Chamber Business Plan
2008 Officers
Iris Swisher, Rabobank N.A., Chairman of the Board
Diane Schlageter, Interiors by Decorating Den, Vice Chairman
Madelyn Koontz, Madelyn's Apparel, Treasurer
Mike McKenzie, Santa Lucia Bank, Secretary
James O. Anderson, ConocoPhillips, Immediate Past Chairman
2008 Directors
Diane Aubuchon, The Credit Bureau of SLO & SB Counties
April Curtze, Curtze Law Offices
Dave Fletcher, Dave Fletcher Investment and Wealth Management
Janice Kelley
Susie Marvos, Susie's Hallmark
Mark Olson, Coast National Bank
Mark Stasinis, Heritage Oaks Bank
Gene Stephens, Mullahey Ford
Staff
Judith Bean, President/CEO
Kathy Young, Office Manager
Mission Statement of Purpose
The Arroyo Grande Chamber of Commerce works to promote a positive, balanced and vital economy and preserve the unique qualities of Arroyo Grande.
Organization of the Chamber
LEGISLATIVE DIVISION
Government Relations Committee
Mark Stasinis, Chairman
Committee Description and Purpose
In order to ensure the economic stability of Arroyo Grande, the Arroyo Grande Chamber of Commerce recognizes the necessity of properly balanced legislation for enhancement and encouragement of the free enterprise system. In conjunction with our stated goals to promote a positive, balanced, vital economy and preserve the unique qualities of Arroyo Grande, the Arroyo Grande Chamber supports legislation at all levels of government which insures a sound and healthy local economy. When necessary, we will vigorously oppose legislation that threatens the viability of local business as part of the private enterprise system. The Arroyo Grande Chamber of Commerce supports, in general principle, the positions taken by the California Chamber of Commerce on State issues and thoroughly reviews those positions before taking a local position on any specific legislation. The Arroyo Grande Chamber of Commerce encourages a proactive approach to local legislation and supports research, analysis, education, and wide dissemination of proposed legislation that affects local business and the vitality of Arroyo Grande. (Legislative Policy, Adopted December 13, 2005)
Goals for 2008:
- Continue meeting regularly with city staff and members of the council.
- Present election issues
- Conduct candidate forum
- Plan and execute legislative trip to Sacramento
Regular monthly meetings are held on the third Friday of the month.
BUSINESS PROGRAMS AND SERVICES DIVISION
Showcase Mixer Tradeshow
The Showcase Mixer is held yearly on the third Thursday of June from 4 to 7 pm at the South County Regional Center.
50+ Expo
The Expo is held yearly on the second Thursday of November from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the South County Regional Center.
Monthly Membership Mixers
Mixers are held on the fourth Wednesday of the month in the evening from 5:30 to 7:30.
Monthly Membership Luncheons
Luncheons are held on the third Wednesday of the month at noon.
Annual Installation Dinner
The Installation dinner is held in January. The 47th Annual Dinner will take place on Thursday, January 17, 2008. New board members are sworn in and the Citizen of the Year Award and Ken Talley Awards are presented.
New Member Breakfast
All new members within a given year are invited to attend the New Member Breakfast which is held in October.
Goals for 2008:
- South County Economic Forecast. The Arroyo Grande Chamber will handle all logistics for the forecast which will feature Bill Watkins of the UCSB Economic Forecast project in addition to other speakers. The forecast will be held in the summer of 2008.
- Conduct practical skills training workshops for small businesses
- Design and conduct "Good Morning Arroyo Grande" breakfast program
COMMUNITY AFFAIRS DIVISION
Ambassadors Committee
Madelyn Koontz, Chairman
Committee Description and Purpose
The Ambassadors Committee aids staff in the development of effective acquisition and retention programs designed to educate local businesses about the programs and services available through the Arroyo Grande Chamber of Commerce. Ambassadors concentrate on the retention of existing and development of new members through an awareness program emphasizing personal contacts by Ambassadors. Ambassadors welcome new Chamber members, act as hosts and hostesses at key Chamber events and facilitate interaction at all Chamber functions. Ambassadors handle the Scarecrow Contest and button sales for the Arroyo Grande Harvest Festival held in September and solicit auction items for the Installation Dinner held in January.
This committee meets on the second Thursday of the month at 8 a.m.
Goals for 2008:
- Limit committee involvement to 20 ambassadors
- Continue ambassador "buddy" program
- Open communications with other South County Chamber ambassadors
- Continue involvement with Harvest Festival
- Design a program to recognize long-time members
Beautification Committee
Dave Fletcher, Chairman
Committee Description and Purpose
The Mission of the Beautification Committee is to recognize exterior improvements of Arroyo Grande businesses and residences. A Beautification Award is given monthly to provide recognition to both businesses and residences that have made significant improvements which enhance and improve the look of the neighborhood. The criteria considered include: curb appeal, signage, awnings, paint, landscaping and façade improvements.
This committee meets the fourth Thursday of the month at 8 a.m.
2008 Goals:
- Grow committee and establish a regular meeting date
- Add committee description to new member packet and encourage participation of new members
- Award one business and one residential every month
- Advertise committee in monthly newsletter
East Grand Avenue Merchants Association
Mike McKenzie, Chairman
Committee Description and Purpose
The Mission of the East Grand Avenue Merchants Committee is to support the advancement of East Grand Avenue Merchants (EGAM) by enhancing and increasing the retail utilization of the East Grand Avenue corridor. The EGAM committee will work toward creating a visual focus, highlighting the natural features and attributes of the area. They will produce attractions to encourage residents to shop the avenue, explore the creation or enhanced participation in festivals and special events, make the avenue a shopping and service destination for local residents and build and enhance a solid business reputation with local customers. This committee coordinates the sale and installation of holiday decorations as well as events to enhance the Arroyo Valley Car Cruise night held in July.
This committee meets the third Tuesday of the month at 7:30 a.m.
Goals for 2008:
- Continue working with Arroyo Valley Car Club on cruise night activities
- Continue with holiday decorating program
- Establish an income-generating event
REGIONAL CENTER OPERATIONS
In exchange for office space, the Arroyo Grande Chamber of Commerce coordinates rentals, and is responsible for interior maintenance of the South County Regional Center. The Center is rented seven days-a-week for meetings, fundraisers and special events throughout the year.
Goals for 2008:
- Increase rentals of facility.
- Offer a discount to non-profit, 501(c)(3) charitable organizations
- Promote revised alcohol policy
- Promote building improvements (new oven, tables, paint)