The Voice of Business Strategic Plan

2015-2018 (2016 revised)

200 Commerce House 529 – 6 Street South Lethbridge, AB T1J 2E1 Telephone: 403 327-1586 Website: www.lethbridgechamber.com

Table of Contents

Mission 3

Vision 4

Organizational Structure 5

Advocacy Committees 6

Governance & Engagement Committees 7

Staff 8

Organizational Chart 9

Key Objectives 10

Advocacy and Influence 11

Engagement and Connection 12

Benefits and Advantage 13

Organizational Excellence 14

Regional Influence 15

Contact Information 16

The Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce is “the Voice of Business”

promoting and enhancing a healthy economic and social environment in our region by

serving the interests of business.

MISSION STATEMENT:

Our Vision for 2025

The Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce is

“the Voice of Business”

We are:

the center for business growth and development;

a proactive business association;

seen by all levels of government as the most credible voice of business;

recognized as the leader in providing the connection to business;

a business development centre, which promotes, supports and attracts global commerce

The value of the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce

is evidenced by its engaged, progressive, vibrant and diverse membership.

Organizational Structure

Board Governance

The Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce operates under a Board of Directors with the following responsibilities:

Provide oversight of the operations of the Chamber of Commerce including finances, human resource practices and monitoring organizational performance

Hire, monitor and set remuneration for the Executive Director

Identify advocacy issues and advance Chamber policies and positions on behalf of the membership

Engage in and support membership growth, fund-raising and networking activities

Set direction for the Chamber of Commerce and approve the budget and business plan

Do not involve themselves in day to day operational activities

Advocacy Committees

Municipal Direction & Policy

Regional Direction & Policy

Human Resources Policy

Natural Resources & Environment Policy

Engagement Committees

Advisory Council

Business Growth & Industry Engagement Committee

Chamber Ambassadors

Corporate Philanthropy Committee

Next Generation Committee

Governance Committees

Executive Committee

Audit and Finance

Nominations and Governance

Evaluation

Staff

Executive Director

Event Coordinator

Membership Development Executive

Marketing & Communications Executive

Office Administrator

Policy Strategist

Key Objectives

The Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce will focus on these four objectives from 2015-2018 to serve our membership

Advocacy and Influence

Engagement and Connection

Benefits and Advantage

Organizational Excellence

Advocacy and Influence

Objective: To be the influential voice on business and community issues

To be recognized as a facilitator and promoter of dialogue and discussion on

business and community issues

To reflect input from members, industry and the community at large in our policies and positions

To establish and maintain productive relationships with all levels of government

To be an agent for collaboration and representation in the Southern Alberta region

To be an influential advocate for the programs and policies of partner Chambers at the regional, provincial and federal levels

Engagement and Connection

Objective:

To develop programs, policies and positions that are informed by input drawn from a meaningful ongoing process of engagement with Chamber members and the broader business community of Lethbridge and Region

To support or provide programs and initiatives that encourage the development of a sustainable, qualified workforce for business in Lethbridge and Region

To support or provide programs that foster a healthy business climate in Lethbridge and Region which enables development of a strong vibrant business community, encouraging new the creation of new business opportunities, as well as, enhancing the success of existing businesses.

Benefits and Advantage

Objective:

To provide and promote unique opportunities for business networking and referrals

To provide and promote learning opportunities for professional development

To provide access to and deliver programs that enhance the ability of our members to do business effectively

To provide access to and deliver programs that reduce our member’s cost of doing business

Organizational Excellence

Objective: To practice effective governance principles in the functioning of the Board of

Directors, management of volunteers, and in the operations of its administrators

To adopt and maintain “best practice” recruitment and retention strategies that encourage and reward personal growth and performance excellence

To be sought after by like minded organizations as a collaborative partner for programs and projects of mutual interest or concern

To establish a reputation for excellence in our core accountabilities: financial responsibility, maintaining an engaged and supportive membership and meeting members needs for advocacy, business growth and development

Regional Sphere of Influence

The City of Lethbridge

The County of Lethbridge, respecting and supporting the areas served by smaller local Chambers of Commerce

South Western Alberta Regional Chambers

Objective:

To create a broad understanding and appreciation of the opportunities in the surrounding area and to promote the advantages and assets of the region

Contact Information

Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce

Address: 200 Commerce House,

529-6th Street South

Lethbridge, AB T1J 2E1

Phone: 403-327-1586

Email: office@lethridgechamber.com

Website: www.lethbridgechamber.com