2013 Annual Report 2014 Program of Work

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1 2013 Annual Report 2014 Program of Work

chamber of the year Chamber Philosophy Mission To build Lancaster County in to a model of prosperity for 21st Century America.

In July 2013, The Lancaster Chamber of Commerce & Industry was named American Chamber of Commerce Executives' (ACCE) Chamber of the Year.

together to build a prosperous community. Vision The Chamber will be a leader in creating a thriving community that respects historical values while growing and diversifying our economy.

Lancaster County will be home to a diverse array of creative and talented people, and a place where all individuals add economic and social value and can attain their maximum potential.

2 chamber of the year Chamber Philosophy Mission To build Lancaster County in to a model of prosperity for 21st Century America. The Lancaster County Commissioners presented Chamber staff with a Letter of Commendation for receiving the award. In July 2013, The Lancaster Chamber of Commerce & Industry was named American Chamber of Commerce Executives' (ACCE) Chamber of the Year. This designation is a true testament to the strategic vision and direction of our Board and staff, and to the commitment and collective efforts of our volunteers and entire membership in working together to build a prosperous community. Vision The Chamber will be a leader in creating a thriving community that respects historical values while growing and diversifying our economy. We will provide leadership to unite business, community, education and government. Lancaster County will be home to a diverse array of creative and talented people, and a place where all individuals add economic and social value and can attain their maximum potential. Lancaster County will be innovative, technologically advanced, economically vibrant, environmentally sound, globally connected and personally fulfilling. Members celebrate with a pop-up toast. Chamber staff after receiving the award. Core Strategies Lead: Provide leadership that mobilizes business, community, education and government around a common vision of prosperity. Connect: Create, multiply and magnify the networks of relationships that nourish prosperity. Innovate: Introduce new thinking and new approaches to accelerate progress and expand prosperity. This [recognition] is a real credit to the organization and leadership. I look back at my years in The Chamber with great satisfaction. The organization continues to thrive and move forward in building Lancaster County in to a model of prosperity for 21st Century America. Steven J. Geisenberger, CPA, Walz Deihm Geisenberger Bucklen & Tennis Strategic Areas of Focus Access & Experience Content & Value Community Impact *Photo on the front cover courtesy of aidem Media Solutions, Inc.

2013 Financial Review letter to the membership Dear Chamber member, Revenues Thank you for your membership and support. We begin this letter with our thanks to underscore a point.

3 2013 Financial Review letter to the membership Dear Chamber member, Revenues Thank you for your membership and support. We begin this letter with our thanks to underscore a point. Our 2013 successes and our 2014 and beyond opportunities simply would not happen without your ongoing support and engagement. Without your past support, we would not have been named the Chamber of the Year by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives; Membership Investment... $1,219,000 (54.9%) Programs/Events (net)... $523,000 (23.5%) Value Added Products... $206,000 (9.3%) Advertising... $94,000 (4.2%) Publications... $20,000 (.9%) Grants & Contracts... $20,000 (.9%) Administrative Fees & Rent... $74,000 (3.3%) Interest/Dividends... $66,000 (3%) Total Revenue... $2,222,000 (100%) Without your leadership, we would not have been able to truly represent the business voice in our efforts to secure a comprehensive transportation funding package designed to ensure future economic opportunity for all Pennsylvanians; Without your engagement, we would not have grown our Young Professionals Network to more than 800 young professionals; and, Without your financial support, we would not have been able to offer the full array of programs, professional development and networking events that you have come to expect from us. In short, without you 2013 would not have been the successful year that it was. And, because of your continued support, we have great optimism for the year ahead a year in which we launch a new, three-year Strategic Plan aimed at meeting your business needs and creating a path to prosperity for all Lancastrians. We have deemed the first year of our plan, 2014, as a year of building building on our strengths, building for the future and, hopefully, building a new Chamber headquarters Financial Review Expenses Salaries and Benefits... $1,608,000 (72.4%) Building Expense... $149,000 (6.7%) Operating Expense... $313,000 (14.1%) Marketing/Publications... $142,000 (6.4%) Community Leadership (net)... $8,000 (.4%) Total Expenses... $2,220,000 (100%) Revenue Over Expense... $56,000 Cash Reserve & Mutual Funds... $1,313,000 The year-ahead includes building on the impact of our Think Local campaign, our Young Professionals Network, our Prosperity Indicators, our professional development opportunities and many other programs you count on year-after-year. The year-ahead also includes building some new opportunities for you to network in new ways, learn in new ways, participate in our value-added products in new ways, connect with our future workforce in new ways and be connected as the collective voice of business in new ways. And, the year ahead calls for building a new headquarters designed to be the hub of the local business community with partners, products and services that mirror the needs of Lancaster s current employers and employees, as well as prospective employers too. Our goal is to make sure that our new location is not just a fresh set of offices, but an enhanced experience for all members. We are thrilled to enter 2014 positioned to build on all the momentum of last year s success. And we are equally thrilled to count on your continued support and engagement along the way. We look forward to the dialogue and we thank you for your membership. Sincerely, Ralph Simpson Warfel Construction Company Chamber Board Chair Thomas T. Baldrige, C.C.E. The Lancaster Chamber of Commerce & Industry President & CEO

Community Foundation and United Way of Lancaster County to

through the release of the Prosperity Indicators report.

prosperity we re experiencing in Lancaster County and helps

can be of assistance in building a prosperous community by

116,000 business professionals access to skills and

needed to play an even more influential role within their

Led efforts and used our collective strength to get the

Senate the bill passed in November 2013.

delivered in a timely and efficient manner, reduce business

4 2013 acco 1. Prosperity Indicators. 1 Partnered with the County of Lancaster, Lancaster County Community Foundation and United Way of Lancaster County to measure progress and identify the needs within our community through the release of the Prosperity Indicators report. This second full report measures and monitors the level of prosperity we re experiencing in Lancaster County and helps all organizations and business professionals learn where they can be of assistance in building a prosperous community by focusing on areas in most need of improvement. 2. Professional Development. Helped to enhance the County s workforce by providing nearly 116,000 business professionals access to skills and leadership training that gave individuals the knowledge needed to play an even more influential role within their company and communities. 3. Transportation. Led efforts and used our collective strength to get the Transportation Funding Bill passed by the State House and Senate the bill passed in November This passage will enable local products and services to be delivered in a timely and efficient manner, reduce business professionals commute time and help with the upkeep of our infrastructure. Through the help of VoterVoice, an online tool that allows its users to have instant access to their local legislators, 503 individuals sent more than 3,000 messages to 52 different legislators regarding the importance of getting the Transportation Funding Bill passed. 2 3

omplishments 4. Young Women Mentoring Program.

students to aspire to become future business and community

This nine-month program equipped them with the knowledge,

marketing tool that enables its users to begin patronizing

initiative to improve our local economy by encouraging

6 Enabled hundreds of young business professionals to

5 omplishments 4. Young Women Mentoring Program. Empowered and motivated 54 local female high school students to aspire to become future business and community leaders through our Women in Business Mentoring Program. This nine-month program equipped them with the knowledge, experiences and connections to excel in their future career path Think Local. Unveiled a mobile app that provides immediate access to local businesses. Part of our Think Local initiative, the app is a free marketing tool that enables its users to begin patronizing fellow local businesses resulting in a stronger economy and community for all. Think Local is a Lancaster Chamber led, community wide initiative to improve our local economy by encouraging consumers and business decision makers to support local businesses when making purchases. 6. Young Professional Network. 6 Enabled hundreds of young business professionals to build local connections, hone their leadership skills and form partnerships creating ways for them to gain the knowledge and resources needed to be an asset to their organization; to get more involved in the community; and to help address issues facing our County.

6 strategic plan - build. execute. advance 2014 will mark the launch of an aggressive assessment on most everything we do and the impact we generate in the business and broader community. We will take a comprehensive look at our offerings and continue to offer access and better experiences to our members and the broader business community; deliver relevant content and value through our programs, resources, professional development offerings and advocacy efforts; and make a positive impact on the community. The priorities identified for 2014 will readily evolve into action plans and will provide great value as we are determined to meet future needs of the local business community and are dedicated to staying current on ways to build value. access & experience Develop Chamber office and shared space that will enhance the member experience. Increase and enhance connectivity channels with members and the broader business community. Provide new avenues for businesses to access and connect with The Chamber. content & value Enhance value added products, services and platform to improve value to members. Enhance training offerings and diversify delivery models of professional development to meet current and future needs of businesses and the workforce. community impact Leverage partnerships to create even greater impact in the business community. Build leadership capacity in the community through training and other opportunities. Continue to build and evolve Think Local program for greater impact on the local economy. Implement the Pro-Business Agenda by representing the voice of business. (see below) Ensure the new Chamber building reflects and enhances The Chamber s mission and impact on the community pro-business agenda The Lancaster Chamber serves as the collective voice of the business community and is committed to defining and advocating for issues of importance on behalf of our members. Below is an abbreviated version of the 2014 Pro-Business Agenda. We encourage you to read the full 2014 Pro-Business Agenda by visiting lancasterchamber.com then Advocacy. The Chamber is advocating on your behalf to advance an agenda that seeks to improve the County s business climate and competitiveness in four critical areas. Below is a framework for our 2014 agenda: tax, budget and fiscal matters The Chamber will work to make state business tax policy more competitive than other states in order to drive job growth, investment, innovation and expansion. State Tax Competitiveness Support the continued development of a tax structure that provides certainty, transparency and incentive for businesses to grow. Federal Policy Information Inform and engage members on issues such as the debt ceiling, the federal budget and other relevant topics as appropriate. Streamlining and Efficiency Support the streamlining and combining of agencies and departments within the state to improve government efficiency. regulation The Chamber will strive to relieve businesses of restrictive regulations and help members prepare for, navigate and implement new regulations effectively. Mandates Respond to unprecedented, expensive and often unfunded mandates on businesses, local government and education. Navigate Help members navigate the various regulations that effect business in both positive and negative ways.

2014 pro-business agenda talent The Chamber will improve the County s competitive advantage by strengthening collaborations between the business and education sectors for workforce development and

Reforming Education for the Future Advance mandate reforms and propose reforms to laws that would allow education systems to consider the economic realities of today, promoting budgetary decisions

Awareness of Needs Create a prepared, productive and diverse workforce by maximizing the opportunities for the business and education sectors to collaborate.

Economic Impact of Higher Educational Attainment Develop an analysis of the economic impact of higher educational attainment in our County.

thus creating a better business climate within Lancaster County.

Amend Act 111 Support amending Act 111, the Policemen and Firemen Collective Bargaining Act, with reasonable and commonsense reforms while retaining the right to binding arbitration on a more

Cash Balance Pension Plan Support legislation that would shift new municipal employees into a cash-balance pension plan that institutes 401(k) style accounts with a promised level of benefit at

7 2014 pro-business agenda talent The Chamber will improve the County s competitive advantage by strengthening collaborations between the business and education sectors for workforce development and advocate for a strengthened state education system. Reforming Education for the Future Advance mandate reforms and propose reforms to laws that would allow education systems to consider the economic realities of today, promoting budgetary decisions that are in the best interest of the students. Awareness of Needs Create a prepared, productive and diverse workforce by maximizing the opportunities for the business and education sectors to collaborate. Career Exploration and Workforce Development Provide meaningful career exploration opportunities for students to better prepare for the future workforce and provide them with real-work experiences. Economic Impact of Higher Educational Attainment Develop an analysis of the economic impact of higher educational attainment in our County. sustainable communities The Chamber will promote municipal financial health and support legislation that will provide municipalities with the tools they need to become sustainable and successful, thus creating a better business climate within Lancaster County. Coalition for Sustainable Communities Continue to partner with the Coalition for Sustainable Communities (CSC) and other stakeholders to advance a common agenda promoting municipal financial health. Amend Act 111 Support amending Act 111, the Policemen and Firemen Collective Bargaining Act, with reasonable and commonsense reforms while retaining the right to binding arbitration on a more balanced playing field. Cash Balance Pension Plan Support legislation that would shift new municipal employees into a cash-balance pension plan that institutes 401(k) style accounts with a promised level of benefit at retirement. City Revitalization and Improvement Zone Implementation Support the City Revitalization and Improvement Zones in Lancaster City and pro-actively work with City officials to encourage economic development. transportation The Chamber will advance and build on the 25-year Vision for Lancaster County s Mobility to ensure the transportation network is moving and connecting people and goods efficiently and responsibly within the County, across the state and throughout the country. Transportation Funding Bill Monitor the implementation of Act 89 of 2013, Pennsylvania s new transportation funding plan, to ensure priority project completion, realized cost savings through efficiencies and promotion of Public-Private Partnerships. Federal Transportation Funding Engage with the Keystone Transportation Funding Coalition to work with Congress to advance the case for infrastructure investment.

8 2014 board of directors Executive Committee Ralph Simpson, Warfel Construction Company (2014 Chair) Jim Adams, Wenger Feeds (Immediate Past Chair) Robert Macina, Lancaster General Health (Chair-elect) John Stoner, Reinsel Kuntz Lesher, LLP Peter Barber, Two Dudes Painting Co. J. Nelson Kling, Mennonite Homes Communities Mary Kohler, H & H Graphics Group Nelson Longenecker, Four Seasons Family of Companies Diane Poillon, Willow Valley Associates, Inc. Mary Renner, Laser Plus & The Digital Workshop Thomas Baldrige, The Lancaster Chamber Cheryl Irwin-Bass, The Lancaster Chamber Board of Directors Bill Baldwin, WLPA/WROZ/WKZF Radio Stations Deepa Balepur, Compass Real Estate, LLC Felicia Bechtel, Enviroscan, Inc. Brenda Becker, Hempfield School District Gerald Eckert, Millersville University Scott Fiore, TriStaff Staffing Nancy Fisher, Lancaster Newspapers, Inc. Carlos Graupera, Spanish American Civic Association for Equality, Inc. Lisa Graybeal, Graywood Farms, LLC Judith Hoar, Trout Ebersole & Groff, LLP Ole Hongvanthong, PhotOle Photography Miro Hosek, AFP advanced food products, LLC Craig Kauffman, Susquehanna Bank Howard Kelin, Kegel Kelin Almy & Lord, LLP John Levitski, PPL Corporation Robert Marchalonis, LSP123 Craig Robinson, Hair Direct Michelle Rondinelli, Kitchen Kettle Foods, Inc. Scott Scheffey, Scheffey Integrated Marketing John Summers, Lester R. Summers, Inc. Adrienne Washington, United Way of Lancaster County Ex-Officio Directors Steve Ewing, Herr Foods, Inc., representing Lancaster County Business Group on Health Kathleen Frankford, representing Pennsylvania Dutch Convention & Visitors Bureau Jennifer Goldbach, Rhoads Energy Corporation, representing Leadership Lancaster John Biemiller, representing Economic Development Company of Lancaster County Special Thanks to Outgoing Board Members Shaun Balani, Travel Time Shari Franey, The Codesmart Group Dan Nguyen, Stoner Bunting Advertising Steve Schulz, Keyword Comm, Inc., dba Business2Business Magazines Aimee Urban, Synapse Marketing Solutions Phil Wenger, Fulton Bank, N.A. Affiliates Lancaster Chamber BizCorp Lancaster Chamber BizPAC The Foundation of The Lancaster Chamber of Commerce & Industry Lancaster County Business Group on Health Leadership Lancaster Partners Economic Development Company of Lancaster County Pennsylvania Dutch Convention & Visitors Bureau At the center of a prosperous community. Southern Market Center 100 South Queen Street, Lancaster PO Box 1558 Lancaster, PA p f

AGENDA FOR PROSPERITY

Believe in the power of business in a community? We do. For more than 145 years, we ve been committed to helping Lancaster businesses address issues facing our community. AGENDA FOR PROSPERITY 2018 250