(Approved By 2017 Executive Committee, 11/16/17) (Approved by 2017 Board of Directors, 12/20/17)

Chamber’s Mission:
To assist in building a strong economy by nurturing business, addressing business needs, and developing a business environment that is attractive and stable.

Business Development & Support Group

ShelbyOne – Next Level Up! Mission:

Increase quality job growth throughout Shelby County by helping our existing businesses compete in an ever-changing marketplace, and to grow and thrive here.

– Host an annual “Small Business Celebration” in May.
– Host the 6th Annual “Industry Appreciation Reception” event in February.
– Complete a minimum of 75 new business contact” visits.
– Provide direct support and assistance to 58, Inc. as a full partner in all recruitment efforts to provide communication support defining all the benefits of operating a business, working, living, and playing in Shelby County.
– Create a database and targeted solution strategies for workforce needs, challenges to growth being faced, potential opportunities for growth, out of area suppliers, etc. within targeted clusters identified by 58, Inc.
– Investigate the formation of “cluster teams” for our existing business base as identified by 58, Inc. in their recruitment of new to market retail, commercial and industrial firms.
– Establish a “Manufacturer’s Roundtable” program to create a platform for Shelby County business and industry to discuss issues and opportunities relating to growth.
– Collaborate with 58, Inc. in creating a “Supply Chain Asset Map” listing all suppliers and their capabilities allowing end-users to know about local suppliers with whom they can do business.
– Conduct Shelby County “get acquainted” and personalized tours for Company officers being recruited to Shelby County.
– Develop an “orientation” program for all new management-level hires for both new and existing businesses in Shelby County providing these individuals with newcomer information on public services, schools, entertainment, recreation, etc.
– Hold a minimum of four industrial tours of area companies (small business and industry).
– Assist 120 business owners and entrepreneurs through the Chamber’s Business Support Center efforts.
– Assist in the creation of 275 new jobs through the growth of Shelby County’s existing business and industry.
– Hold ten “Go & Grow Workshops” on topics of interest to small businesses and industry.
– Host the 3rd Annual “Business Outlook Conference” in collaboration with the University of Montevallo’s Stephens College of Business and other Shelby County chambers in January.
– Develop and distribute the 4th Annual “Business Outlook Survey” in the Fall of 2018 to gauge what Shelby County businesses think the climate will look like for 2019.
– Increase participation in Entrepreneur Roundtable I & Roundtable 280 groups.
– Investigate the potential of launching a third Entrepreneur Roundtable group.
– Maintain and grow the “Green Business” recognition program for Shelby County businesses.
– Host a “Business Recycling Day” during the month of April.
– Expand support of tourism and recreation product promotion through newly formed Tourism & Recreation Work Group.
– Begin measuring lodging occupancy rates throughout Shelby County to create programs that will increase those rates.
– Collaborate on other informational seminar opportunities that develop through our partnerships

Communications & Marketing Group

– Create and edit twelve issues of Business Connections, the Chamber’s monthly newsletter.
– Produce weekly “E-Business Connections” e-mail updates to investors on programs and activities.
– Promote Chamber investors as well as Chamber and Community events through Social Media (Facebook, Linked-In, Twitter, Instagram, etc.).
– Publish and distribute the Who’s Who of Shelby County, a quarterly printed Investor Directory in Shelby Living magazine.
– Update Chamber’s website (content and registration with all major search engines).
– Continue developing and promoting the usefulness of the Chamber website by reflecting the expanded program of work.
– Produce press advisories and news releases on Chamber programs and events and distribute to local media.
– Produce press advisories and news releases on Chamber programs and events and distribute to local media.
– Increase media contact relationships.

Community & Career Development Group

ShelbyOne – Next Level Up! Mission:

Establish a business-driven workforce readiness approach via a partnership between business, community, our schools, and our training providers ensuring Shelby County companies can recruit and retain the employees and managers they need.

– Grow the Chamber’s interactive “workforce readiness” programs in local schools to align with the 16 career clusters:
– Increase business participation in the “Kuder Navigator” career planning system (8th -12 grades) to inform students on career opportunities in Shelby County,
– Complete 5th year of “Keeping It Real” programs for 9th Grade students throughout Shelby County schools, and begin 6th year.
– Hold 3rd Annual “Career Awareness Fair” for 10th-grade students throughout Shelby County schools in the Fall.
– Conduct 3rd year of “Communication Matters” a “soft skills” workforce development program for 11th Grade students throughout Shelby County.
– Develop a pilot “Business Leadership” program for 12th-grade students
– Recognize and support student and educator excellence in the classroom by hosting the 5th Annual “Student and Educator of the Year Luncheon” program recognizing excellence in the classroom and providing scholarships and stipends for six recipients.
– Partner with educators and training providers throughout Shelby County to increase career and college ready rates by 3%
– Partner with key employers, education leaders, and service providers to increase “career readiness” understanding and opportunities to give all those entering the workforce the skills needed by Shelby County employers:
– Collaborate with education and other training providers to continue career and college readiness rate increases throughout Shelby County schools measured through the State Department of Education’s career and college ready indicators.
– Represent Shelby County on the new WIOA Region 4 (CAPTE) Board established to better serve the workforce needs of business and industry and economic development at the local level.
– Increase Shelby County business representation on the WIOA Region 4 (CAPTE) Board.
– Engage and support the Central Six – Region 4 Workforce Council to facilitate workforce readiness and training in Shelby County.
– Promote the importance of health awareness (healthy lifestyles) to the business community by:
– publishing a “Health Focus of the Month” in Business Connections, the Chamber’s monthly newsletter.
– Holding 4th Annual “Healthcare Professionals of the Year” program.
– Hosting 4th Annual Shelby County Healthy Lifestyles Expo for Shelby County businesses.
– Partner with community leaders and healthcare providers to develop and expand opportunities unique to Shelby County.
– Develop and coordinate informational seminars on healthcare topics of interest to small businesses and industry.
– Hold Annual “Public Safety Awards” Luncheon in October recognizing public safety departments throughout Shelby County.
– Plan and hold the Annual “Prayer Breakfast” in November.
– Collaborate with Shelby County safety departments on programs that reduce criminal activity relating to businesses (i.e. financial crime, ID theft, theft by employees, fraud by mail and telephone, embezzlement by technology, counterfeit bills, etc.).
– Identify countywide resources and leadership with whom to collaborate on key issues regarding the quality of life issues (education, healthcare, recreation, arts, beautification, retail, green space, etc.) that help make Shelby County an even better place to live and do business.
– Pursue collaborative efforts with all businesses (chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, etc.) and community organizations in Shelby County.
– Collaborate with other chambers in Shelby County on a joint Golf Tournament.

Finance & Administration Group

– Manage Chamber’s daily operations.
– Maintain financial records for the Chamber, the Chamber’s Community Foundation, and 58, Inc.
– Handle invoicing procedures for all Chamber, the Chamber’s Community Foundation, and 58, Inc.
– Develop an annual budget for Chamber’s operations.
– Coordinate Nominations process for Chamber leadership roles.
– Plan and coordinate Annual Meeting of Investors.
– Plan and coordinate Annual Meeting of ShelbyOne – Next Level Up! investors.
– Coordinate and manage the partnership with 58, Inc., the Chelsea Business Alliance, Helena Business Alliance, Montevallo Chamber of Commerce, and South Shelby Chamber of Commerce.
– Coordinate all Chamber events and programs.
– Coordinate ribbon cuttings and ground-breakings for area businesses.
– Coordinate Ambassadors’ program.
– Coordinate ongoing investor retention program.
– Manage and review Event Analysis forms for each event or program.

Governmental Affairs Group

ShelbyOne – Next Level Up! Mission:

Serve as the leading voice for our Shelby County business community at all levels of government in order to sustain and enhance a pro-business climate.

– Update and enhance the Chamber’s “Public Policy Agenda” capturing the key issues impacting Shelby County businesses, and communicate those priorities to our elected representatives.
– Host a Legislative Preview event with the Shelby County Legislative delegation prior to the start of the 2018 Legislative session which begins in February.
– Increase the effectiveness of, and participation in, the Chamber’s annual “Montgomery Drive-In” event.
– Lead efforts to advocate for continued investment in transportation and infrastructure projects which spur positive growth and enhance the quality of life throughout Shelby County.
– Build on quarterly “Mayors’ Roundtable” program to ensure continued collaboration at the local level through ongoing communication, clear understanding of issues of importance, and promotion of policies that make it easy to do business in Shelby County.
– Host an Annual “State of our Communities” Luncheon with Shelby County Mayors.
– Actively interface and engage with our Alabama Congressional delegation to ensure elected representatives are kept up-to-speed on all federal issues which impact Shelby County.
– Host “Washington Update” type programs with Alabama’s federal legislative delegation.
– Hold Annual “State of the County” Luncheon in October.

Investor Relations Group

– Conduct regular one-on-one ShelbyOne – Next Level Up! investor meetings to provide updates and ensure engagement in program of work.
– Recruit 100 new investors.
– Coordinate volunteer recruitment effort of sponsorships.
– Investigate the viability of a “Tiered Investment Schedule” for all levels of investment.
– Hold a multi-chamber “SpeedNetworking” event in partnership with other “over the mountain” chambers of commerce.
– Host quarterly “Investor Receptions” for new and existing investors.
– Hold a minimum of six “CoffeeNet” networking programs.
– Hold quarterly “Business After Hours” networking programs.
– Hold a minimum of two NETWORK280 (networking and/ or professional development) programs.
– Update and maintain accurate records in the investor database.
– Continue developing and promoting investor discounts (“Hot Deals”, Office Depot, etc.).