2011-2012 Annual Report 2012-2013 Business Plan Our Mission: The mission of the Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce is to enhance and promote the business environment and the economic well-being of our communities. Our Vision: The Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce is a dynamic trusted organization and a leading advocate for business in northwest Arizona. The Chamber will be a leader in developing a strong local economy by providing members with access to information and resources. Additionally the Chamber will be a catalyst for creating and sustaining a prosperous environment resulting in a productive business community. Our values: The Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce recognizes the organization is privileged to contribute to the economic growth and stability of the community and to serve the members that sustain our organization. Our members, volunteers, Board of Directors and staff are critical to our success. We take pride in working as a team to protect the principles of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and integrity of the Chamber s stakeholders with transparent systems providing fairness and accountability in all programs, projects, products and services. 314 London Bridge Road Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403 928.855.4115 (voice) 928-680-0010 (fax) www.havasuchamber.com
Message from the Chairman I am honored and humbled to be part of the leadership for the Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce this year and will strive to build on the successes of all the volunteers that came before me. Last year, with the dedicated leadership of Nancy Darrow, the Chamber Staff, Chamber Ambassadors, and many wonderful volunteers, Fun Raising Events were held that set us on a path for continued growth as the premier business advocate for the Lake Havasu Area. When chamber members participate in various networking events, Leadership Development, Fun Raising Events, committees and seminars offered by the Chamber you are building relationships that produce a positive effect throughout our business community. People like to do business with people they know and the more people you get to know the more your business or organization will grow. Studies show that consumers are 63 percent more likely to do business with a company that is a member of their local Chamber of Commerce. By being a member you improve your standing with potential customers, improve your network of business relationships, and help build a better business climate for our community. Joining the Lake Havasu Chamber of Commerce and being actively engaged is an investment in your business and the community. Together we can make a difference. Thank you for your support and commitment. Sincerely Tom Otero
Accomplishments Strengthening the Economy Produced sold-out Winterfest Street Festival, financially successful for Chamber and local economy Produced four educational workshops for Chamber members Graduated 21 from Havasu Leadership Development Program Produced successful Business Expo featuring 56 member businesses Published outstanding annual directory that features member/local shopping message Continued Support for Havasu Foundation for Higher Education and establishment of The Colleges at ASU Lake Havasu Produced first Desert Bash Offroad Poker Run with 125 participants in Run and 200+ at networking portions of event Produced first Kegs, Corks and Cocktails event with 150 participants and 10 vendors Recreated and began implementation of Advanced Havasu Leadership Development program Provided professional training for staff in an effort to stay on top of industry trends and practices Provided thousands of referrals to members via calls, emails, in person, data base and website Winterfest drew record crowds and was most successful in event s history Business Expo gave extra visibility to 56 business
Networking Opportunities Produced 11 monthly Business After Hours Mixers with an average participation of 200 members in locations across Lake Havasu City Produced 10 th anniversary Educator Appreciation Mixer to unite teachers, administrators and educational supporters with business members Produced 12 monthly AM Exchange programs with an average of 30 members at each event in locations across the community Produced first Desert Bash Offroad Poker Run with 125 participants in Run and 200+ at networking portions of event Produced first Kegs, Corks and Cocktails event with 150 participants and 10 vendors Produced Annual Education Mixer, providing connection opportunities between Educators and Business for over 200 teachers and members Produced Family Friendly Annual Meeting and Celebration of Business for 200 Developed and grew social media sites for members Produced successful Business Expo featuring 56 member businesses December Mixer at Martini Bay offered networking with 300 of your closest friends Desert Bash Offroad Poker Run brought new revenue into the local economy and networking for over 200
Membership Services/Community Promotion Conducted 74 ribbon cuttings/ground breakings for Chamber members Conducted 132 Operation Appreciation cookie deliveries from Ambassadors Spotlighted over three dozen member businesses in monthly newsletter Implemented new website and data base Provided business library for member use Provided complimentary or low cost promotion for member charitable organizations Provided lobby space for member information Leadership project enhanced London Bridge Beach with upgrades to basketball court Ambassadors/Members Visited and Promoted 12 member businesses with Chamber Choice Program Began implementation of tiered dues structure Replaced paper membership recruitment and new member materials with electronic versions for environmental reasons and to save member costs on paper and other supplies Eight Ambassadors attended National Ambassador Conference to train in areas of membership recruitment/retention/development Hosted the Remember Our Fallen display - display of soldiers fallen since 9/11- Operation Enduring Freedom Ambassadors Conduct Operation Appreciation
Representing Business with Government/Political Affairs Developed, published and distributed Lake Havasu Chamber Legislative Agenda Hosted Attorney General Tom Horne for lunch meeting Supported Lake Havasu City Annexation Effort for The Refuge Opposed Elimination of Uranium Rich Mining Lands in NW Arizona Supported Arizona Film Tax Incentive Legislation Supported Arizona Revenue Enhancement District Legislation Participated in Arizona Chambers of Commerce Day at the Legislature Expanded partnership with Mohave County Chamber Coalition Expanded participation with Arizona Chamber Executives/Local Chambers Committee Participated in creating and supported Arizona Business Legislative Agenda Provided members with information on new Federal Health Care Legislation Developed Business Supports Business Political Action Committee Developed www.lakehavasuvotes.com web portal with US Chamber Developed extensive, transparent candidate/issue endorsement policy Conducted 32 candidate interviews and endorsed 9 candidates for 2012 primary Chamber representatives from the Mohave County Chambers Coalition met with Dist. 3 Legislators and Speaker of the House Andy Tobin at Chamber Advocacy Day at Legislature Chamber CEO introduces AG Tom Horne at special luncheon
Dollars and Cents The Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce is a member-driven organization. Without the investment of our members, there would be neither a Chamber of Commerce nor a reason for such an organization in the community. Despite a down economy, the organization remains fiscally sound At the close of the fiscal year (June 30, 2012), total membership was 688 members employing 22,000 area residents. Of those members, there were: 688 Business Members 53 Not for Profit Members 9 Individual Members 50 Associate Members Membership Retention at Year End was 81.5% of the total membership. Membership investment dues are the Chamber s main source of income, accounting for 45% of all revenue during FY 11-12. Total membership dollars was $184,990, which was substantially below the annual projection; the downturn in the economy continues to affect new member recruitment. However, retention grew several percentage points over the past 3 years, indicating a more stable economic standing for renewing members. Additional revenues were earned through the Chamber s special fundraising events: Winterfest, Kegs, Corks and Cocktails and Desert Bash Offroad Poker Run. Total fundraising (net) for the year was $89,900 which was below projection by about 6%. The Chamber s overall financial condition remains stable, despite changing economic factors. According to surveys conducted by state, regional and national chamber of commerce organizations, the Lake Havasu Chamber s membership and fundraising losses were similar to other Chambers of Commerce across the country. At year end, total assets were $302,597 with total liabilities and fund balances equal to that amount. The Chamber has funds in reserve accounts and did use reserve funds as needed during the past 12 months. Funds are banked locally in Chamber member financial institutions. Year end balances were: Operating Accounts: $1,808.81 Ambassador Account: $10,329.24 Money Market Account: $12,742.88 Petty Cash and Reserve Accounts: $131,954.56
2012-2013 BUSINESS PLAN The 2012-2013 Business Plan was developed at the Board of Director s Strategic Planning Session, held in June 2012. Priorities were: 1. Marketing/Membership Services 2. Resource Development Marketing/Membership Services Goals 1. Increase Chamber as top of mind image/visibility as the most credible resource for business in Lake Havasu City A. Invite Ambassadors, committees, Leadership Alumni, key volunteers and membership to assist in the process of Chamber awareness and membership recruitment and awareness 2. Increase Chamber Visibility Everywhere You Look campaign A. Edit and enhance website content B. Conduct photo and video clip competition to drive website traffic and with Live, Work, Play theme consistent with website C. Develop cooperative radio campaign using member radio/communication companies D. Work with PED, CVB and other economic development stakeholders to coordinate mutual goals 3. Show VALUE of Membership A. Begin implementation of tiered dues structure with coordinating documents and images showing actual value compared to dues investment B. Develop In Focus small groups to discuss business issues, help on a member to member basis while strengthening member networks and learning from members how the chamber can better assist Resource Development Goals 1. Explore marquee signage to raise passive revenue 2. Develop Event Management Timeline for all FUNRaising events 3. Expand/Enhance Desert Bash Offroad Poker Run 4. Expand/Enhance Kegs, Corks and Cocktails 5. Enhance Winterfest Street Festival A. Develop communication strategy with Main Street merchants B. Develop marketing and promotion to provide community with economic impact of event 6. Develop Golf Outing (not a tournament) to increase overall FUNRaising revenue 7. Explore Bowling Outing to increase overall FUNRaising revenue and provide familyfriendly networking activity 8. Explore Chamber beverage such as cocktail, beer or coffee blend to generate passive income
Additional Goals: 1. Board Member visits to Fellow Board Member businesses to increase awareness of local business activity and strengthen teamwork among board of directors 2. Encourage Ambassador and Board Member visits to each other s meetings to strengthen teamwork among Ambassadors and Board. 3. Continue to enhance and grow Governmental Affairs Program. 4. Conduct 3-year Financial Audit 5. Conduct mid-term Accreditation Recommendations and Benchmark Check Up
2012-2013 Board of Directors Tom Otero, Mohave Electric, Chairman Nello Ruscitti, Frontier Communications, Vice Chairman Andrew Campbell, NSC CPA s, Treasurer Nancy Darrow, Sterilite Corporation, Past Chairman Allan Atwell, Campbell Redi-Mix Amy Buttke, Charles Buttke CPA PLLC Terry Delia, New Horizons Carol Dumais, Havasu Regional Medical Center Rose Marie Eaton, National Bank of Arizona Kristina Gallo, London Bridge Resort Donna Imhausen, Pioneer Title Agency Paula Levensailor, Lake Havasu Unified School District/Jamaica Jim Lund, Albertson s Dr. Elizabeth Marr, Lakeside Physical Therapy Tim Miller, Tire and Auto Service Center Cameron Moses, Cha-Bones Steakhouse Brian Riley, Mohave State Bank Scott Stroup, Accurate Measures Ex-Officio Directors Gary Kellogg, President/CEO, Partnership for Economic Development Lisa Krueger, President/CEO, Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce David McAtlin, Council Member, Lake Havasu City Gail Malay, Superintendent, Lake Havasu Unified Schools Doug Traub, President/CEO, Lake Havasu City Convention and Visitors Bureau Linda Riesdorph, Havasu Foundation for Higher Education 2011-2012 Board Members Feted At Annual Meeting and Celebration of Business
Chamber Team Members Lisa Krueger, IOM, ACE Kathy Tippett Jeni Coke, IOM President/CEO Director of Administration & Membership Concierge & lisak@havasuchamber.com Technology Event Manager kathyt@havasuchamber.com jenic@havasuchamber.com Judy Stevenson, Receptionist & Dayle Roth, Project Assistant Lacey Blount, Membership Traffic Director & Events Assistant info@havasuchamber.com project@havasuchamber.com lacey@havasuchamber.com