2012 – 2013 BUSINESS PLAN: GREATER ATLANTIC CITY CHAMBER doc

2012 – 2013 BUSINESS PLAN 2 A message from our President, Joseph Kelly: A message from our Chair, Sam Young: “Grow With Us” is more than a slogan for our 2012 Membership Campaign, it is a commitment of our Chamber. During the next two years we will work hard to have existing members become more engaged, bring new members into the organization and move our services from valued to essential. While the Chamber’s mission will remain the same - To create a favorable economic climate by providing meaningful services to the business community - we will focus on four core strategies: business services/opportunities for Chamber members, advocacy, (serving as the voice for businesses in our marketplace), economic growth for Atlantic County and resource development. These strategies will be addressed by Chamber committees that have established measurable goals. Those goals are stated in the pages that follow, along with a section outlining a few of the accomplishments of the past year. I look forward to working with all the wonderful people that share the Chamber’s commitment to grow. Thank you for your support of the Chamber. Winston Churchill once said, “The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty.” There can be no question that our region’s economy has encountered its share of challenges over the past few years. The national economic downturn, combined with significantly increased competition in the gaming industry from neighboring states, has negatively impacted our economic fortunes. But those challenges are giving way to a renewed sense of excitement and optimism about our future, thanks in part to enlightened leadership and unprecedented collaboration among our business community. Our Chamber is at the forefront of that leadership and collaboration. We remain committed to working with private and public sector leaders to make Atlantic County a better place to live, work and visit. Our intensified advocacy efforts over the past few years have had a substantial impact in that regard. If you are not yet a member of the Chamber, I encourage you to join and take advantage of the many resources available through the Chamber to help you grow and manage your business. If you are already a member, I urge you to become involved in supporting our advocacy efforts and participating in the many programs and services offered by the Chamber. 3 Will Arabea, Blue Heron Pines Golf Club Ed Blake, Blake & Associates V incent Bruno, Attorney at Law Kim Butler, Tanger Outlets/The Walk Kenneth Calemmo, Cooper Levenson Attorneys at Law Auggie Cipollini, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa Don Colligan, TD Bank Keith Davis, Nehmad Perillo & Davis, P.C. Keith Dawn, The Press of Atlantic City Media Group James Dine, Kramer Beverage John Emge, United Way of Atlantic County Wilson Felder, William J. Hughes Technical Center Paul Gallagher, ACUA Mary Gilbert, Bank of America/Merrill Lynch Tim Glenn, Glenn Insurance, Inc. David Goddard, Ole Hansen & Sons, Inc. Barry Goff, W.S. Goff Company, Inc. Sharon Gordon, SJ Transportation Authority Ed Graham, South Jersey Gas Company Don Guardian, CRDA Special Improvement Division Ralph Henry, Arthur R. Henry, Inc. Dave Hughes, Trump Entertainment Resorts, Inc. Joe Jacobs, Pacific Outdoor Advertising Janice Johnston, Prudential Fox & Roach Realtors Joseph Kelly, Greater Atlantic City Chamber Howard Kyle, Atlantic County Government – Executive David Leavy, Individual Member George Lynn, Individual Member Richard Mairone, Perskie Mairone Brog & Baylinson, P.C. Ed Malandro, Sun National Bank Daniel Mann, Revel Entertainment Group, LLC Thomas McAdam, McAdam Electric Company Dominic Moffa, AtlantiCare Joe Molineaux, Small Business Development Center Peter Mora, Atlantic Cape Community College Laurence Morier, III, Cape Bank Victor Nappen, A.C. Linen Supply, Inc Bill Parker, Parker & Partners Marketing Resources Greg Parker, Wells Fargo J ack Plackter, Fox Rothschild LLP Michael Pollock, Spectrum Gaming Group Jeffrey Ropiecki, Ocean City Home Bank Herman Saatkamp,The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey Bill Schu, Kravco Co., The Hamilton Mall Trib Singh, Hi-Tec Systems, Inc. Donna Stephens, Shore Memorial Hospital Diane Suarez, Horizon BCBSNJ John Szeliga, Verizon Communications Susan Thompson, CRDA Todd Timbrook, Home Solutions Mark Tricano, Showboat Atlantic City Jeff Vasser, Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority Marjorie Wilson, Atlantic Realty Management, Inc. Charlie Wimberg, Atlantic City Electric Samuel Young, Tilton Fitness Management Tom Zetkulic, Paulus, Sokolowski & Sartor Mitch Zitomer, Prudential Fox & Roach Realtors CHAMBER STAFF Joseph D. Kelly, President – jkelly@acchamber.com Charlotte Hess, Assistant to the President – chess@acchamber.com Elisa Monroe, Director/Member Events – emonroe@acchamber.com Carolyn Young, Director/Membership Development and Retention – cyoung@acchamber.com GREATER ATLANTIC CITY CHAMBER ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE 4 SMALL BUSINESS In the past, the Small Business and Communications Committees of the Chamber were combined. As part of the Chamber’s current business plan, these two committees will be divided to allow each to focus more attention on individual goals. The Small Business Committee (SBC) will offer training, referrals and cost savings programs to Chamber members. The committee will work with the Chamber’s Business Advocacy Committee on pro-business legislation and the Chamber’s Events Committee on networking efforts. The SBC will also work with the Chamber’s Communications Committee on affordable marketing opportunities and to ensure a free flow of information to and from small business members of the Chamber. GOALS (Small Business) • Have the Chamber’s Small Business Committee build on the relationship that has been established with Stockton’s Small Business Development Center to offer counseling and training programs. • Partner with the Chamber’s Communications Committee to build and implement a member referral and discount program. • Present to the Chamber’s Business Advocacy Committee small business issues and legislation the SBC would like to see addressed. • Assist the Chamber’s Events Committee in introducing a young professionals program. COMMUNICATIONS: Facilitating interactive communications between and with Chamber members is a top priority for 2012 and beyond. We plan to do this via an excellent social media program, enhanced website and by continuing our networking efforts designed to create business opportunities. We will also continue to work to heighten the awareness of the Chamber through media contacts and public relation efforts. GOALS: (Communications) • Create and maintain a state of the art social media program through continuing the Facebook program by adding friends and through timely posting of information. • Upgrade Chamber’s website with an emphasis on making it more interactive, increasing travel to the site and by making it more user friendly. • Develop a formalized ongoing referral program for Chamber members then measure results by tracking and reporting. • Continue to share information on the Chamber’s business advocacy efforts and member events. • Establish a strategy at the local/national levels and become the lead agency to share private sector information/positions with the media. MEMBER EVENTS: Chamber events are designed to strengthen, enhance and develop business for our members and are a cost-effective way to put our members in front of other businesses leaders. Chamber events create business opportunities for our members while providing them with important information to help them run their businesses. Events are designed to serve our members with contacts, information and cost savings. Photo by Robert Rossiello, Art Director, Casino Connection Online 5 GOALS: (Member Events) • Establish a Sponsorship Committee to assist in increasing sponsorship and revenue associated with events. • Revitalize existing event committees. Establish individual committees for each event. • Promote business-to-business networking o pportunities for Chamber members through monthly networking events designed for members to build relationships with fellow businesspeople representing all business sizes and sectors. • Provide an opportunity for businesses to showcase their products and services to other businesses, citizens of Atlantic County via the Atlantic City Hospitality Trade Show partnering with Atlantic City Hotel & Lodging Authority and the Senior Expo partnering with Katz Jewish Community Center • Present quarterly issue oriented programs and legislative forums designed to provide members with timely information on issues impacting the region. • Recognize a dynamic business or business leader’s accomplishments and contributions to community through our annual recognition awards program. • Administrate the annual Atlantic City Airshow. • Present a Regional Showcase for Atlantic County businesses to market and promote their products and services to a countywide audience. MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT/RETENTION: Develop and execute strategies to expand the size of the Chamber membership base while increasing the retention rate, and the subsequent dues revenue. Work closely with both the Events Committee and the Communications Committees to increase our members return on their investment and add value of their membership through cost saving efforts, affordable marketing, meaningful events, increased communications, and member engagement to increase their business opportunities. GOALS: (Membership Development) • Work closely with the Communications Committee in upgrading sales materials that will emphasize the importance of Chamber membership. • Create and execute an effective membership drive, running approximately January 2012 through May 2012, increasing our m embership base and dues revenue by a predetermined goal. • Manage the creation of a new Membership Directory both printed and online, offering our members added exposure through their listing and additional advertising opportunities. • Organize and implement a Retention Campaign running May 2012- October 2012, actualizing a higher percentage of retention through a planned program of contacts and surveys. ATLANTIC COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION/CDC: The Atlantic County Community Development Corporation (CDC) exists to support the orderly development of Atlantic County. The corporation works to foster communications and cooperation between business and government. The CDC is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) and serves as the lead economic development agency for the Greater Atlantic City Chamber. GOALS: (CDC) • Establish a public/private partnership with Atlantic County Government to advance the mission of the Atlantic County Community Development Corporation. • Generate resources required to establish support staff for the Atlantic County Community Development Corporation. • Establish the Atlantic County Community Development Corporation as the one-stop clearing house for information on developing in Atlantic County. • Conduct a target market study to determine the best prospects for development in Atlantic County. • Continue to work with others on development projects that have begun including: tourism district, aviation/research technology and expansion of the medical and educational sectors of Atlantic County. • Align the efforts of the CDC and Chamber’s Business Advocacy Committee to establish pro-business public policy. 6 BUSINESS ADVOCACY: The Chamber’s Business Advocacy Committee serves as the voice for business in Atlantic County. The committee identifies issues it will pro-actively address. The committee also understands that from time to time they will be required to address issues not on their priority list. They have planned for this and have the flexibility and policies to quickly act on an as- needed basis. A Chair’s Council membership classification has been put in place to provide required resources and leadership to support the Chamber’s business advocacy efforts. GOALS: (Business Advocacy) • Provide leadership from the private sector while working with others to implement strategies to enhance businesses and the quality of life in Atlantic City and Atlantic County. • Take a leadership role in support of pro- business public policy and oppose legislation that harms Atlantic County businesses. • Support initiatives that advance the interest of tourism in Atlantic City and efforts to increase visitors to our marketplace. • Advocate for regulations that serve the public interest without acting as a deterrent to business investment and growth. • Reduce the cost of government at the local, state and federal levels. • Advocate for legislation, development, public and private investment in Atlantic County that will result in increased, sustainable employment. SMALL BUSINESS • Continued to work with The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey’s Small Business Development Center to provide counseling and training programs. • Continued to provide networking opportunities and referrals. • Continued to provide business advocacy services. COMMUNICATIONS • Reorganized the Communications Committee to include public relations specialists from the marketplace in order to focus on two different areas of responsibility: membership and public relations. • Consolidated all databases to ensure correct information is on file for Chamber members in order to enhance communications and referrals. • Proactive in publicizing Chamber activities i.e. member events, business advocacy issues, etc. • Continue to update social networking sites i.e. Facebook/Linkedin. MEMBER EVENTS • Promoted business-to-business networking and sales opportunities for Chamber members through monthly networking events designed for members to meet, establish contacts and build relationships with fellow businesspeople representing all business sizes and sectors. • Provided an opportunity for businesses to showcase their products and services to other businesses, citizens of Atlantic County. 2011 ACHIEVEMENTS • Promoted Small Business Saturday event via public/media relations efforts. • Presented “Conversation with Governor C hristie” event to Chamber members. • Presented “Meet the Candidates” Forum for District 2 state office candidates. • Supported CRDA plan to enhance Boardwalk l ighting. • Co-hosted State Chamber Legislative and Business Awards Reception in Atlantic City, an event previously held in northern NJ. • Partnered with County government to present Atlantic County Economic Forum to highlight opportunities to broaden and diversify economic base of County. • Provided testimony to Lt. Governor’s Red Tape Review Commission to recommend regulatory reforms. • Met with Tourism District Commander Tom Gilbert to identify priorities from perspective of business community. • Successfully advocated for CRDA funds to be allocated exclusively for Atlantic City and surrounding communities. • Facilitated negotiations that assisted in Dave Matthews Band Caravan coming to Atlantic City, providing a major economic boost to the city. • Presented Business Advocacy Luncheon with Dennis Bone, president of Verizon NJ and Chairman of the NJ State Chamber. • Supported launch of the inaugural Atlantic City World Amateur Golf Tournament. • Presented the AC Investment Forum to exchange ideas on revitalizing Atlantic City and repositioning the resort. • Supported bid by Richard Stockton College of NJ to attract 2012 Presidential debate. • Successfully opposed plans to develop a casino at the Meadowlands. • Supported reforms to city ordinances relating to illegal operation of limousines as taxi cabs in Atlantic City. • Mounted PR campaign to educate media and public on merits of Economic Redevelopment Growth Grant for Revel. • Provided testimony to the State Assembly Committee on reforming telecom regulations. • Continued to support internet gaming legislation provided it is constitutional and focuses on Atlantic City. • Provided input for Economic Summit and Roundtable with Governor Christie. >Atlantic City Hospitality Trade Show partnering with Atlantic City Hotel & Lodging Authority > Senior Expo partnering with Katz Jewish Community Center • Presented quarterly issue oriented programs and legislative forums designed to provide m embers with timely information on issues impacting the Greater Atlantic City region. • Recognize and highlight those in the Atlantic County business community who success through our annual recognition awards program. • Continued to serve as the administrative group for the Atlantic City Airshow, Thunder over the Boardwalk. 2010’s show hit a new attendance record of an estimated 800,000 attendees and generated over 8 million media impressions. MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND RETENTION • Secured forty members of the Chair’s Council that have made a four-year commitment to the Council enabling the Chamber to expand its business advocacy efforts. • Hired Membership Director dedicated to new member revenue and member renewals. • Reorganized the Membership Committee and Ambassador Committee. • Maintained a 90% member renewal budget. ATLANTIC COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION/CDC • CDC Board reestablished goals for the corporation. • Continue work with Atlantic County Government to establish a public/private sector partnership to advance the mission of the Atlantic County Community Development Corporation with regard to economic development in Atlantic County. BUSINESS ADVOCACY • Reorganized the Business Advocacy Committee. • Provided testimony on sports betting issue to legislative subcommittee. • Advocated for Price’s Pit Landfill site in Pleasantville to be selected by EPA as possible solar energy generation location. • Presented Forum for business community and community at-large to provide input on CRDA Tourism District Master Plan. 7 BENEFITS POSITION YOUR BUSINESS FOR SUCCESS Atlantic County is a competitive marketplace. You need all the tools you can to keep your business running efficiently. The Greater Atlantic City Chamber offers resources and benefits that will yield a positive return on your investment. • Events that boost the local economy • Programs for access and business savings • Business Referrals • Lobbying Efforts • Partnering with: • Small Business Development Center • Atlantic County Government MAKE BUSINESS CONNECTIONS With a wide range of professional and social events, the Greater Atlantic City Chamber offers more networking opportunities than any other organization in the region. • Business After Hours Networking • Networking Luncheons/Breakfasts • Atlantic City Hospitality Trade Show • Atlantic City Air Show • Business Advocacy Forums • Annual Golf Outing • Installation/Annual Membership Meeting • Community & Business Leader of the Year • Senior Expo MARKET YOUR BUSINESS The Greater Atlantic City Chamber provides numerous opportunities to promote your business to both local residents and our out of town visitors. • Greater Atlantic City Chamber Business/Membership and Relocation packages • Your business listed on our website at www.acchamber.com • Chamber e-News and email blasts • Ribbon cutting ceremonies • Event Sponsorships • Atlantic City Airshow ADVOCACY FOR YOUR BUSINESS From economic development to regional tourism, the Chamber is actively involved in issues that affect Atlantic County businesses. • Advocacy at local, state, and federal levels • Lobbying at the state capitol and beyond • Forums to meet local, state, federal representatives face-to-face IMPROVE YOUR BOTTOM LINE With programs that cater to all levels with in an organization, the Chambers forum/educational opportunities will put your business at the top of its game. • Business Advocacy Programs • Workshops and training • Lunches with prominent business community leaders • Chamber membership lunches . Director/Member Events – emonroe@acchamber.com Carolyn Young, Director/Membership Development and Retention – cyoung@acchamber.com GREATER ATLANTIC CITY CHAMBER ORGANIZATIONAL. visitors. • Greater Atlantic City Chamber Business/ Membership and Relocation packages • Your business listed on our website at www.acchamber.com • Chamber