Thursday, July 31, 2008
10:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Overcoming Barriers to Regional Cooperation
Presented by Chris Bruhl and Marsha Gordon
Issues like strained transportation capacity and scarce workforce housing are rarely confined to a single city. They typically impact multiple cities, towns and counties throughout the region. Likewise, successful solutions to these issues rarely happen at a single city level. That’s why successful chambers are increasingly employing regional cooperation strategies to address major regional issues. However, getting past jurisdictional boundaries is still a major challenge. In this session, chamber leaders will discuss how they successfully overcame some of these barriers.
Incentives for Employee Performance that Drive Results
Presented by Larry Blair, Esq,Albert Lee, Esq, and James Southworth, Esq
What quality incentives can your organization offer to encourage your employees and boost their performance? Pay raises and retirement benefits are the norm, but are there other ways to reward and entice without burying your bottom line? Attend this workshop to find out what really makes the difference to your employees! Session Handouts 
Developing and Implementing Business Education Programs
Presented by Don Wilson
What's working for your peers? This best practice session will give you the opportunity to share and learn from each other. So bring your own chamber’s samples to exchange while you explore the latest innovative business education programs being launched at chambers around the country, such as Business Women’s Network, HR Series and Tech Thursday.
Closing the Deal with Site Selectors
Presented by Susan Arledge, Jay Garner, CEcD, CCE, Vicki Horton, Kate McEnroe, and Ann Marie Woessner
Moderated by Robin Roberts Krieger
Your community has made the first cut on a site selector’s list. What are some of the things you can do to help your community close the deal? For that matter, what are some of the common things communities do that make them less competitive? What really makes the difference? Location experts will point out some of the dos and don’ts in the final stretch of the site selection race.
Be True to Your Organization’s Culture Through Multi-Channel Marketing
Presented by Tom Manskey, CCE and Marianne Virgili, CCE
Our missions may be similar, but our organizations are definitely unique. How can you infuse everything your chamber does with its distinct voice? Everything from your publications to radio spots, marketing materials to on-hold messages should consciously reflect your organization’s culture and contribution to the community. Learn how to successfully and consistently set yourself apart.
Volunteer Management: A New Way To Prosper
Presented by Talisa Thomas-Hall
Many of today’s young professionals are socially conscious, but they may not have the financial means to support a cause or an organization. Meanwhile, more mature senior leaders of companies have less time to lend to chamber activities. Learn how to tap into and engage these pools of potential volunteers to help cultivate young professional events for your organization.
Increasing Non-Dues Net Revenue
Presented by Shelley Fasulko
Why and how have large chambers diversified their funding streams? Membership dues remain the core revenue source for many chambers, while others have moved to 80% non-dues revenue. Is your non-dues revenue adequate? Is it even covering the cost of the programs funded, much less supporting other chamber operations? Find out how chambers are focusing on sponsorship sources to fund their programs and operations.
One More [Million] For the Road?
Presented by Bob Morgan and Robert Puentes
Suffering from clogged traffic arteries? Hear from a panel of chamber professionals who will share their own regional challenges and accomplishments in planning and paying for transportation infrastructure. Learn how you may be able to fund important transportation and transit projects that will keep your community healthy and moving.