2017 Program of Work Focus on Workforce & Community

Transcription

1 1 2017/2018 Edition 2017 Program of Work Focus on Workforce & Community A Great Place to Live, Work and Play Inside this issue: Economic Development 2 Marketing 3 Membership 4 Community & Public Policy 5 Events 6 In the fall of 2014 the BACC received a grant that allowed for substantial office improvements. New conference space and an overall enhancement in the facility s look and feel served as the impetus in 2015 to purchase the building at 2969 Elmore Park Rd., proudly referred to as the Bartlett Resource & Innovation Center (BRIC). Bartlett is fortunate to be among a select group of communities that are nationally recognized for livability and growth. Strong indicators assure that we will continue to receive high marks in community vibrancy provided we stay focused. Much has been put in motion in recent years as the public and private sectors work in tandem to guarantee a better future for Bartlett and the region. Infrastructure needs, real estate inventory, workforce requirements, public policy and retail and housing amenities are being diligently addressed. Elected officials and civic leaders have met on numerous occasions to determine the best course of action to maintain sustainable growth. And, we can report with conviction, that progress is being made on all fronts. Confidence among leadership radiates throughout Bartlett, both from its private and corporate citizens. It is evident on many fronts that our community is making positive things happen. BACC will not only keep this momentum going, but we will help to up the tempo. Growth with jobs and housing, enhanced lifestyle amenities, improved workforce initiatives and a new and expanding number of corporate citizens add to the area s optimism. We are witnessing many positive changes in all areas of economic and community development. As a BACC member, you are a vital part of that energy and enthusiasm. We encourage you to stay engaged and help spread the excitement, both locally and beyond. Medical Device is Big Business Bartlett is home to more medical devices companies than nearly any other place in the country. As a result, the BACC has worked in partnership with other local and regional economic and development groups to form the Greater Memphis Medical Device Council (GMMDC). The council s purpose is to strengthen job growth through the development of a world-class, comprehensive workforce that serves the Greater Memphis area. Featured in Bartlett Insights 2017, is the story of how and why the medical device industry took root in the Memphis area.

2 2 The BACC maintains a primary focus on Bartlett s core strengths, which include life sciences, agribusiness, retail and hospitality and advanced technology through Vision 20/20, Bartlett s ten-year economic development initiative. A primary focus of the initiative is to assist the medical device industry in its quest to establish a sustainable pipeline of qualified skilled employees. The BACC is an active partner with the city to help identify and make available prime commercial property. As new businesses are attracted to town, the need for housing, retail and restaurants increase. All of these factors help to generate job growth. The BACC continues to market the area s advantages and strengths in order to position Bartlett as a dynamic commercial and retail center PROJECTIONS & GOALS $100 Million in New Capital Investments, 750 New Jobs, 300 new housing starts, 175 business licenses, 5% to 7% gains in Property & Sales Tax Revenues BACC Goal 200 Existing Business Calls, BACC Goal $250K in Strategic Investors BACC Goal 10% Reduction in Vacancy Rate in Select Retail Properties Workforce Development remains a primary focus for the Chamber working in tandem with numerous agencies including the GMMDC. Work with Bartlett landowners and developers to bring in more industrial & commercial properties Work jointly with the City of Bartlett and developers with branding Bartlett as a housing and retail leader Work with developers and brokers to attract retail tenants to Bartlett with an aggressive marketing campaign Draw attention to future opportunities of the TN 385 Corridor for both commercial and industrial development Work closely with the GMMDC to ensure that their workforce initiatives are adequately addressed by the appropriate agencies Work with the Greater Memphis Alliance for a Competitive Workforce (GMACW) in assisting Medical Device and other industries Enhance the image and mission of the Shelby County Chambers of Commerce Alliance for economic development

3 3 A major focus for the BACC is marketing the community to its intended audience: 1) prospective homeowners and businesses, 2) vacationers and travelers and 3) existing residents and businesses. A recent increase with housing demands are precipitating the need for stronger awareness of opportunities available for both retail and hospitality. The advent of IKEA and other nationally recognized retail businesses into the area are increasing sales and are adding to the need for additional establishments in Bartlett. BACC is solidifying partnerships with local hospitality groups in order to direct more attention for state and national marketing dollars. As always, marketing internally to the membership is critical for a healthy and sustainable chamber. Improvements in all BACC mediums are an on-going objective. BACC websites and social media outlets are constantly utilized and updated for content and effectiveness Travel with the Chamber has been offered by the BACC for seven years now. This popular program attracts participants throughout the region and many of its participants are repeat travelers.

4 4 Membership is the lifeblood of a chamber of commerce. Without it many of the things that people take for granted in their community would be lost or underserved. Both new BACC members and revenues from our existing membership base continue to rise. Such growth is due to the fact that current members are more engaged and appreciative of the Chamber s role in the community. It is also because the Chamber works smarter and is more focused on the needs of the membership. Growing the membership is always a priority but so too is improving the services provided to the members. Knowing the needs of the business community is most important for any chamber of commerce. The BACC is committed to remaining pro-active and responsive to its members. Our main objective is to stay a few steps ahead of what is expected and to anticipate coming trends. The board and staff is open and receptive to its membership and urges all members to share ideas and let us know where improvements can be made GOALS 675 members 75 non-member business calls 12 chamber & benefits orientations $199,000 member Income 25 minimum travel participants 350 Business After Hours attendees 150 Staying Ahead of the Curve attendees

5 5 An important aspect of any business association is its relationship with the public sector. Healthy relationships are vital for all successful partnerships. Chambers of Commerce often serve as a bridge between government and business. Their role is to inform, advise and critique. They make certain that government policies, regardless of whether they impact business directly or not, are providing the best approach to problems and objectives. Chambers should always adhere to the belief that society must strive for the greater good.

6 6 Chamber events have one primary purpose: to provide our members an opportunity to enhance their standing in the community. Whether it be through recognition, engagement or increased profits, the objective is the same, it s about economic growth. Nowhere is it written that doing business cannot be fun. The BACC believes that growing the economy can and should be an experience to be enjoyed. Creating jobs and working toward the greater good is a worthwhile endeavor and in the process we have the pleasure of building friendships and experiencing the camaraderie of commerce. BACC Events Bartlett a la Carte Stakeholders Cup Golf Tournament The Women s Connection Luncheon & Expo Bartlett Business Expo Health & Home BACC Annual Membership Gala REGULAR EVENTS Monthly Membership Meetings 2nd Tues. of the Month (Jan-Oct) Staying Ahead of the Curve 1st Wed. of the Month Business After Hours Quarterly TBA Chamber Orientation & Benefits 3rd Thurs. of the Month