cost of membership investment at a steady level. As the major fundraiser, the Art Weedin Auction needs your financial support.

You are invited to participate in building this chamber by investing in the Art Weedin Auction as a sponsor, donating auction item(s), and attending the auction. Plus don’t forget your checkbook or credit card… we have a tremendous lineup of auction items for sale! Join the fun on the evening of October 26, 2007 at Arrowhead Yacht Club beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Chamber Membership Application