2013 Lawrence Chamber Business Plan

2013 BUSINESS PLAN

Moving Forward

LAWRENCE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

OUR VISION The Lawrence Chamber of Commerce will be the leading force for economic vitality in Lawrence and Douglas County.

OUR MISSION The mission of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce is to represent the interests of our members and the Lawrence-Douglas County business community by: • Facilitating strategic partnerships for the benefit of our community; • Educating the community on the benefits of economic development; • Advocating for local and regional competitive economic viability; • Promoting civic leadership and community engagement.

OUR COMMITMENT To serve the needs of our members and investors, we will: • Sustain our effectiveness through stewardship of member dollars and sound fiscal management; • Implement succession planning for the executive committee, board of directors and senior management; • Hire and retain professional staff who can accomplish the goals of this plan; • Provide professional development and cross-training to staff; • Ensure policies, procedures and bylaws are continually updated to keep pace with the growth and evolution of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce.

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MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN Doug Gaumer As you review the Chamber’s 2013 Business Plan, you will see a common theme that will drive our efforts in the upcoming year.

In 2013, your Chamber will continue identifying and capturing investment opportunities that create primary jobs in Lawrence and Douglas County. We will demonstrate exceptional leadership in regional economic development, advocacy and innovative partnerships.

You, our members, are the foundation of the Chamber of Commerce. As business owners, you play a critical role in the future of this community, providing the investment that helps sustain the quality of life we enjoy. Our promise to you in 2013 is to provide value-added services that support your needs and foster a strong, positive business environment.

We will be a strong voice advocating on behalf of our region’s economic development needs, infrastructure, workforce development and quality of life. We will develop and maintain strong, productive relationships with elected officials at the local, state and federal level.

The work we began in 2012 will continue this year with an unrelenting focus on serving our members and this community. The goal of our programs and member advocacy is on finding solutions to the issues that affect our community and fostering an environment in which our local businesses can thrive and grow.

Thank you for your continued investment in the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce.

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2013 BOARD OF DIRECTORS LEADERSHIP TEAM Doug Gaumer INTRUST Bank Board Chair

John Ross Laser Logic Immediate Past Chair

Mike McGrew McGrew Real Estate Chair-Elect

Ken Hite Mize, Houser & Company Treasurer/Secretary

2013 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Shannon Abrahamson First Management Inc.

Ernesto Hodison Douglas County Bank

Ginger Wehner KU Credit Union

Allen Belot Allen Belot Architect

David Johnson Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center

Paul Werner Paul Werner Architects

Cal Karlin Barber Emerson, L.C.

Scott Zaremba Zarco 66, Inc.

PERMANENT EX-OFFICIO POSITIONS:

Jane Blocher American Red Cross of Douglas County Bradley Burnside U.S. Bank Joe Caldwell Bartlett & West, Inc. Susan Cantrell The World Company Kathy Clausing-Willis Lawrence Memorial Hospital Jason Edmonds Morgan Stanley Brad Finkeldei Stevens & Brand, L.L.P.

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Mark Kern Kern Marketing Group Richard Konzem Golf Course Superintendents Association of America

Constance Wolfe

Tim Caboni KU Public Relations

Chad Luce Westar Energy

Dr. Rick Doll USD 497 Superintendent

Jean Milstead

Chris Redman Haskell Indian Nations University

Kevin O’Malley O’Malley Beverage of Kansas, Inc. Miles Schnaer Crown Automotive

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES REGIONAL ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY The Lawrence Chamber of Commerce will focus on regional economic growth and job creation by working across Douglas County and the larger region to retain and expand existing businesses while recruiting and encouraging new business development to enhance our regional quality of life.

ADVOCACY The Chamber, through its members, collaborations and partnerships, will identify issues and advocate for solutions to issues affecting economic growth in the region. Through its programs and advocacy, it will educate future community leaders and encourage informed civic engagement.

MEMBER CONNECTIVITY AND RELATIONSHIPS The Chamber will focus heavily on business exposure through networking events, business referrals and a variety of marketing options that provide the best opportunity for business owners and professionals to network with their peers, develop business connections and elevate their companies’ images in the community and throughout the region.

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REGIONAL ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY Committees Development Issues Input Group (DIIG) Chair: Darron Ammann, Bartlett & West, Inc. Staff Contact: Sean M. Johnson Purpose: To assist in the continuous improvement of the development process through communication and cooperative action between business and local government.

Regional Economic Development Partnership Chair: Chris Lowe, City Administrator, Baldwin City Staff Contact: Greg Williams Purpose: Comprised of economic development representatives and engaged volunteer leaders from across Douglas County, this committee will meet on a regular basis to identify opportunities for regional collaboration in community development, industrial development, community betterment and general quality of life enhancements.

Existing Business Support Committee Chair: Brian Iverson, INTRUST Bank Staff Contact: Sean M. Johnson Purpose: Work with various community economic development partners in the region to help existing businesses overcome challenges and discover new economic opportunities.

Groundbreaking on 901 New Hampshire Street project, November 2010

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Strategies Increase the ratio of private to public dollars to support economic development.

• In 2013, perform the necessary due diligence to conduct an economic development capital campaign, utilizing the talents and resources of a fund-raising consultant; • Engage investors through a focused, regular and consistent communications program providing timely information on the results of our economic development program.

Facilitate the development of a skilled, diverse workforce throughout the region.

• Throughout 2013, develop the business case for the establishment of a technical training consortium in Douglas County by: • Identifying potential partners for this collaboration; • Identifying and acquiring the necessary property for a technical training campus in Douglas County.

Provide active leadership in the retention and expansion of business in Douglas County.

• In 2013, develop and implement a communications outreach program that positions the Chamber of Commerce as the “go-to” resource in working with businesses on regulatory issues, finances, incentives or other matters; • Provide information on business resources on the economic development website and Chamber website, under the heading of “Call the Chamber First”; • Provide a forum in which local business leaders can identify opportunities to be pursued by the Chamber’s economic development professionals.

Provide leadership in retaining existing jobs in Douglas County, attracting new jobs to the region and enhancing the region’s quality of life.

• Provide active leadership in the Kansas Research Nexus partnership; • Continue active involvement with the Kansas City Area Development Council; • Actively engage in plans for Retiree Attraction and Retention to Douglas County; • Reinforce strong partnerships with city, county and regional public-sector partners;

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• Develop and implement a “Calling Alumni Home” campaign, targeting KU alumni from across the country, suggesting the region as a potential location for existing business or start-up enterprises.

Improve the availability of inventory (sites and buildings) in the region.

• In 2013, develop and implement a marketing plan for the former “Farmland” property, in conjunction with our public-sector partners; • In conjunction with our private-sector partners, begin identifying properties throughout the region for industrial and logistics use; • Continue marketing available sites within the East Hills Business Park; • Establish and nurture relationships with brokers and developers nationally and in the Kansas City metropolitan area to familiarize them with opportunities in Lawrence and Douglas County.

901 New Hampshire Street building open for business, December 2011

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ADVOCACY Committees Voice of Business Unchaired Committee Staff Contact: Eileen Hawley Purpose: To communicate a pro-business message and encourage local officials to take a balanced, common-sense approach to policies and decisions related to economic development.

Senior Council Chair: David Reavis, Fraternal Order of Police Staff Contact: Hugh Carter Purpose: To monitor and assist the Lawrence-Douglas County Retiree Attraction and Retention efforts and to engage in issues involving the Lawrence senior community and its importance to local business interests. Housing, transportation, leisure time, and medical care have specifically been identified for improvement of services and products developed by the business community.

Leadership Lawrence Class of 2013

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Government and Community Affairs Co-Chairs: Brad Finkeldei, Stevens & Brand, L.L.P. and Kevin O’Malley, O’Malley Beverage of Kansas, Inc. Staff Contact: Eileen Hawley Purpose: To ensure the priorities of the Chamber are communicated to and considered by local and state officials.

Leadership Lawrence Advisory Board Chair: Michelle Fales, Silver Lake Bank Staff Contact: Sue Hack Purpose: The Advisory Board is responsible for administering the current class program, planning events for alumni and the current class and securing sponsorships to sustain the program.

Valor Public Safety Awards Advisory Board Chair: Harry Herington, NIC Inc. and Ride4Cops Staff Contact: Sue Hack Purpose: The Valor Public Safety Awards program recognizes the direct connection between a community’s first responders and maintaining quality of life. The Advisory Board advocates for the program and identifies opportunities to fund the Valor Public Safety Scholarships, which benefit our first responder families with a one-time monetary stipend.

State Capitol Building, Topeka, Kansas

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Strategies Develop regular and consistent communications with key community leaders on current issues and the importance of a robust business environment, while strengthening volunteer leadership in Lawrence and the surrounding area.

• Continue to articulate the value of participation in the Chamber’s Leadership Lawrence program; • Develop programs and opportunities that keep Leadership Lawrence alumni engaged and informed on issues important to the community; • Identify and maintain sustained sources of funding (sponsorships and tuition) to support Leadership Lawrence; • Recognize the contributions of Douglas County first responders through the Valor Public Safety Awards Program.

(L to R) Valor Public Safety Awards Signature Sponsor Harry Herington Honoree, Lawrence Police Officer Shawn Gross (with wife and daughter) and keynote speaker Jim Reilly, former NASA Astronaut

(L to R) Douglas County Deputy Bradley F. Bissey, Sheriff Ken McGovern, Deputy Kristen Dymacek, and Deputy Joey Frost. Bissey, Dymacek and Frost were 2012 Valor Honorees.

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Recognize and articulate the needs of Lawrence and Douglas County business and professional organizations to elected officials to improve the business environment, influence infrastructure development, develop workforce and enhance quality of life.

• Lead the state and national advocacy efforts for Chamber members in terms of business context and its importance to regional economic sustainability; • Have a visible and consistent presence on issues affecting the Lawrence-Douglas County business community; • Monitor the activities of local and state government and establish public policy positions; • Provide regular opportunities for private-sector developers to meet with city and county staff to identify issues and propose solutions; • Through the Voice of Business Committee, provide a forum for identifying and discussing significant issues, presenting a consistent voice on issues of importance to the business community and providing options to improve the business climate within Douglas County.

Enhance the Chamber’s image as an innovative, effective leader in regional economic development.

• In 2013, institute a comprehensive Government & Community Affairs communications program including: • Create and distribute a quarterly publication tentatively titled “From the Lawrence Chamber to the Legislative Chamber” to update key legislative officials at the state and federal level about economic development news from Lawrence and Douglas County; • Conduct biannual visits to Topeka with key Chamber members to meet with legislators and discuss issues and opportunities in Douglas County; • Investigate the feasibility of conducting biannual visits to Washington, D.C., with Chamber staff and key volunteer leaders to meet with elected delegation to discuss regional issues.

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Enhance member awareness of legislative priorities and issues of importance to the business community and provide opportunities for members to interact directly with elected officials.

• In 2013, host three signature government affairs events that allow members to engage in active conversation with elected officials; • Provide opportunities for members to meet with local, state and national legislators; • Continue partnering with the Voter Education Coalition to educate members on upcoming city and county elections; • Create new, targeted Government and Community Affairs communications to members, increasing visibility of its efforts in Chamber publications, the website and other social media venues and providing members with an opportunity to share opinions with elected officials through written or electronic communications.

Kansas Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger speaks at a Chamber forum on the latest in healthcare legislation.

U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts (R) addresses Chamber members.

(Photo by Kevin Anderson, courtesy of Lawrence Journal-World)

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MEMBER CONNECTIVITY AND RELATIONSHIPS Committees Past Chairs Chair: Greg Williams, Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, President & CEO Staff Contact: Cathy Lewis Purpose: Comprised of past chairs of the Board of Directors, the Past Chairs Committee serves as informal advisors to the President & CEO of the Chamber of Commerce and advocates for the Chamber’s programs and policies.

Chamber Champions Unchaired Committee Staff Contact: Cathy Lewis Purpose: A membership outreach and retention program designed to engage and inform new members. Champions are volunteers who, on behalf of the Chamber, serve as a mentor for new members to encourage strong continuing membership and active support of Chamber programs.

McGrew Real Estate Booth, Lawrence Business Expo 2012

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Ribbon Cutting for Grills & Grinders, 4931 W. Sixth St. Suite 112

Chamber Envoys Co-Chairs: Brenda Brown, Independence Inc., and Bobette Puderbaugh, Seamless Data Systems Inc. Staff Contact: Adam Handshy Purpose: The Envoys help Chamber members celebrate ribbon cuttings and ground breakings. They participate in “Operation Thank You,” personally delivering member directories to all Chamber members.

“Taste of Lawrence” Fall Mixer Chair: Heather Lemon, Fraternal Order of Police Staff Contact: Adam Handshy Purpose: The committee assists in planning, set-up and tear-down of the Chamber’s largest annual event, the “Taste of Lawrence” Fall Mixer.

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Strategies Recruit, develop and retain members and foster a strong understanding of the Chamber’s mission, purpose and value.

• Develop and maintain personal relationships with members through the following: • Continue the Chamber Champions program; • Make personal visits to existing members; • Maintain a robust program of personal contact to recruit new members; • Continue the Envoys Committee; • Make personal contact with members whose dues are in arrears.

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Provide meaningful engagement opportunities for members.

• Conduct a program of events throughout the year to meet the needs of the Chamber’s diverse membership, including: • Annual Meeting. To be held January 25, 2013, the event recognizes the service of Board members and presents the Athena Award and Citizen of the Years Award; • Golf Tournament. Held annually each spring, the Chamber golf outing serves as a casual networking opportunity for our members; • “Taste of Lawrence” Fall Mixer. To be held September 18, 2013, this signature event celebrates the community’s educators; • Lawrence Business Expo. The Chamber’s premier business-to-business networking event showcases more than 75 member businesses each year.

• Business After Hours. Held monthly in 2013, an after-hours networking event for members; • Ribbon Cuttings. Four to five events held each month throughout the year to celebrate business openings and specific Chamber member business accomplishments; • Speakers/Panel Discussions/Seminars. Held throughout the year on timely topics of interest to members;

“Taste of Lawrence” Fall Mixer, September 12, 2012

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• Economic Outlook Event. Proposed event to be held in the third quarter of 2013 to update the Chamber’s economic development investors and membership on economic development efforts; • Business of the Year Presentation. A May 8, 2013, event to recognize the Chamber’s Business of the Year, sponsored by INTRUST Bank; • Coffee & Conversation. A morning networking event highlighting timely business, city, school and other local issues of interest to members. In 2013, to be held February 12, March 14 and April 16; • Spring Mixer. A proposed new event to be held in the second quarter of 2013; • Legislative Events. Three signature events to be held in 2013 to preview the upcoming legislative session and provide updates throughout the session; • Commuter Connection. Two events to be held in 2013, focused on substantive issues of interest to the business community and to connect with local residents and Chamber member businesses who work outside the Lawrence – Douglas County area.

Coffee & Conversation Program Dates

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February 12, 2013 March 14, 2013 April 16, 2013

Lawrence Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting, January 27, 2012

Clearly articulate the value of the Chamber to current and prospective members.

• In 2013, create, distribute and consistently reinforce the Chamber’s key value proposition themes of economic growth, advocacy and membership connectivity in all communication venues; • Convey those messages through consistent, compelling communications using Chamber publications and social media, including: • An annual Business Plan and Annual Report; • The Chamber’s “prospective member” brochure; • Weekly “Chamber Matters” and bimonthly “The Connection” electronic publications; • New and improved features on the website including a “members in action” section, community calendar and an improved user-friendly layout.

Provide trusted, valued services to members as a benefit of membership, including: • Increased visibility in the business community through event sponsorship and marketing opportunities; • Directing potential business to Chamber members through gift certificates and other marketing efforts.

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METRICS & MEASUREMENT The Chamber’s Business Plan provides guidance on accomplishing its strategic issue priorities.

The 2013 Annual Report, to be released in January 2014, will measure our progress against those strategic issue priorities. An interim progress report will be published in July 2013.

The list below outlines some of the proposed performance parameters that will be used to measure the success of our efforts.

REGIONAL ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY • The total number of new jobs created in the proposed five-year capital campaign period; • Total new capital investment in the proposed five-year capital campaign period; • In late 2013, survey local developers and business leaders to determine if DIIG has had a positive effect on process time for permits; • Successfully complete a five-year economic development capital campaign with an agreedupon financial goal and five-year plan; • Create and distribute monthly an “investoronly” communication or email and conduct at least two in-person events; • Successfully sign a formal letter of agreement with partners committed to developing a technical training consortium in Douglas County; • Overhaul the economic development website to make it easily navigable and provide information for new and existing businesses and private investors; • Participate in a minimum of 20 events in partnership with KCADC, the Kansas Research Nexus and other allied economic development partners;

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• In partnership with the City and County, create and distribute an annual economic development progress report for public distribution; • Provide a quarterly report to economic development investors, Chamber board and other key stakeholders identifying available properties (sites/buildings), newly assembled properties for development, and properties sold or leased; • Provide quarterly reports on economic development project status including reason for success or elimination.

ADVOCACY • Conduct and distribute a survey of Leadership L awrence alumni every two years focused on the level of community engagement by program graduates and to measure if results match program goals; • Measure the number of white papers provided to members, op-ed pieces written by Chamber leadership and numbers of members present and engaged at city and county commission meetings; • Create and maintain an updated list of elected officials and influence leaders at the state level; • Conduct three successful events at which all of our state officials participate at least once, with a goal of attendance of 75-100 Chamber members at each; • Update the Chamber website with a “contact your legislator” and issues of importance section.

MEMBERSHIP • Maintain a member retention rate of at least 75 percent in 2013; • Non-dues revenue of $45,000 or greater; • Create a Sponsorship Opportunities Brochure; • Each full-time staff member makes personal contact with at least 50 members each year.

• Conduct an annual member survey to solicit feedback on events, programs and staff performance.

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CHAMBER STAFF Greg Williams, CEcD President & CEO Certified Economic Developer • 27 years of experience leading economic development programs

Hugh Carter

Cathy Lewis, IOM

Vice President, External Affairs • Assists the President & CEO in strategic planning • Provides a liaison between members and elected officials

Vice President, Membership • Actively engaged with all Chamber members • Creates and implements programs of interest to Chamber members

Eileen Hawley Vice President Operations • Chief Operating Officer for the Chamber • Responsible for day-to-day Chamber operations

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Sue Hack Executive Director, Leadership Lawrence • Leads the preeminent leadership program in Douglas County • Manages and implements events to encourage educated, active civic engagement

Adam Handshy

Alice C. Hunt

Director, Events

Communications Director

• Designs and implements all Chamber member events • Works with members to coordinate ribbon cuttings and other celebratory events

• Keeps members informed of Chamber news and information • Maintains all Chamber publications, websites and social media

Sean M. Johnson

Darlene Lantz

Economic Development Project Manager

Executive Assistant

• Project management, business attraction and retention

• The face and voice of the Chamber when you call or visit • Keeps member records up to date and ensures the office runs smoothly

Meredithe McCormick Sales Executive • Recruits new members

646 Vermont St. Suite 200

Phone: 785.865.4411

Lawrence, KS 66044

Fax: 785.865.4400

Email: frontdesk@lawrencechamber.com www.LawrenceChamber.com

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646 Vermont St. Suite 200 Lawrence, KS 66044

Phone: 785.865.4411 Fax: 785.865.4400

Email: frontdesk@lawrencechamber.com www.LawrenceChamber.com