President & Chief Executive Officer Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce Hutchinson, Kansas The Organization The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce ( the Chamber ) drives economic development efforts in the region through business retention and recruitment, promotion of area attractions and events, and taking a leadership role in projects and initiatives dedicated to maintaining and improving the area s economy and quality of life. The Chamber serves the county seat of Hutchinson, with a population of 40,000, and all of Reno County, with a population of 65,000 in south central Kansas. The Chamber is governed by a 25-member volunteer Board of Directors (8 ex officio public officials and education leaders) with a 5-member Executive Committee. The organization provides a full range of programs and services to promote and expand business in the community, including economic development attraction and retention, advocacy, convention & visitors bureau, member events and community development efforts. The Chamber s budget of $1.2MM is generated from membership dues and sponsorships, CVB transient guest tax, the Building on Success 5 year private economic development funding program, additional economic development funding from both the City and County and funds for community development from the Hutchinson Community Foundation and Reno County. The overall mission of the Chamber is to promote and advance the civic, commercial, industrial, agricultural and general economic and professional interests of Hutchinson and Reno County. The Chamber strives to serve as one voice with the strength to take the area to new levels in economic development and business success. One of the area s economic development assets is the Kansas Enterprise Industrial Park (formerly known as the Salt City Business Park), an 88-acre industrial park owned by the City that is shovel ready for immediate development opportunities. In addition to economic development efforts and CVB activities, the Chamber coordinates numerous special events and programs throughout the year including Business After Hours, 4 th Friday Lunch and Learn and Membership Breakfasts. The Chamber s leadership has traditionally been stable: the previous CEO s served for 30 years and 5 years respectively, the latter retiring in 2011. The Chamber s next CEO was with the organization for only 3 months prior to departing for other opportunities. As a result, the Chamber s previous long-tenured CEO, Jon Daveline, has agreed to serve as Interim CEO while the Board launches a broad national search to identify and recruit the Chamber s next executive leader. Additional information on the Chamber and on Hutchinson and Reno County community can be found on websites: www.hutchchamber.com; www.visithutch.com; Hutchinson/Reno County, Kansas Hutchinson is located in south central Kansas, approximately 40 miles northwest of Wichita. Located on the Arkansas River, Hutchinson is the county seat and largest city in Reno County. Home to salt mines since its founding in 1871, Hutchinson earned the nickname Salt City, but locals simply call it Hutch.
Hutchinson is served by US Route 50, K-96 and K-61 and an active rail service. Since 2000, Reno County has enjoyed a 6% increase in employment due to the expansion of more than 35 existing businesses and the addition of 13 new operations. The County unemployment rate is among the lowest in the state of Kansas. Selected in 2009 as the site for Siemens Wind Power North America Nacelle Facility, the community is poised for continued growth in the wind energy industry and other alternative energy sectors. In addition to a healthy agriculture industry (Hutchinson is home to the second largest grain elevator in the world) Hutchinson/Reno County has an established and growing manufacturing, retail and healthcare corridor. The Hutchinson Correctional System has been in place for 100+ years, providing maximum, medium, and minimal security and is a major employer in the county. Its highly motivated and well-educated workforce is one of the many factors contributing to the continued expansion of the local economy. Over 60% of the adult population has at least an Associate s degree, with the opportunity to continue life-long learning through Hutchinson Community College (enrollment approximately 10,000) and other educational avenues. Outstanding private and public school options include a newly constructed 96,000 sq foot Hutchinson Career & Technical Education Academy. Hutchinson is a wonderful place to live and work as a medium-sized city with a small town atmosphere, rural charm and cultural amenities. The area offers a wonderful quality of life with an affordable cost of living, unique retail shops, and a charming downtown area. Reno County has 19 listings on the National Register of Historic Places, including the 80 year old Reno County Courthouse in Hutchinson. Cultural and arts venues such as Hutchinson s Historic Fox Theatre, Old Mill Theater and Hutchinson Art Center offer a variety of special performances throughout the year. Recreational opportunities exist year-round and include an active parks and recreation program, area aquatic centers along with hunting, fishing, parks, community festivals, restaurants and miles of biking/walking/hiking trails. Hutchinson is home to highly acclaimed Prairie Dunes County Club which has hosted the Women s U.S. Open, the Senior U.S. Open and routinely hosts Big 12 Championship and other regional and national golf events. Hutchinson/Reno County is visited by over 1.5 million visitors annually and offers a number of one-of-a-kind attractions and destination experiences. One special venue is the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center, a Smithsonian-affiliated museum which holds one of the most significant collections of space artifacts in the world and hosts award-winning camps attracting participants from all over the nation. Additional attractions include the Kansas Underground Salt Museum, Dillon Nature Center, Hutchinson Zoo and Kansas Kids Museum. The Kansas State Fair is held in Hutchinson each September, attracting more than 350,000 people through its gates. Hutchinson is also home to the Hutchinson Monarchs, a minor league baseball team and each March, the Hutchinson Sports Arena hosts the National Junior College Athletic Association s Men s Division I Basketball Championship. The Position Location: The CEO position is based at the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce offices at 117 N. Walnut, Hutchinson, Kansas 67504; telephone (620) 662-3391. The Chamber has owned its office building since 1991. Reporting Relationships: The President & Chief Executive Officer ( CEO ) reports to a 25-member Board of Directors made up of public and private sector leaders of the community. The CEO will supervise a staff of 10 who work across Chamber, Economic Development, CVB, Community Development and administrative department lines. Other important working relationships include: city, county, state and national elected officials and their staffs; owners, executives of Chamber member businesses and other companies and organizations with current operations in Reno County; area hospitality and restaurant owners; representatives of target and prospect organizations; executives at other public and private economic development-related organizations in the State and broader region including the Kansas Department of Commerce; higher education officials; and members of the media. 2
Position Charter: The overall responsibility of the President & Chief Executive Officer is to plan, organize and direct operations of the Chamber to effectively execute the annual Work Plan. The CEO is responsible for the Chamber budget; employment, termination, training and supervision of staff; interpretation of policy; maintenance of facilities; and other duties as directed by the Board of Directors. The President reflects the Chamber s communications and outreach to the community and must constantly strive to develop a better public understanding of the purpose and functions of the Chamber. Major Duties and Responsibilities include: Provide management oversight of all day to day operations of the Chamber: financial, reports and records and leadership of programs and employees. Develop and lead the implementation of an annual program of work consistent with strategic plan goals and objectives which identify responsibilities to attain short and long term goals. Develop and implement the $1.2MM annual budget; maintain management responsibility for fiscal matters; grow the revenue base through non-dues revenue opportunities, expanded membership, sponsorships and other sources. Serve as a key executive involved in active recruitment of new business to the area, from initial relationships, to development of the prospect and potential project, through creation of the deal with local economic developers, relocation and ultimate retention. In collaboration with the staff, maintain and enhance current services and programs offered to members and the community, including networking, advocacy, and related community- and business-focused events. Provide leadership to the organization and stewardship to the members and financial partners; maintain strong ongoing member and investor communications and relations. Focus organization efforts in retention and expansion on key industries targeted by the community. Work to facilitate increased retail development in the Hutchinson/Reno County area. Coordinate the development and packaging of presentations to prospects and assemblage of collateral materials on potential economic development opportunities. Work with volunteers and others in coordinating, planning and successfully executing site selector hostings and attendance at selected trade shows. Represent the Chamber at industry group and community functions on the local, regional, state and national levels. Maintain and enhance relationships with key local, regional and state organizations that play a role in economic development, including Kansas Department of Commerce, Kansas Small Business Development Center and related organizations. Assure proper level of coordination and leadership between the Chamber programs and those of other partners, businesses and related organizations within the area and region such as Downtown Hutchinson. Recruit, orient and train staff as necessary. Serve as mentor by providing coaching and encouraging professional development of staff. Advise the Board of community, business and economic development issues that affect the area s economic strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats on a regular basis. Work with the Board to identify, recruit and develop volunteer leadership to assure the continuity and success of the organization. Serve as the official spokesperson with the media and as primary liaison with elected and appointed governmental officials, major trade and professional organizations and other constituencies. Assure that daily activities of the organization work smoothly to serve members, investors, the community and others, as appropriate. Fulfill any special assignments or duties as directed by the Board of Directors. 3
Compensation: The President & Chief Executive Officer is expected to earn an attractive compensation package; appropriate benefits and some relocation assistance will be provided. The Candidate Education: A Bachelor s degree is required and an advanced degree preferred. Demonstrated commitment to continued professional development through the U.S. Chamber Institute for Organization Management, Certified Chamber Executive or Certified Economic Developer designation is strongly preferred. Professional Qualifications: The ideal candidate is currently functioning as the top executive or strong #2 executive at an economic development focused organization such as a local, county, regional or state economic development organization, chamber of commerce, a private sector development company or a major utility. The successful candidate will have a background and experience that enables him/her to gain immediate credibility with the business, political and community leadership. Experience working with an in-house or stand-alone tourism promotion agency is particularly attractive. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Attributes Economic development (has coordinated with public sector delivery systems and private sector resources to effectively promote the economic development of a community or region). Chamber of commerce development (has actively promoted a chamber organization; track record of membership retention and increased membership value). Convention and Visitors Bureau (experience working with travel and tourism as a key economic driver). Collaborative relationships (demonstrated track record of developing effective partnerships among all sectors, including larger companies, small business owners and entrepreneurs, local state and federal government officials, state and regional organizations). Communication (strong background in interacting and communicating with multiple audiences at the public, private and media level; strong public speaking abilities). Organization management (ability to establish and implement program procedures, policies or guidelines; an appreciation and passion for all parts of the organization). Technology (knowledgeable and proactive in understanding current technology, social media and its role in delivering Chamber services, driving business development and supporting staff productivity). Public/private relationships (demonstrated track record of developing effective partnerships between the public and private sector). Management experience (strong human resource and staff development skills; can effectively coach, mentor and empower a staff and create a team focus). Fiscal management/investor relations (demonstrated ability to manage financial affairs of an organization and communicate effectively with investors). Government relations/advocacy (has developed effective working relationships with elected/appointed officials and their staffs). Board relationships (experience with governance issues and Board of Director interactions). Planning (experience in developing and implementing both operational and strategic plans). Fund raising (experience with varied successful funding activities including non-dues revenue generations, development programs, capital campaigns, special events). Diversity (inclusive; has experience working with diverse groups; promotes diversity programmatically). Negotiation skills (effectively represented organization in successful discussions and decisions on key issues). Volunteer organization experience (appreciates the value of voluntary organization structure and operating techniques; proven ability to motivate and utilize staff and volunteers). 4
Sales orientation (experience in marketing and selling a community and/or an organization). Media relations (ability to effectively articulate goals, objectives and policy positions of Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber to the media and the community). Desired Personal Traits: Leadership (a take charge individual with vision and the means to get there; can manage, motivate, challenge and delegate to others). Collaborative (demonstrates a willingness and ability to work with and through others; values consensusbuilding). Integrity (possesses honesty and the highest ethical and moral standards). Communication skills (excellent listener; outstanding written and oral communication skills; effective presentation skills to multiple audiences). Organizational skills (results oriented; meets established goals and objectives). Visibility (highly visible to staff, members, investors, business and government leaders; active in the community, area, region and state). Management style ( open door management philosophy that includes empowering staff; providing basic direction and allowing staff team to execute; holds staff accountable). Intelligent (bright; street smarts and natural intelligence). Multitask/focus (able to manage and carry out multiple and complex assignments often with very short time frames). Humility (self-aware; gives credit to others and does not seek limelight). Credibility (viewed as the business and economic development expert in the area; can command respect of Board, staff, business, government and community leaders). Persuasive (able to synthesize various viewpoints and mobilize public and legislative support for policy objectives). Results oriented (tenacious; displays passion for getting the job done; strong personal work ethic and energy). Diplomacy (politically savvy; able to maneuver through complex situations effectively and quietly). Executive presence (polished; self-confident). Strategic thinker (has the vision to see beyond daily operations toward broader strategic goals; understands the big picture ). Human relations skills (approachable; relates well to all kinds of people; builds constructive and effective relationships). Challenges and Opportunity The projected first year accomplishments for the new President & Chief Executive Officer include: Become completely familiar with all operating aspects of the Chamber including staff, finances, programs and services, regional community and Board members. Initiate formal and informal introductions and connections with area business, government and education leaders through varied communications and in-person gatherings and meetings. Establish effective working relationships with all constituents including partner organizations, government officials, business leaders, executives of other economic and community development and planning organizations and others in the State and region. 5
From these efforts, and working in concert with Board and Staff, review/initiate multi-year strategic plan for the Chamber with special emphasis given to identification of specific goals and outcomes that will result in a going-forward plan that will continue growth of membership, forward progress on economic development goals and continued success in convention and visitor activities. Plan should include specific, measurable long-range, middle-range and short term goals for each division and scorecard to determine success on ongoing basis. Examples of areas for improvement/evaluation to be included: housing development and renovation (both rental and owner occupied); an expanded retail presence; renewal of the Chamber s state and national government advocacy efforts. Evaluate current programs, services, policies and procedures of all Chamber departments and make recommendations/implement changes for improvement, consistency and/or expansion. Continue Building on Success economic development goals including: primary job development; increased capital investment; increased retail sales; expanded County population growth; increase number of residents ages 25 to 40. Strengthen Chamber s finances through review of existing programs and services, cutting costs where appropriate without compromising quality. Grow the revenue base through improved non-dues revenue, expanded investment and enhanced programs, services and value of membership. The President & Chief Executive Officer position of Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce is an outstanding opportunity for an economic development, chamber of commerce, association, or perhaps private sector executive to step in and lead a well-respected organization committed to the success of the business sector and overall community development in Reno County. While proud of their heritage, residents of Reno County feel in many ways that the best is yet to come for their community. With a staff mixture of both tenured and newer professionals, and an engaged and committed Board, the new CEO will work in partnership with existing business and government leadership to shape the community for years to come. Contacts The client organization we represent and WAVERLY PARTNERS firmly support the principle and philosophy of equal opportunity for all individuals, regardless of race, religion, sex, age, national origin or disability. If you are aware of an outstanding executive who meets these requirements and would be interested in evaluating this exciting opportunity, please contact WAVERLY PARTNERS, the executive search firm retained by the Chamber Board on this search and the preferred provider of executive search services of the American Chamber of Commerce Executives. Contact either consultant directly or both of them through email: Hutch@Waverly-Partners.com Deborah M. Galbraith, Managing Director & Principal Eric N. Peterson, Managing Director & Principal WAVERLY PARTNERS, LLC, Kansas City, Kansas WAVERLY PARTNERS, LLC, Cleveland, Ohio Office: (785) 856-9273 Office: (440) 892-5961 DGalbraith@Waverly-Partners.com EPeterson@Waverly-Partners.com 6