2016 annual report by Coldwater Area Chamber of Commerce

COLDWATER CHAMBER COMMUNITY CONNECTION. Â BUSINESS GROWTH.

2016 ANNUAL REPORT

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD... What a privilege it has been to serve as the 2016 Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board. As a community, we stand strong when we stand as one and our chamber plays an vital role in connecting business and community. I would like to thank our Board of Directors which is made up of some of our community's best. They volunteer their time, energy and talent to help carry forward and guide the Chamber to ensure we provide the best possible service to our membership. The annual meeting is a time for both refection and renewal. Looking back I am pleased to report that it was another remarkable year for the Chamber. Not only are we financially strong, membership and event attendance continues to grow. In total, we presented over 70 events in 2016 including training, networking and business growth opportunities. The chamber is the backbone of beloved community events like Icefest, Strawberryfest, Music in the Park, Art Walks, Applefest, the Farmers Market and many more. The economic impact we see as a result is immeasurable. I'm pleased to report that we currently represent 345 members in over 20 different sectors making us the largest business organization in the region. We live in an amazing community. Thank you for making it that way. None of this could be celebrated without our members. I look forward to the future of this great organization as we continue to stand strong... together.

Brad Rockey 2016 Chairman of the Board Coldwater Area Chamber of Commerce

Not only are we financially strong, membership and event attendance continues to grow"

Brad Rockey was the 2016 Chairman of the Coldwater Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. He also owns Kiess Jewelry, in Downtown Coldwater which has been part of the community for over 80 years.

2016 Board of Directors Brad Rockey Kiess Jewelry Chair

Dave Nagle Wilburâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Furniture Director

Russell Hickey Infinisource Phil's Driving School Vice Chair

Debra Yee Coldwater Country Conference & Visitors Bureau Director

Quinn White Southern Michigan Bank & Trust 2nd Vice Chair

Jay Johnson BlueOx Credit Union Director

Curt MacRae Curtis Funding Group Past Chair

Terry Boguth Coldwater Community Schools Director

Paul Plant Taylor, Plant & Watkins Director

Jamie Nichols Flagstar Bank Director

Cindy Longstreet Longstreet Living Director

Diane Gibbs Community Health Center Director

Randall Hazelbaker Branch County Commissioner Ex-Officio

SERVING our BUSINESSES and COMMUNITY for 70 YEARS CHAMBER STAFF NICHOLE STEEL Executive Director ERIN VEYSEY Event Coordinator JAMIE BRACY Marketing Coordinator SUE JARZYNKA Membership Coordinator

COLDWATER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Established: 1949 Number of Employees: 1FT, 1PT Number of Members: 345

INCOMING CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD... I have had the pleasure of serving on the Chamber Board of Directors since 2014. Past Chairs MacRae and Rockey have done a terrific job! I am pleased to have had the opportunity to get to know them better. Because of their efforts, I am excited to be the 2017 Chairman! They are both excellent examples of professionalism and both are passionate for our great community. Our Mission Statement “The Coldwater Area Chamber of Commerce's mission is to improve the business environment and quality of life in the Branch County area. We will do this through promotion, development, support, coordination and influence of activities and organizations in the communities we serve.” That is a far-reaching statement! I am pleased to report that the Board, staff, Ambassadors, and much-needed volunteers, all make daily contributions to improve commerce and the quality of life in our community. Thank you for your hard work! Please consider viewing a Chamber membership from at least two perspectives. First, protecting one’s own business interest is tantamount to success. I understand the need to scrutinize each dollar spent. In support of this, the Chamber offers a variety of membership levels. Each level provides a different level of exposure and benefit to your business. Second, please remember the civic value of supporting the Chamber with at least a core level membership. While it is difficult to valuate this type of support in dollars, it is important to consider how a thriving Chamber will have an indirect benefit to not only your business, but to you and your family. Most important, THANK YOU to our members for your ongoing support. Your business… Is our business!

Russ Hickey 2017 Chairman Coldwater Area Chamber of Commerce

"Please remember the civic value of supporting the Chamber"

Russ Hickey is the Chairman of the Coldwater Area Chamber of Commerce for 2017. He is also a Customer Service Manager at Infinisource in Coldwater. Russ and his wife, Tasha Hickey, operate Phil’s Driving School, LLC (517.278.8888 – www.philsdrivingschool.net), a long time chamber member that provides driver education to teens and adults in a variety of Michigan locations.

VISION, MISSION & VALUES OUR VISION: To create business to business marketing and growth opportunities while providing community leadership and helping to create synergy so businesses can thrive and the economy can grow.

OUR MISSION: To improve the business environment and quality of life in Branch County through promotion, development, support, coordination, education and influence of activities and organizations.

OUR VALUES: Future Focused To provide proactive leadership and position the Chamber to positively respond to opportunities and challenges, exploiting current situations and exploring new opportunities.

Member Committed To engage with and listen to the needs of members, serving as the collective voice of our diverse membership.

Excellence Driven Committed to producing quality events and programs measuring our results by what is right, ethical and fiscally responsible. Membership Growth 2016: Total Members: 345 Members Joined: 49 Retention Rate: 92%

STRATEGIC DIRECTIONÂ Improve resources and services available thru the Chamber for businesses, residents and visitors. Actively support tourism and visitor services in marketing, promotion and to provide visitor services at our welcome center. Take an active role in planning and promoting quality economic growth and community development by engaging city and county governments. Proactively communicate with our membership regularly, openly and often regarding chamber programs, training and opportunities. To build a member to member benefit program and expand the shop local campaign. Take an active role in providing training opportunities for business growth. Create and operate numerous programs that actively engage members and provide opportunities for promotion of their products and services through business to business interaction. Manage with fiscal responsibility to ensure stability of the organization and the cost-effective delivery of services.

UNITE GROW

PROSPER

INCOME & Â EXPENSE REPORT 2016 Actual Income

44%

Event & Festivals

$ 74,698

Membership Dues

$ 46,982

Rent Income

$ 15,625

Contract Services Income

$ 11,500

DBA Gift Certificates

9,793

Chamber Check Program

8,280

Chamber Publication Income

1,585

Member Promotion

485

Interest

Committee Activity

Total Income

$ 169,019

5% 6%

28% 9%

2016 Actual Expenses 41%

26%

7% 5% 5%

3% 3%

Employee Salaries & Expenses

68,779

Event & Festivals

43,795

Building, Maint & Utilities

11,985

Advertising & Promoting Chamber $

8,681

Chamber Check Program

8,183

Taxes & Insurance

7,273

Office Equipment & Supplies

5,669

Contract Services

4,898

Technology & Software

4,487

Accounting

2,759

Other

4,362

Total Expenses

170,871

CHAMBER PROGRAMS & EVENTS ICEFEST (SOUP & PUB CRAWL) Dozens of ice carvings line the sidewalks of Downtown Coldwater along with live carvings, a chili cook-off, a pub crawl and tribute band at the opera house. Downtown sales and promotions all day during this highly attended event. Sponsor a sculpture and place it in front of your business! ART WALKS Artists & performers display their art in downtown businesses giving visitors the chance to meet and greet the artists, view/purchase art and enjoy snacks, refreshments & sales around town. Members benefit by having the opportunity to host an artist. Brought to you in partnership with Arts Alive, "Creating a Walking Culture". FARMERS MARKET Held in Downtown Coldwater Saturday mornings June thru September the farmers market hosts a variety of vendors featuring local grown and hand crafted products such as fruits, veggies, flowers, soaps, honey, breads, Amish pies and sweets, jam, meats and much more in our downtown park with live music and other fun activities each week. STRAWBERRY/APPLEFEST & CRAFT SHOWS The Chamber brings nearly 200 craft vendors and thousands of visitors to Downtown for our spring & fall annual festivals & craft shows. The events also feature nonstop live local music, a kids zone, a variety of food truck and other family fun events throughout the day. ENTERTAINMENT UNDER THE STARS Bring a lawn chair or blanket and join us in the Four Corners Park Tuesday evenings in July for free live music & entertainment on stage. Each week highlights a non-profit and member business sponsor with refreshments, snacks and giveaways. SWAP MEET CAR SHOW BLOCK PARTY The Chamber supports one of the largest events in Branch County by hosting a block party for the thousands of guests & residents that attend the annual Swap Meet Car Show event. Live music, beer tent, food trucks, kids activities and more are available in the park during the cruise through town showcasing hundreds of classic cars.

AFTER BUSINESS HOURS Held bi-monthly, After Business Hours is a networking event that provides an opportunity for members to showcase their offices or facilities. Food and beverages are provided by the sponsoring business, there are door prize drawings and a 50/50. Great way to meet other Chamber members in a casual "after work" atmosphere. AWARDS DINNER & ANNUAL MEETING This event celebrate successes of the past year and looks ahead at challenges to come. The Awards Dinner includes installments of new officer and recognizes outgoing officers & board members. It also recognizes and honors a business, teacher, organization, public servant and citizen of the year. BUSINESS FOR BREAKFAST The Chamber organizes Business for Breakfast as a bi-monthly meeting that provides members with a forum to promote their business. Each breakfast features brief presentations from 4-5 members, door prizes and the opportunity for attendees to share quick public service announcements. CAREER DAY This event encourages young people to explore different career paths and shows them that careers can be very prosperous right here in our area. Over 40 chamber members showcase their profession and help to inspire students during a hands on expo setting experience. CHAMBER CHRISTMAS PARTY The Chamber hosts a special holiday cocktail party each December for its members. The event includes a live auction, networking and giveaways in appreciation to our members. CHAMBER GOLF SCRAMBLE Escape the office for a day and network with us... on the green! The Chamber hosts an annual golf outing each year at one of our premier courses providing members with the opportunity to make new business connections and put their name/product in front of each golfer as a hole sponsor. EDUCATOR & FIRST RESPONDER APPRECIATION NIGHTS The Chamber holds two special after business hours each year, one honoring our educators and one in honor of first responders. Members and professionals gather for appetizers, refreshments and networking in appreciation of these professionals. JOB FAIR This event in conjunction with KCC and Michigan Works! aims to connects job seekers and employers. Job seekers have the opportunity to explore a variety of available jobs and take advantage of resume building workshops and more.

MEMBERS BY THE NUMBERS Membership is the driving force behind everything we do Our member involvement and input is the reason for our success. We understand the importance of knowing our members and strive to do what's best to serve their needs.

MEMBERSHIP SECTORS Agriculture

Automotive

Boating/Waterfront

Business Support & Supplies

12%

Community Resource

Computers & Electronics

Construction

Dining

Education

Entertainment

Food Products

101-500 4%

Health & Medicine

Employees

Home & Garden

501+ Employees

Legal & Financial

Membership by Business Size

1-20

Employees

21-50 Employees

51-100 Employees

84% 8% 3%

Manufacturing & Natural Resources 7% Merchants

Personal Care & Services

Real Estate

Service Club

Travel & Accommodations

Utilities

KEEPING MEMBERS CONNECTED The Coldwater Area Chamber of Commerce seeks to connect its businesses, community and government through a variety of printed materials as well as social and digital media. Our materials include "The Weekly E" Chamber newsletter, online marketing via E-blasts, the Annual Report, Facebook, Twitter, the Chamber Business Directory and Relocation Guide.

PAGE EXPOSURES Calendar Event Registrations

Google Analytics provides information about how our website is viewed. Knowing 73.3% of website visitors are new, gives members an opportunity to connect with new customers. Average sessions time is 1:21 and 1.68 pages per session.

32,578 2,872

146

Join

570

Prospectives

128

Event Submissions

207

Newsletter

260

COMMITTEES & AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS The Chamber maintains the following committees that serve to implement our strategic direction through action plans and initiatives. These committees are the backbone of our organization and the members who serve on them are our key to success. AMBASSADORS & EVENT COMMITTEE Jamie Nichols, 2016 Chair The Ambassadors are the face and personality of the Chamber. They welcome new members, participate in ribbon cuttings, serve as greeters at our events and, most importantly, contact businesses to encourage them to join the Chamber. Ambassadors make an amazing number of contacts and are the voice behind chamber events. Meets the 1st Thursday of each month at 8:00 am. EXECUTIVE/FINANCE COMMITTEE Brad Rockey, 2016 Chair The Governing committee of the Chamber comprised of the past chair, current chair, vice chair, and 2nd vice chair. Meets the 4th Tuesday of odd months at 7:30 am. AWARDS DINNER COMMITTEE The planning committee for the annual awards dinner also reviews nomination submissions from the community and chooses the recipients for the year. AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS Chamber staff works closely with the following organizations whose missions compliments ours. COLDWATER COUNTY CONFERENCE AND VISITORS BUREAU 800.968.9333 www.coldwatercountry.com ARTS ALIVE COUNCIL 517.278.6029 www.tibbits.org/art DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 517.279.6911 www.coldwater.org BRANCH COUNTY ECONOMIC GROWTH ALLIANCE 517.279.6931 www.coldwater.org QUINCY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 517.639.9065 www.quincy-mi.org

Ambassador Committee Jamie Nichols Flagstar Bank 2016 Chair

Sue Jarzynka Coldwater Chamber of Commerce

Michelle Shaffer IManpower 2016 Vice Chair

Elisabeth Mason Business Impressions, Inc

Jocelyn Godfrey WIN 98.5 / WTVB AM1590 FM95.5 John Wellet Branch County Abstract and Title, Inc. Josh Jones Century Bank & Trust

Laurel Walkup Southern Michigan Bank & Trust Jessica Kline Honor Credit Union Carla Quimby Chemical Bank Missy Lafferty Michigan Works!

The Chamber HOSTED OVER 70 EVENTS in 2016 THE CHAMBER DELIVERS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT TRAINING NETWORKING OPPORTUNITES ADVOCACY VISIBILITY

Corey Parker Crossfit Livewire Patricia Sigerson ServPro

Anna Fair Scott Fair Farm Bureau

PROMOTION COMMUNITY EVENTS REFERRALS

Teddy Foote Biggby Coffee

"When you become a member of the Chamber, you make an investment in the community and your business. We will help you grow your business and thrive in the community!" Nichole Steel Executive Director

20 Division St. Coldwater, MI 49036 www.coldwaterchamber.com 517.278.5985