The Connection A publication of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce Volume 1, Issue 5
September/October 2012
A Message from the CEO
Looking Ahead: Chamber Board Establishes Key Priorities for 2013 By Greg Williams President/CEO, Lawrence Chamber
By the end of its two-day planning retreat, held at The Oread Hotel October 19 and 20, the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce board of directors had clarity and direction relative to strategic issue priorities for 2013 and beyond. The retreat was facilitated by Jim Anderson, president and CEO of the Springfield (MO) Area Chamber of Commerce and led by current board Chair John Ross and incoming board Chair Doug Gaumer. I was impressed with the level of ownership and engagement among current and newly-appointed board members. Not only did they commit the most part of two days away from the office and family, their level of dialogue and vision was tremendous and really set a course for identifying who and what this Chamber needs to be as we transition into 2013. The bottom line is that while every board of directors has a unique personality and set of objectives, human beings are more likely to be engaged – and stay engaged – if they have a hand in creating those objectives and a voice in how things get prioritized. Over the course of the next few weeks, Chamber staff will synthesize board discussions relative to key strategic issue priorities and build a draft 2013 business plan for
review and consideration of approval at the November 28 meeting of the board of directors. Those issue priorities are focused on: 1. Regional Economic Sustainability; 2. Advocacy; and 3. Member Connectivity. I was most impressed with the board’s detailed conversation regarding the various strategies and tactics as they relate to key issue priorities. What resonated with me is that the board is prepared now to create and deliver a laser-like focused strategy on building the necessary Infrastructure of Influence to accomplish those objectives. It’s time we aggressively articulate a message that economic development benefits our members – and the community at large! Much of what the board of directors intends to accomplish will obviously require implementation of new tactics as well as additional resources. I know I speak for the Chamber staff team when I say how anxious I am to get this 2013 Business Plan built, delivered and approved by the board. It will create a new path of cooperation and collaboration. It will be clear and realistic. Most of all, it is our expectation that when the results get measured one year, three years and five years from now we will take tremendous pride in knowing we have made a difference in the lives of people who live here and in the community we call home.
Chamber News Chamber Names New 2013 Directors Eight new people will join the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors in 2013. The newest additions to the board are: • Shannon Abrahamson, First Management; • Jane Blocher, American Red Cross of Douglas County; • Joe Caldwell, Bartlett & West; • Susan Cantrell, Lawrence JournalWorld; • Jason Edmonds; Morgan Stanley; • David Johnson; Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center; • Mark Kern, Kern Marketing Group; • Richard Konzem, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. These eight individuals’ terms will end in 2015. Also newly appointed to the board are Allen Belot of Allen Belot Architect and Jean Milstead. Both are filling vacated seats on the board with terms ending in 2013. All 10 new and incoming directors participated in last week’s board retreat to help formulate the goals for the upcoming year. The Lawrence Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is the governing body of the organization, and serves in a goalsetting and advisory capacity.