President's Column
How are you handling the economic challenges? According to an article in the Wall Street Journal, 57 percent of the CEO's survey said execution of business plans is their primary job, but 47 percent "speed, flexibility and adaptability to change" is number two on the list of concerns". As we know, for some businesses, they have seen a significant loss of business. And for some, business is GOOD and they are expanding. Being the optimist that I am, I am thrilled to see new businesses opening in our region and to know that new residents are choosing the Barrington area as their new home. A perfect time for us to consider strategies to Accelerate Growth for our area.
"The current set of crisis can be opportunities to do important things that you'd otherwise overlook or avoid"- Gary Harpst
More than ever, the Chamber's role is to create a strategic plan to Accelerate Growth for the Barrington region, so that our businesses do not just survive but thrive in 2012 and beyond. Our region needs to ensure the next wave of economic progress. We recognize that our economy will need to rely primarily on existing businesses to fuel growth. Business of all sizes, will need to be bold and entrepreneurial in order to seize growth opportunities. BACC commits to being the driving force and to reaching out to other partners in our region and state to focus on developing an environment that cultivates business innovation and increased economic opportunities.
Accelerating Business Growth, the strategic plan for BACC through 2013, is being developed through the efforts of the Board of Directors, both as a whole and through its strategic planning task force, with input from Chamber membership and staff. Implementing this plan will require a long-term commitment, as building an entrepreneur community will take time and patience. Success will not be easy to gauge and promote. The plan is designed to provide a clear strategic direction for the organization. It is meant to be static, therefore is flexible to respond to lessons learned on emerging issues. Each year the Chamber Board of Directors will develop a business plan with tactics to advance strategies.
Please be reassured that this Chamber intends on offering every possible opportunity for your business to accelerate your growth if you'll just leverage your membership. Programs and services have been custom designed around membership needs in today's environment. Coming soon will be the launch of the Leadership Institute and Small Business Tool Kit programming.
"People want to be part of "big things." They want to be part of "performing organizations". Come to an event or program, and see for yourself. You'll observe the need for connectivity- Connecting Business to Business" and the experience the synergy at our events!
Here are some things that you can participate in the month of March to connect to prospective clientele:
1. List a HOT DEAL on the BACC website. Just this week, we have mailed over 4,000 HOT DEAL CARDS to employees in the Chamber family to shop Member to Member encouraging Employers to list HOT DEALS and employees to redeem the HOT DEAL discounts. If you need assistance listing your HOT DEAL on our website, please contact the Staff.
2. Consider the marketing your product or service in BACC weekly e-advertisement. Every Friday, the Chamber will send out a member advertisement to almost 800 members/representatives. Cost $100.
3. Choose to spend your advertising dollars placing an ad on the Barrington Map (in partnership with Village Profile), or the annual Barrington Finger Tip Resource Directory (in partnership with Pioneer Press). Both projects are distributed to the residential and business community of Barrington and placed on our website.
4. Choose to attend an event. Your choices include: Network for Success Scrambles, Network@ 12:01 PM, 5:01 Business after Hours, Network Barrington, Women's Biz Net, and many more.
Look at the calendar on our home page for details and registration information. For a complete listing of upcoming events, please take a moment to check out the Events part of our website.
Best wishes for a success.
Janet Meyer
President/CEO
