SEARCY REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL REPORT CONNECTING ADVOCATING SUPPORTING

Transcription

1 2017 SEARCY REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL REPORT CONNECTING ADVOCATING SUPPORTING

2 MESSAGE FROM THE 2017 CHAIR Mission Statement The purpose for which the corporation is organized is to advance and promote the industrial, commercial, and civic interest of the City of Searcy, Arkansas and it s vicinity and thereby secure and preserve a high quality of life for its citizenry. Vision Statement The goal is to promote sound economic growth for business, industry and agriculture in the Searcy and White County area. Of equal importance, shall be our efforts to improve the economic wellbeing and quality of life for our residents. To that end, we will continue to promote Searcy through persistent attention to our values. As the 2017 Searcy Regional Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board, I had a few simple goals. One was to encourage people to get involved, because they believe in the Searcy community. Secondly, I wanted to educate our community about the mission of our chamber, and how the chamber s efforts to promote economic development are vital to growing our community. Regardless of how you define economic development, the basic definition is the creation of wealth. It s extremely important, and our chamber is working each day on the economic development of Searcy. Flave Carpenter, the 2018 Chairman of the Board, has a wealth of knowledge and experience in economic development. He has been a great mentor this year, and I m excited about his plans for the chamber. It didn t take me long to learn that our staff at the chamber does an amazing job. With the staff of 3-4 people, they are able to accomplish what many of us might need a staff of 50 or 60 to do. You might ask how they are able to do it, it s because of our volunteers that devote so much of their time, talents and resources to make our chamber great. The key to the chamber s success is volunteerism from all of you. Without each and every volunteer, our chamber would not be what it is today. The Board and staff appreciate the time and resources you give to our chamber. In closing, I d like to thank the Board of Directors, members and chamber staff for allowing me to serve as the 2017 Chairman. It s been an honor. All the best, Jamie Mobley, 2017 Chairman

3 2017 BOARD OF DIRECTORS & COMMITTEE CHAIRS 2017 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chairman of the Board Jamie Mobley...Regions Bank Vice Chairman Flave Carpenter... Entergy Treasurer Dr. Bruce McLarty...Harding University* Past Chairman David Powell...Powell Funeral Home* 2017 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Tisa Carlise...Unity Health* Kyle Wray...Sunrise Motorsports* Michelle Davis... RiverWind Bank Steve Foster... Bulldog Aviation Mathew Harbin... Chick-Fil-A Gary Patel... Super 8 Hotel Ross Ridout... Ridout Lumber Robert Skinner... Bryce Bill Marion... Retired Spencer Felts...Farm Bureau Melanie Parnell... Leslie Jewelers Patrick Stegall... First Security Bank Susannah Streit...Lightle, Raney, Streit & Streit, LLP David Wood... First Community Bank Diane Barrett... Searcy Public Schools David Morris... Mayor of Searcy Michael Lincoln... White County Judge David Rutledge... Riverview Public Schools 2018 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chairman of the Board Flave Carpenter... Entergy Vice Chairman Patrick Stegall...First Security Bank Treasurer Steve Foster...Bulldog Aviation Past Chairman Jamie Mobley...Regions Bank 2017 COMMITTEE CHAIRS Workforce Development/Education Robert Skinner...Bryce Dr. Kerry Mix...Arkansas State University-Beebe Existing Industries Bill Marion...Retired Small Business Committee Mat Faulkner... Think Idea Studio Government Affairs J.R. Thomas...Retired Searcy Leadership Institute Jamie Mobley...Regions Robbie Atkinson... New Life Church Chairman s Memorial Golf Tournament Philip Hays... First Community Bank Ambassador Committee Michelle Davis...Riverwind Bank Tourism & Promotion Gary Patel...Super 8 Banquet Committee Jamie Mobley...Regions Bank Flave Carpenter...Entergy * Retiring board members 2018 INCOMING BOARD MEMBERS Dr. Bryan Burks...Harding University Dei Bryant...Shelter Insurance Justin Lawson...Centennial Bank Phil Miller...Unity Health Dr. Kerry Mix... Arkansas State University-Beebe Philip Mize...Mize Heating & Air

4 Leadership Searcy is aimed at developing a network of talented leaders for present and future community needs. The program opens doors for local business men and women with the desire and ability to shape our community s future. Through face-to-face meetings with local and state leaders and on-site visits to local institutions, agencies and organizations, participants explore major issues and unique challenges facing the Searcy community. Participants commit to participate in eight full day sessions. Session 1: Accepting the Challenge of Leadership Session 2: Searcy: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow Session 3: Economic Development in our Area Session 4: Education: A Diversity of Opportunities Session 5: The State View - Capitol Visit Session 6: Local Government and Politics Session 7: Health and Human Services Session 8: Graduation Ceremony- Commitment to Service Currently, the 2018 class has 23 participants. The goal is to have a 20% involvement rate from graduating classes Leadership Searcy Graduates Scott Saulbury...Arkansas Federal Credit Union Cody McMichael...Arkansas State University-Beebe Doug Hauck... Bulldog Aviation, Inc. Will Walker... Searcy Parks & Recreation Kim Gordon... City of Searcy Cora Lewis... Entergy of Arkansas Tina Novak... First Community Bank Lydia Ingraham... First Security Bank Stacey Clifton... First Security Bank Dave Stephens... Land O'Frost, Inc. Stacy Looney... Land O'Frost, Inc. Leonard Mesa...Land O'Frost, Inc. Dixie Evans...Literacy Council of White County Todd Anderson... ARcare Tillie Stracener Slavin...Reaper Physical Therapy, Inc. Amy Camp...Regions Bank David Whitsett...Regions Bank Andy Woody...Searcy Fire Department Todd Wells...Searcy Police Department Hannah Hackworth... Searcy Chamber of Commerce Kristian Ray...Unity Health Josh Wise...Unity Health Kerry Mix... Arkansas State University-Beebe Brian Edelmann... Centennial Bank Ashlan Hulsey... Charlie's Paint & Auto Body

5 WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT/EDUCATION The Manufacturing Institute reported over the next decade, 3.5 million manufacturing jobs will likely need to be filled and 2 million of those jobs will go unfilled. The Workforce Development/Education Committee and the Existing Industries Committee are looking to develop and promote efforts in our local schools that encourage student achievement. Ultimately, their goal is to create a qualified, educated workforce to fill gap shortages in our community. ACCOMPLISHMENTS A) Met with 8 area school districts to build consensus on need for building workforce pipeline and addressing employment shortages B) Worked with local business and industry to identify hard skills and problem solving skill sets required from potential employees. C) Began facilitating programs that encourage high school students to look at technical careers as a viable career option (Manufacturing Day, Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas-Mobile Unit, etc.) D) Facilitated a Wage and Benefit Survey. SMALL BUSINESS COMMITTEE The mission of the Small Business Committee (SBC) is to serve, represent and promote small business members and to enhance the economic health of Searcy's small business community. 1.) Business Development Sub Committee: Small Biz University, Mentor Program, Start a Biz Guide, Consultant Club 2.) Shop Local Sub-Committee includes Event in a Box CHAMBER STAFF President Vice President Communications Coordinator Buck Layne Tara Cathey Jennifer Skinner blayne@searcychamber.com tcathey@searcychamber.com jskinner@searcychamber.com

6 GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS The role of the Government Affairs Committee is to bring focus to those issues that can have a positive influence on business, and to those issues that can be costly and unfriendly to business. Recommends political positions to the Chamber's Board of Directors; hosts Candidate Forums and Legislative Forums as needed. ACCOMPLISHMENTS A) Adopted 2017 Searcy Regional Chamber of Commerce State and Federal Legislative Agenda B) Hosted local reception honoring Jonathan Dismang, Les Eaves and Jeremy Gilliam C) Coordinated and hosted weekly Monday morning Legislative Updates beginning February 6 with state Senator and Representatives at chamber office to inform and educate the chamber membership on key issues and activities during the Legislative Session D) Forwarded governmental/business related s from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas to chamber membership E) Hosted Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce Annual Door to Door Luncheon The White County Business EXPO Committee organized the Red, White and You themed event, which was held on July 25, 2017 at the newly renovated Ganus Activities Center. The committee wass involved with the logistics including booth layout and design, marketing, theme presentation and venue preparations, maintaining corporate relationships, and marketing the event to the community and surrounding area. The event had over 90 booths displaying products and services. Robby Brock, CEO of Talk Business Arkansas, was the guest speaker at the By-Invitation Event which had over 175 in attendance. Overall atendance of the event was estimated at over 1,000.

7 Members of the Golf Tournament Committee worked to plan, execute and host this year s 18th Annual Chairman s Memorial Golf Tournament held at the River Oaks Golf Club of Searcy. The tournament highlighted past Chair Luther Hardin s contributions to Searcy. Over 20 teams played in the event Honoree Luther Hardin First Security Bank 2017 Tournament Champions Hardin Family AMBASSADOR COMMITTEE Ambassadors represented the chamber at community events, open houses, ribbon cuttings and Business After Hours. The chamber conducted 26 ribbon cuttings for member businesses. ACCOMPLISHMENTS A) Initiated the High 5 Program - visiting new businesses in town B) Greeter Program Greeted members at events C) Attended events as representatives of the chamber D) Began Operation Thank You - a member retention program TOURISM COMMITTEE The Tourism Committee worked to promote the Searcy area with an overall goal to attract visitors to provide a positive impact on the economy of Searcy and the region. ACCOMPLISHMENTS A) Identified festivals and events to promote in the weekly Things to Do B) Investigated adding signage along U.S. Highway 67/167, Future I-57, directing traffic to historic sites including downtown Searcy. C) Currently investigating support for an Advertising and Promotion Tax to help promote tourism and improve park facilities.

8 JANUARY FEBRUARY 2017 Year in Review MARCH APRIL Monday Morning Legislative Updates were held with Senate Protemp Jonathan Dismang, Speaker of the House Jeremy Gilliam and Representative Les Eaves. The Chamber held a Legislative Reception at Cone Chapel to honor Senate Protemp Jonathan Dismang and Speaker of the House Jeremy Gilliam. Hosted the Arkansas Economic Development Commission First Thursday meeting in March. The event allowed the chamber to visit with the AEDC staff and present opportunities in Searcy. MAY The chamber secured the back cover of the State of Arkansas s Living in Arkansas Guide to promote Searcy across the U.S. JUNE JULY BANQUET COMMITTEE The Chamber held it s 71st Awards Banquet on November 21, Winners included Volunteer of the Year-David Cavender, Non-Profit of the Year-Unity Health, Leadership Award-Dr. Kerry Mix and Business of the Year-Think Idea Studio. The Gavel was presented to outgoing Chair Jamie Mobley by incoming Chair Flave Carpenter.

9 In June, U.S. 67/167 received Future I-57 designation. The designation has been a major goal of the chamber for over 20 years and will be vital for a strong economy for Searcy in the future. We appreciate the work of U.S. Senator John Boozman for helping us make this a reality for our community. The Existing Industries Committee partnered with the Workforce Development Committee and the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services to host a Job Fair on the campus of ASU-Beebe Searcy Campus. The event had over 150 applicants and 10 local businesses represented. For the 18th year, the chamber partnered with the Daily Citizen to produce the official Community Guide. Searcy Swim Center Opening The chamber partnered with The Daily Citizen to produce several segments aimed at encouraging local spending and community pride. AUGUST The Chamber, SREDC and Russ Watson with Crescent Commercial all worked to secure our latest manufacturer American Marksman Arkansas, LLC. SEPTEMBER OCTOBER The new plant is expected to employ 100 people at full production. Welcome American Markman Arkansas, LLC! Searcy City Center We are proud to have been a part of creating new jobs and new economic revitalization at the Searcy City Center. NOVEMBER DECEMBER

10 2017 BY THE NUMBERS 40 new members 742 members 11 networking events 30 ribbon cuttings and groundbreakings. 68 Newsletters & Things to Do Hosted 4 Industrial Prospects. 8 Leadership sessions at16 Represented the chamber State and National Meetings. 9 Committees 56 Committee Meetings Our Facebook page has 1,626 likes and 1,646 followers 192, reach Is your business using ALL of the BENEFITS of YOUR Chamber MEMBERSHIP? Access to the largest regional business network in Searcy Regional Trade Area Enhanced static listing in our online directory including: - Hot link to company website - Link to company Facebook page and other social media Single business category listing in the official Searcy Community Guide Subscription to electronic e-news & weekly Things to Do s, so you will always be informed Subscription to grassroots advocacy alerts Invitation to participate in Chamber meetings, committees and councils Access to advertising opportunities with the Chamber s mass s service Access to post the following for free on chamber s web site - news - promotions - events - and job openings Access to Chamber mailing list for a small fee Ribbon Cuttings for new or expanding businesses Special member pricing for Chamber and partner events Access to place brochures in the Chamber information rack Access to elected officials via the Chamber s Government Affairs Committee

11 SEARCY REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CONNECTING ADVOCATING SUPPORTING Networking People do business with people they know-the chamber creates networking opportunities and foster relationships. Visibility The Chamber increases your visibility within the Community Access to Resources The Chamber connects you with resources your business needs to thrive, including educational opportunities. Credibility Being a member adds credibility with customers and consumers. Advocacy The Chamber acts as your voice to all levels of government and provides face to face contact with elected officials. Business Community Enhance Business Climate by working in conjunction with local and state officials along with the Arkansas State and U.S. Chambers. MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

12 Sponsored by 2323 South Main Searcy, AR Office (501)