Chair's Message

Quest to be Greater

BY MARIE HOLLIDAY

STRATEGIC PLANNING is a crucial process for any organization aiming to maintain relevance, drive growth, and achieve its long-term objectives. For a state chamber of commerce, this process is particularly vital as the organization represents a diverse range of businesses—from small startups to large corporations—and serves as a key advocate for economic development.

This past summer, the Delaware State Chamber began the strategic planning process for the 2025-2027 fiscal years. The board and staff believed it was time for a “refresh” in our approach since there has been a significant (or should I say seismic) shift in the economic environment for businesses over the last few years.

The State Chamber engaged a facilitator who has more than 30 years of experience with state chambers across the country to guide the process with our team. We surveyed our members to understand why they joined the State Chamber and what they expect from its role. We compared ourselves to other states, particularly the surrounding states, as well as the most effective state chambers in the country. This data was analyzed in depth by the team to accomplish the following:

Aligning Goals with Business Needs

• Ensure that the State Chamber’s activities, resources, and programs meet the needs of its members

• Proactively advocate for policies that benefit state businesses

• Address emerging trends such as workforce development or technological innovation

Navigating Changing Economic Landscapes

• Anticipate challenges and opportunities within the economy and respond proactively

• Adapt to new industries, addressing infrastructure needs or capitalizing on new business models

Resource Optimization and Efficiency

• Prioritize initiatives that will have the greatest impact for members

• Effective use of time, ensuring that both the staff and board are focused on the highest-priority goals

Building Stronger Partnerships

• Collaborate with government officials, educational institutions, and other business organizations to create programs that benefit the business community

• Identify key partners and develop mutually beneficial relationships that strengthen the state’s economy

Tracking Progress and Accountability

• Establish metrics and KPIs to track progress toward goals, measure success, and allow for necessary adjustments along the way

• Become data driven to enable more informed, objective decisions that will increase overall impact for the business community

Member Engagement and Advocacy

• Remain responsive to the needs of members through member engagement to ensure that the organization’s direction continually aligns with the needs of the business community

In conclusion, strategic planning is not just a valuable exercise for a state chamber of commerce—it is an essential one that will help recommit our efforts to best serve our members. By establishing clear goals, optimizing resources, fostering partnerships, and ensuring accountability, a chamber can effectively support its members, drive economic growth, and remain a central figure in the state’s business landscape. Our vision for the Delaware State Chamber is to be the preeminent statewide business organization that advocates for and supports a strong business climate essential to improving the quality of life for all Delawareans.

Marie Holliday is regional managing partner for the Mid-Atlantic region at The Bonadio Group.