2023 - 2025 Chamber EDC Strategic Plan

CHAMBER EDC STRATEGIC PLAN 2023-2025

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT Utilize the Leadership Bismarck-Mandan Program as One Means of Identifying Business Community Members Interested in Elected or Volunteer Services •

Pro-actively contact Chamber EDC Members regarding the prospect of their employees applying to LBM, apprise them of the expected commitment and encourage their participation.

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Develop individual relationships with LBM graduates who have expressed an interest in elected or volunteer service and encourage them to do so.

Establish the Chamber EDC as an Information Resource for Members Considering Elected or Volunteer Service •

Build a website / website section that will contain information for those interested in public service, including: how to run for office, area elected and volunteer service opportunities and a ‘toolkit’ for running for office.

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Establish a group of former and current elected officials, who are also members of the business community, to serve as an information resource for other business community members considering elected office.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Utilize the Chamber EDC’s Business Development Series to offer Chamber EDC Members free professional development opportunities

Identify strategic partners with whom to collaborate on additional professional development offerings

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Develop professional development tracks to be continually expanded via the Chamber EDC’s Business Development Series and post them online for Chamber EDC Members to consume on their own schedules.

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Utilize area higher education institutions such as the University of Mary’s ‘Lunch & Learns’ and Bismarck State College’s fall & spring professional development catalogs to expand professional development opportunities for Chamber EDC Members.

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Regularly utilize one question surveys to poll Chamber EDC Members as to those professional development topics most relevant to them and utilize that data to shape future Business Development Series offerings.

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Seek additional partnerships to offer industry or topic-specific professional development opportunities.

POLICY DEVELOPMENT Be an Active Voice for Business on Federal Policy •

Maintain Relationships w/ Local Staff for Congressional Delegation so as to ensure appropriate contacts for Chamber EDC Members.

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Provide Annual Opportunities for Direct Engagement between the North Dakota Congressional Delegation and the business community.

Strengthen Relationships with Local Officials at the City, County, School and Park ‘Levels’ •

Convene a new committee of representatives from each entity to ensure maximum communication.

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Provide a forum for direct communication between local political subdivisions and the business community via the Local Issues Committee.

Engage State Leaders on a Regular Basis •

Facilitate a quarterly meeting of the Bismarck-Mandan Legislative Delegation to improve communication with the business community AND aid in the development of a legislative agenda.

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Advocate a Legislative Agenda formed with the direct involvement of Chamber EDC Members via the Government Affairs Committee.

NETWORK DEVELOPMENT Create Chamber EDC Events Both Relevant and Engaging with Chamber EDC Members •

Utilize event sponsors to provide both input and feedback in order to improve existing Chamber EDC events and potential new Chamber EDC events

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Identify potential strategic partners with other organizations, Chamber EDC Members, etc. to increase event attendance.

Provide New Opportunities for Chamber EDC Members to Connect with One Another •

Pursue the creation of a new networking event during which Chamber EDC Members can attend with friends and family.

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Promote the Chamber EDC as ‘connector’ between individual Chamber EDC Members by utilizing Staff to make one-on-one introductions.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Economic Development Marketing

Exploring Tribal Partnerships & Strategic Development

Product Development

Adding New ‘Plays’ to the Governmental Affairs Playbook

Middle Income Housing Development

Creating Economic Growth by Helping Existing Small Businesses

Adding a Survey to Existing Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) Program

Elevating the Chamber EDC’s Talent Attraction Efforts