JACKSON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 1999-2000 ANNUAL REPORT

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

It is essential to economic growth to have a central organization watching community welfare and development. The Chamber provides for the needs of existing businesses as well as potential entrants within our business community

1999-2000 ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

*Solidified partnership with Cape Area Industrial Recruitment

*Formed a partnership, and became a member of the Semo Regional Training Group that specializes in providing training solutions for local manufacturers

*Vice Chairman of the Work Opportunities Committee, designed to find employees to fit our local business and industry needs

*Began work with the city to develop the North 61 Industrial Tract

*Worked with Rural Development on future housing needs assessments.

*Created a database of available land and buildings for potential business relocation clients

*Created a database of potential clients requesting relocation information

*Created an Economic Development web page listing important information for potential business relocations

*Worked with FIVE major companies on their relocation efforts

*Worked with 17 retail/commercial businesses on their relocation or expansion efforts

*Contacted 15 businesses to recruit them for relocation into the community.

*Attended THREE Missouri Economic Development Conferences to promote our area as the sensible alternative for business expansion.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

*We must continue our efforts to assess our local economic development climate. We will continue to work with the Cape Girardeau Area Industrial Recruitment and maintain the best possible climate that ensures economic success.

2000-2001 GOALS

Industrial Relations

Purpose: To promote a better understanding of the Industrial climate and provide a forum for our local Industry.

Goal: Establish support groups for Industry leaders and create an atmosphere of free idea exchange.

Objective: a) Track, monitor, and facilitate issues of local Industry; b) Work closely with our Industry leaders for training opportunities that may arise c) Promote a positive image of our local industry

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

2000-2001 GOALS

Economic Outlooks

Purpose: To enhance economic and community climate, as well as maintain our public appeal

Goal: Promote a better understanding of developmental practices and our community needs. Assess community projects

Objective: a) Provide seminars/workshops for current and future businesses; b) Seek solutions to economic and industrial concerns; c) Pursue quality retail/industrial firms for relocation to Jackson d) Develop and monitor standards for current, and future Industrial Parks

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Community development is a vital process of the Chamber of Commerce, we must be involved in the civic and community functions. Giving something back to the community creates an atmosphere of trust and cooperation.

1999-2000 ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

*Formed Community Coalition to aid in the presentation of the Fourth of July celebration

*Presented community information to local civic clubs

*Worked with St. Louis Iron Mountain Railroad to form a not-for-profit organization

*Formed an alliance with FBLA (Future Business Leaders) to promote the importance of getting their education and putting it to use in Jackson

*Planned and conducted the Job Shadowing program

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

1999-2000 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

*Planned, prepared, and conducted an Educator of the Year program to recognize our school district's finest

*Submitted a nomination for the Sam Walton Business Leader award, which was subsequently awarded to our nominee

*Awarded our first Business of the Year award

*Formed alliance with the Cape Chamber and the Cape Area Industrial Recruitment Assnociation issues that affect the County

*Planned, prepared, and conducted our annual Agriculture program consisting of tours of the area agriculture sites and a picnic afterwards

*Presented "Back to Safe Schools" at West Lane Elementary

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

1999-2000 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

*Created a Beautification Committee to begin recognizing "Curb Appeal" of local businesses

*Formed alliance with the Merchants association to promote Jackson

*Worked with Tourism Committee to submit grant applications and find ways to promote our community

*Awarded our first "Future Business Leader" Scholarship to a Jackson High School student

*Increased our Internet presence by updating our systems and providing more information about the community and Chamber of Commerce. Also added all members to the web site, with a discounted link to their web site if they desired

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

The Chamber of Commerce will continue to be the leader when pursuing community development; through assessment and evaluation.

2000-2001 GOALS

Education/Scholarship

Purpose: To create an alliance between business and education that meets the needs of our community. Continue to promote good will and awareness concerning our educational facility and system

Goal: Develop and sponsor activities to create awareness of the link between business and education

Objective: a) Sponsor Shadow day; b) Sponsor Educator appreciation awards and the annual banquet; c) Award scholarship to a Jackson High School senior; d) Maintain partnership with our local FBLA Chapter

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

2000-2001 GOALS

Community Development

Purpose: To enhance community image and improve economic image

Goal: Promote a better understanding of developmental practices and future community needs

Objective: a) Provide centralized information for the community and Chamber of Commerce; b) Assess future community needs, economic and civic; c) Provide a forum for Chamber members to express concerns and issues related to the community; d) Conduct needs assessments for infrastructure and other economic and community projects

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

2000-2001 GOALS

Public Relations

Purpose: To promote a better understanding of the Chamber of Commerce and the impact our team can have on the community. Establish rapport with community and business leaders

Goal: Establish support groups for business leaders and create an atmosphere of trust and willingness to work together

Objective: a) Track, monitor, and facilitate the Business After Hours program; b) Create an Ambassador and Sponsor program for members; c) Perform Ribbon Cuttings for new businesses; d) Foster our good image

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

2000-2001 GOALS

Beautification

Purpose: To encourage and recognize the community's city-wide property beautification efforts

Goal: Promote and develop projects that enhance community beautification

Objective: a) Explore ways to enhance Jackson; b) Conduct "Curb Appeal" project; c) Assist with seasonal events; d) Work with local Civic Organizations.

ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Our Organizational practices and development are providing returns. Good management, as well as dedicated volunteers, and a motivated Board of Directors, shaped this past year.

1999-2000 ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

*Planned, prepared, and conducted three general membership Meetings designed to develop plans and procedures

*Planned, prepared, and conducted 11 Business After Hours, designed to provide a networking environment for local businesses

*Planned, prepared, and conducted two Business Breakfasts for fact presentations and networking

*Planned, prepared, and conducted our Annual Banquet with Jim Talent as the guest speaker and recognizing our Fulenwider recipient as well as Rev. Walter Keisker.

ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

1999-2000 ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

Planned, prepared, and conducted our Annual Picnic designed to promote unity and family ties.

*Planned, prepared, and conducted our annual Golf Tournament designed as a fund earner for the Chamber

*Planned, prepared, and conducted 2 Business Seminars designed to offer members education in new areas and foster idea sharing

*Welcomed 12 new businesses to our community with a ribbon cutting ceremony

*Conducted a membership drive that increased membership by five percent.

*Increased membership by 15% over the course of the year.

ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Our goal is to ensure every member feels that the return on their investment is worth the investment they've made in the Chamber of Commerce.

1999-2000 GOALS:

Membership

Purpose: To provide information to current and future members on the advantages and programs offered by the Jackson Chamber of Commerce

Goal: Acquaint all members on our mission and organizational structure. Foster the team spirit

Objective: a) Develop and monitor membership activities while maintaining the ("members first" attitude; b) Promote active participation of Chamber members; C) Promote a desire to join the Chamber of Commerce