Iowa State University Extension to Communities - - Facilitating For Results

Example

Urbandale, Iowa Chamber of Commerce

GOAL: Hire a full-time chamber executive

CAPACITY: Questionable - This is the central question. Could member dues support a full-time director, secretary, and office?

PAYOFF:

Better coordination of activities
Enhanced programming
Resource person -- formal contact
Consistency in direction

RISK:

Getting wrong person

Lack of funding -- burden on dues

Reduction in volunteer efforts

Creation of unrealistic expectations

Strategy A: Define need for position

Tasks

1. Gather statistics on Urbandale growth - - Chamber and city

2. Identify current organization and role of Greater Des Moines Chamber as it relates to Urbandale

3. Identify current activities of Chamber

4. Identify unmet needs of Chamber -- related to lack of time or coordination -- visit with past Chamber presidents

Strategy B: Outline the duties and responsibilities

Tasks

1. Gather job description from other Chamber executives

2. Meet with committee chairs to identify needs

3. Write job description

Strategy C: Define organizational structure for Chamber

Tasks

1. Develop focus group of Chamber members, primarily board members

2. Obtain input from representatives of community groups that would be impacted

3. Develop organizational structure

Strategy D: Identify funding sources for position

Tasks

1. Visit with city representatives

2. Visit with School representatives

3. Visit with Development Association

4. Visit with major businesses

5. Visit with chambers in comparable-sized cities

6. Review Chamber dues structure

7. Explore creation of foundation

8. Visit with retail representatives

9. Develop budget

Committee Members:

Jane Carlstrom, Marilyn Kollmorgen, Lori Lowenberg, Robert Layton, Jim Pittman, Craig Jones, Shar Pardubsky

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Extension programs are available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability. Questions or comments? Contact the Extension to Communities Secretary, lindaek@iastate.edu last updated Thursday March 01 2001