UPPER ARLINGTON AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
BUSINESS MONTHLY The Power to Make a Difference
November 2011
Issue 40
UA Chamber Board Retreat: Everyone is here The Chamber understands and cares about the core strengths and values of our community and works to connect people to businesses while facilitating job growth and economic investment that promotes a strong sense of community. With the input of our committee chairs and board of trustees, the Chamber will convene for the board retreat on Thursday, Nov. 10, at Info Depot. Today, teams and organizations face rapid change like never before. The diversity of our membership has a wide variety of needs and expectations that must be understood if the chamber is to meet those needs. Because we lack both in staff and in budget, we have to rely most of our ability to focus; to zoom in on the initiatives that will propel the organization towards its goals; to put a wideangle lens on the big picture, and
to stay alert to anything that might blindside the effort. To embrace change during any transition, leaders must challenge, motivate, and empower their teams through change to be successful. Creating change in a volunteerbased organization is even more difficult. It takes teamwork and leadership. We have a strong chairman in Doug Ryan of Douglas Ryan Real Estate Inc. Like any good wingman, Doug adds to the element of mutual support by sharing his experience to help us employ even more dynamic tactics. As the organization continues to transition through change, we try to embrace four key areas which are: Knowledge, Focused Vision, Faith and Initiative. ONE: KNOWLEDGE Is our organization open to new information? Do we have: • A climate that encourages and
inspires individual and collective learning to meet a common goal. • A view that mistakes and failures can often bring additional opportunities. • A desire for continuous improvement. • Openness to the integration of efforts through multiple divisions and committee work. TWO: FOCUSED VISION • Teams must have a unified mission. • An understanding that the team mission is not only for the members, it is for the staff, the board, division and committee chairs – for ownership. THREE: FAITH • Doubt and skepticism will erode the team spirit. • A dynamic team must have a strong faith and trust in the mission. FOUR: INITIATIVE
Yes, most of our work often feels like we are starting from scratch. Beyond motivating board members, those at the staff level must also do our part. Motivation is an inside job; it is internal. Therefore, initiative comes from making sure each person is doing the part of the whole, that they feel can best contribute to the mission. With initiative, good information, vision and a belief in our mission, we will continue to push the envelope. We will meet the needs and expectations of our members, businesses and the community.
Guest presenters at our board retreat will include: • Past City Manager- Ginny Barney - Organizational flow and Strategic Partners • General Motors and The Limited - Jennifer Brown – Managing and Inspiring Change • Big Red Rooster – Mark Morehead – Marketing, Brand and Mission “What is really cool, is that any member, or prospective member can be part of all of this in the capacity they are comfortable with. Bottom line, the Chamber listens;
and wants to learn by gaining fresh ideas. Knowledge is power.” —Susan Toothman, RE/MAX Premier Choice We welcome your input about business needs and chamber benefits. I want to help you grow and prosper today and in the years to come. Contact us at (614) 4815710 or email me at becky@ uachamber.org. For more information, visit www.uachamber.org. Becky A. Hajost is the president of the Upper Arlington Area Chamber of Commerce.
Older Adult Resource Group presents Medicare 2012 update Open enrollment for Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage is Oct. 15 through Dec.7, 2011. Before selecting a prescription drug plan (PDP) or Medicare Advantage plan, it is imperative that enrollees review the changes to Medicare for 2012, as well as changes in their Medicare prescription drug coverage and Medicare Advantage plans. Prescription drug plan features change from year to year. So, carefully examine all available plans during each annual enrollment period, because your current plan may no longer best meet your needs. Be sure to check the features of your plan, including the list of drugs covered, the premium, the deductible, and cost-sharing you pay, and any coverage gap.
www.uachamber.org
If you are satisfied with your current plan, you do not need to do anything to keep your plan. If you take no action, you will remain in your current plan. If you enroll in or make changes to you plan during the annual enrollment period, your new coverage will automatically begin on Jan. 1, 2012. The Older Adult Resource Group of the UA Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Medicare 2012 Update on Tuesday, Nov. 8, at Upper Arlington Lutheran Church on Lytham Road. The information will be provided by Chris Reeg from the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program and will be held in two sessions, from 2-4 p.m. or 6-8 p.m. To make a reservation for this free program, please call (614) 457-7876, ext. 432.
November 2011 | Upper Arlington Area Chamber of Commerce Business Monthly
1