Thursday, July 31, 2008
8:45 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Tale of Two Parties
Presented by Brooke Boccacino, Charise Strandberg, and Sue Wallace
Is your annual event suffering from the “same old, same old” syndrome? Need to find ways to reinvigorate it and bring in more people, revenue, purpose and fun? Give it new sizzle by attending this workshop and take away some practical ideas. You’ll share best practices and then evaluate two typical chamber events as case studies: small business awards dinners and business after hours. Session Handouts 
Mobilizing the Masses to Move Mountains
Presented by Dennis Lauver and Shaun Lumachi
We’ve all heard the adage, “It takes a village to raise a child.” But did you know that it also takes a village to drive policy in your community? Find out how to create buzz, work the media, and educate the general public about your issue(s). Influence the influentials in your region to carry the day on your policy initiatives.
Minority Business Development Programs
Presented by Jeanne Englehart, Dr. Melvin Gravely, II, and Glenda Washington
With ever more diverse communities and markets, your organization and region can’t afford to leave large segments of the population out of the business mainstream and chamber. In reality, however, most minority business support programs were developed a decade ago, with little innovation or recognition of needs brought about by demographic shifts. Learn how to start or re-shape a minority business development program to meet the real needs of your minority entrepreneurs and community.
Sessions Handouts:
Global Trends in Site Selection
Presented by David Brandon, J.C. Pelusi, James Renzas, and Ulrich Schmidt
Moderated by Howard Benson
Whether your economic development marketing efforts target businesses stateside or further afield, current knowledge of the global marketplace will improve your chances of success. Learn from some of the leading site location consultants as they share their insights on business investment and other trends.
Overhaul Your Communications Plan
Presented by Merrie Spaeth
You need a communications plan, or you need to update your existing plan—every organization does! Get the lowdown on all the key components of a well-organized and thought-out plan that will help you stay focused and on schedule. Learn how to develop key messages, determine which tactics will work best, understand why the measurement part of your plan is so important and find out how to be strategic, rather than episodic, about your communications. Session Handouts
Customer Service & Retention Strategies
Presented by Luann Feehan
It’s no secret that keeping customers happy is tantamount to ensuring long-term success. Yet, many retention strategies go into effect near the end of a membership year. Don’t wait until the last month to “save” that membership! Attend this session and discover how employing the right customer service and retention strategies from the beginning of the relationship can help you and your organization reap the rewards of a satisfied member.
Membership Recruitment
Presented by Mark Levin, CAE, CSP
Businesses join the chamber when they reach an understanding of the value and benefits of belonging. But how do you, as the salesperson, take your prospect to that point? Gain invaluable tips on prospecting, including how to develop the initial introduction and the 30-second elevator pitch, learn how to trust the selling process, and understand why it is better to probe rather than preach during every sales interaction.Session Handouts
Getting the Grant and Proving it Worked
Presented by Larry Blair, Esq
Now, more than ever, special emphasis is being placed on the application and evaluation process of grants. Set your chamber’s grant application apart by truly meeting the goals of the funder. In this session learn how to link performance measures to those of the grant, recognize the accountability and transparency issues in grant management, and understand how to evaluate your grant(s) so you can effectively report back to the grant maker.