2017 annual report 2018 calendar · support the growth of business, industry and agriculture in the...

2017ANNUAL REPORT&2018CALENDAR

MISSIONThe Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce mission is to promote and

support the growth of business, industry and agriculture in the Greater Augusta region.

VISIONTo make the Greater Augusta region the best place to live and work.

DIVERSITY STATEMENTIn both its values and practices, the Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce is committed to the inclusion of all diverse people irrespective of differences. There are no

barriers to participation in any activity on the basis of economic position, gender, race, creed, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability. Diverse perspectives are

important and necessary for responsible and representative decision making.

FROM THE CHAMBER CEOship is embracing this energy and have been incredibly supportive during this 2017 “transition year”. Even better, our members are asking us what’s next, and each time we give them something new the positive response is validation that we are indeed closing a wonderful year and positioning our organization for an incredible 2018.

Thank you for your investment in YOUR Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Onward,

This has been a year of transition. New leadership, new Chamber team

in the office, a new membership invest-ment structure, a new committee struc-ture, some great new programming and some embellishments on some of our existing programming. When I started in May my goal was to meet with mem-bers and community leaders, to listen, and to determine what was next for our Chamber. I’ve gathered a lot of really valuable information that has informed the changes we have already put in place and that is the foundation for our 2018 strategy.

We have an outstanding Chamber and LOTS of opportunity to be an even bet-ter one. I believe that we can become a “best practice” Chamber that others look to for new ideas. Our member-

G R E AT E R AU G U STA R E G I O N A L C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E • P : 5 4 0. 3 2 4 .1 1 3 33 0 L A D D R OA D • F I S H E R S V I L L E , VA 2 2 9 3 9 • W W W. AU G U STAVA . C O M

ANNETTE MEDLIN, IOMPresident & CEOGreater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce

https://www.augustava.com/

WHAT OUR MEMBERS ARE SAYING...

“SINCE MY BUSINESS IS

ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS

AND CONVERSATIONS, MY

MEMBERSHIP WITH THE

CHAMBER HAS HELPED ME

TO TAKE MY NETWORKING

SKILLS TO THE NEXT LEVEL!

I LOVE SUPPORTING LOCAL

SMALL BUSINESS, MEETING

FELLOW ENTREPRENEURS

AND BEING INVOLVED IN MY

COMMUNITY IN A WHOLE

NEW WAY. WHAT AN IN-

VALUABLE RESOURCE FOR

ANY SMALL BIZ!”

-LORRAINE PETTY Rodan + Fields

“Being a member of the Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce has helped not only myself, but has been a great way for ValleyStar Credit Union to expand our footprint in Augusta County. The educational newsletter and sessions are informative and the networking opportunities are numerous. The staff is always on hand to assist with any questions and are very knowl-edgeable in guiding businesses to help them grow within the community. All businesses small and large are equally showcased, and benefit with a Cham-ber membership. Keep our community growing... be a Chamber member!”

“Being part of the Chamber is great! I have made many long lasting relationships from Business After Hours. It’s definitely the number one way to meet other local busi-nesses.”

-KEITH WATERS The Chiedo Companies

-DEBRA HOSTETTER ValleyStar Credit Union


William Arthur Ward said, “The price of excellence is disci-pline; the cost of mediocrity is disappointment.” As we

have turned another year older, the GARCC Chamber today can be described by one word: Excellence. With a retiring President in May and a new one coming in behind her, the excellence with which these ladies have excelled is refresh-ing. We held two board retreats this year and we worked with new superstar President Annette Medlin to create a new board structure that has incredible momentum going into theNew Year. New committees, a new vision and a totally new staff evolved over the year as well and we appear to be set

FROM OUR BOARD CHAIR

KEVIN RATLIFF, ED.DDean of Business, Humanities & Continuing Education,Blue Ridge Community College

We are closing in on an exciting year for the GARCC. As Chair Elect my role has been to work with Annette in

these closing months of the year to evaluate where we are and to set some expectations and goals that as Chair I would like to see us accomplish in 2018.

My goals as Chair for 2018: • Engage a lean Board, leading a larger membership• Execute an effective and vibrant new Committee structure• Leading edge Chamber staffers benchmarking best prac-

tices and being benchmarked as having best practices

for take-off! But it will take discipline from all of us to make it happen and result in “excellence” for all of us and our surrounding communities. Let’s take the legacy from Linda Hershey and the new excitement from Annette and build something we can all be proud of going into 2018!

FROM OUR BOARDCHAIR ELECT

LARRY KROGGELDirector, Human Resources,Daikin Applied

• Re-branding the GARCC image; current is 10+ years old• Find a new home for the Chamber that projects a more modern 21st century image and workspace• Develop a 3-5 year strategic plan that begins in 2019

We will be looking to all of our members to be a part of our 2018 program of work. Together we will build on what we have and grow into a future of impact for our community.

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SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

Chamber 101

New Year’s DayChamber Office Closed

Morning Brew

Business After Hours

Martin Luther King Day

JANUARY

LEADERSHIP 2018 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CHAIRKevin Ratliff, Ed.DDean of Business, Humanities & Continuing Education,Blue Ridge Community College

CHAIR ELECTLarry KroggelDirector, Human Resources,Daikin Applied

PAST CHAIRJohn Bowers/Past ChairSenior Vice President,First Bank and Trust Company

Ashlie HowellBranch Manager,Farm Credit of the Virginias, ACA

Chiedo John Owner/ Founder,The Chiedo Companies

Christina Cain Executive Director,Staunton Creative Community Fund

Daniel Mowry Owner,Daniel Mowry, Esq.

Dawn Zimmerman General Manager,Residence Inn by Marriott

Donna Wood Materials Specialist,Hollister

Douglas Driver President,Lantz Construction Company

Emmett Toms State and Local Affairs,Dominion Virginia Power

Gary PowellPostmaster,United States Postal Service

Greg CampbellDirector, Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport

Jeff WilliamsBusiness Owner,More 4 Less Cleaning

Karen CarpenterReal Estate Agent,Kline May Realty

Karen ClarkPresident,Augusta Medical Group

Matthew HaleManager, Accounting and Audit Department,Hantzmon & Weibel

Patricia BarkerRegional Manager,City National Bank

Roger AldhizerSales Director,Paul Obaugh Ford

Roger WatsonPresident and Publisher,News Leader

Ryan RanalliPlant Manager,McKee Foods

Sue KrzastekHuman Resource Director,REO Logistics

RESOLVE TO STAY INVOLVED!

WIN Power Lunch

LGA

FOR ALL EVENT DETAILS, VISIT CHAMBER.AUGUSTAVA.COM/EVENTS/CALENDAR.

http://chamber.augustava.com/events/calendar%20

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Cocktails & Conversations

Valentine’s Day

President’s Day

Chamber 101

Up Conference


Morning Brew

FEBRUARY

Hot Topics for Business

• 3 Chamber 101 events (member orientation) with 30 in attendance• 17 ribbon cutting and Milestone Events with 340 in attendance• 90 new members • 702 personal visits to members • 624 handwritten notes to members

• 7,095 average monthly page views and 3,021 average monthly sessions on www.augustava.com

• 35% average email open rate and 14% average click through• 104 Member Messages and What’s Up at the Chamber emails• 1,359 Facebook likes • 398 Facebook posts that reached 191,800 people

• 21 Board Members• 12 Board and Executive Board meetings with a total participation of 156• 14 Ambassadors• 12 Ambassador meetings with 168 in attendance

MEMBER ACTION AND LEADERSHIP:

• 28 networking events with 1,550 in attendance• 5 large community events with 675 in attendance• 1 community festival with 1,000 in attendance• 12 educational events with 373 in attendance

EVENTS:

MEMBER ENGAGEMENT:

AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT:

2017 AT THE CHAMBER BY THE NUMBERS

RESOLVE TO STAY INVOLVED!

UP Conference

POST YOUR “HOT DEALS” ON OUR WEBSITE!VISIT CHAMBER.AUGUSTAVA.COM/HOTDEALS TODAY

LGA


http://chamber.augustava.com/hotdeals


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Morning Brew

Chamber 101

Lessons in Leadership

Good FridayChamber Office Closed

Tech Tuesday

MARCH


2017 ANNUALMEETING

Citizen of the YearKIM METJE

Industry of the YearREXNORD INDUSTRIES

Agriculture Business of the YearSHAMROCK FARMS

Tourism Business of the YearAUGUSTA COUNTY FAIR

Ambassador of the YearELLEN SHAVER-SHANK

Sponsor of the YearUNION BANK & TRUST

Good Neighbor of the YearSHEETZ LOCATIONS IN STAUNTON, AUGUSTA COUNTY & WAYNESBORO

DON’T MISS THE BIGGEST EVENT OF THE YEAR!ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING & BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Daylight Saving Time Begins

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCEIN BUSINESS

Business ExcellenceAwards

LGA



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Easter Sunday

APRIL

Chamber 101


Morning Brew


IT’S ALL ABOUT PROFESSIONAL WOMEN AT THE WINPOWER SUMMIT! REGISTER TODAY AT AUGUSTAVA.COM!

WIN COMMITTEE

WIN POWER LUNCHES

WIN SUMMIT

Mission/Purpose: To provide business women of all ages and levels, community opportunities to build relationships and gain knowledge needed to achieve personal, professional, and organizational goals. Additionally, this group will identify and engage with collaborative initiatives that work to empower girls and women in our community.

The Women of Influence Network (WIN) presents luncheons that provide female business owners, managers and employees the opportunity to meet, advise, support, mentor, network and encourage one another in order to pro-mote the success of their businesses, as well as providing opportunities for the members and guests to connect and learn more about the community.

A Women of Influence Network, half-day powerhouse event that brings together accom-plished female leaders, corporate executives, business owners and young professionals to share insights, exchange ideas and empower their careers. The conference includes a key-note presentation, workshops and a wine social to end the day. In addition, a trade show featur-ing local organizations and businesses provides the backdrop to the activity of the conference!

Earth Day WIN Summit

LGA




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Mother’s Day

Memorial DayChamber Office Closed

MAY

Morning Brew

Cocktails& Conversations

Chamber 101

Tech Tuesday

Business After HoursAcademic Achievers

WANT TO HELP US RETAIN LOCAL TALENT?CONTRIBUTE TO THE ACADEMIC ACHIEVERS PROGRAM

ACADEMIC ACHIEVERS

The Chamber Foundation is committed to assisting the “workforce of the future” through its annual schol-arship fund, Academic Achievers. In 2017 we provided 33, $1000 scholarships to students headed to their next level of education. For some it was a 4 year program, but for many it was for trade and voca-tional training and then straight into the workforce. We believe that education after high school should fit the dream of the student and that looks different for each of them!

Thanks to our member businesses who invest in this program each year.

AG R E A T E R A U G U S T A L E A D E R S H I P

G

LGA Graduation



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Father’s Day

JUNE

Lessons in Leadership Chamber 101

Business After Hours Morning Brew


IT’S TIME TO GET YOUR APPLICATION IN FOR LEADERSHIPGREATER AUGUSTA 2019! APPLY AT AUGUSTAVA.COM.

WANT TO HELP US RETAIN LOCAL TALENT?

BACKGROUNDLeadership Greater Augusta is a 9-month intensive training program for emerging and existing leaders; LGA builds the needed skills, knowledge, motivation and vision to develop a stronger community.

PURPOSEThe purpose of Leadership Greater Augusta is to advance positive, progressive and orderly business and professional development in the Greater Augusta Region by achieving the following:• Educate potential and existing business and community leaders through exposure

to diverse realities, personalities, and challenges in the community.• Develop and enhance visionary leadership skills through in-depth training.

OBJECTIVESThe objectives of Leadership Greater Augusta include the following:• Inform participants about the Greater Augusta region’s history, government, econ-

omy, social issues, needs and opportunities, and the existing processes for dealing with them;

• Introduce participants to, and establish dialogue with, each other and current lead-ers in the Greater Augusta Region;

• Encourage participants to participate in future activities, which contribute to the growth and betterment of our community;

• Train participants to be visionary leaders and prepare them for higher level leader-ship roles in the community.

Economic DevelopmentBreakfast

LGA Applications Opened

AG R E A T E R A U G U S T A L E A D E R S H I P

G




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Independence DayChamber Office Closed

JULY

Morning Brew

Chamber 101

Tech Tuesday

Business After HoursWIN Power Lunch

MAKE THE MOST OUT OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP!REGISTER TO ATTEND THE NEXT CHAMBER 101

RIBBON CUTTINGS& NEW BUSINESS

THIS YEAR WE WELCOMED 90 NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS, AND PARTICIPATED IN 17 RIBBON CUTTING, GRAND OPENING & GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONIES!

Businesson the Green

LGA Applications Closed



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AUGUST

This is the Chamber’s new government affairs commit-tee. The mission and purpose of the group is to collabo-rate with key constituent groups and chamber members to identify emerging issues that are important to the Greater Augusta region’s business community. The com-mittee monitors and educates members on legislation at the federal, state and local level. A focused process is followed that involves hearing presentations on issues, reviewing issues, gathering input from our members as to how these issues impact their business and then mak-ing recommendations to the Board for further action.

Get involved in helping the Chamber be THE active voice of business for our community!!

Chamber 101


Morning Brew



MEET ELECTED OFFICIALS FROM STATE LEVEL TO LOCAL!REGISTER TODAY TO ATTEND PIG PICKIN’ & POLITICIN’ ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 21

MAKE THE MOST OUT OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP!

Pig Pickin’ & Politicin’

CHAMBER ADVOCACY

VOICE OF BUSINESS

LGA Opening Reception



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Labor DayChamber Office Closed

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SEPTEMBER

Morning Brew

Chamber 101


Tech Tuesday

Lessons in Leadership

THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO GET INVOLVED AT YOUR CHAMBER!CHECK OUT OUR COMMITTEE OPPORTUNITIES AT WWW.AUGUSTAVA.COM/COMMITTEES

MORNING BREW

A great morning networking event where the business community gathers at a different business each month. Attendees have the opportunity to make announcements and hear from the host business. First time attendees are introduced each week as well.

NETWORKINGEVENTS

BUSINESS ON THE GREEN

A morning of networking with clients and other area

businesses on the links! A great way to spend an

extended time with clients or business friends in a casual

and fun environment.

WINThe Women of Influence Network (WIN) presents luncheons that pro-

vide female business owners, managers and employees the

opportunity to meet, advise, support, mentor, network

and encourage one another in order to promote the success of

their businesses, as well as provid-ing opportunities for the members and guests to connect and learn

more about the community.

COCKTAILS &CONVERSATIONSCocktails and Conversa-tions is our speed net-working event designed to create direct one-on-one networking in a fun and fast paced environ-ment. Our members walk away with a handful of new business connec-tions!

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

A great way to network with many local businesses

in a casual, after-hours environment!

LGA Retreat LGA Retreat


https://www.augustava.com/committees/


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Halloween

OCTOBER

WIN Power Lunch

Chamber 101


Morning Brew


DON’T MISS FARMING IN THE VALLEY!VISIT WWW.AUGUSTAVA.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION

Farming in the Valley

WIN Power Lunch

DC 2018 DC 2018

LGA

Farming in the Valley is a family friendly festival geared toward children’s education in agriculture. Agriculture is a significant part of our culture in the Greater Augusta region and we want kids to learn what exactly that means through hands on activities like a petting zoo, sheep herding demon-strations, apple butter churning, a corn maze, reading time with Cub-bie Bear, and a pedal pull. The fes-tival also includes vendors with local produce and products!




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Veterans Day

Thanksgiving DayChamber Office Closed

NOVEMBER

Morning Brew

Chamber 101

Business After HoursTech Tuesday


WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR MEMBERSHIP!HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM THE GREATER AUGUSTA REGIONAL CHAMBER

Daylight Saving Time Ends

Veterans Day Observed

Small BusinessSaturday


In October of this year, based on input received from the membership, we created a new structure for an active group of committees that will vet new ideas, assist in the facilitation of Chamber programs and events, and review and debate issues resulting in recommendations to the Board for action.

WHAT’S YOUR INTEREST? GET INVOLVED!• Voice of Business• Talent Coalition• Regional Visioning Cohort

C O N V E N I N G TO C O N N E C T

LGA

Chamber Office Closed

• Small Business Council• Women of Influence Network (WIN)• Ag Business


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30

Christmas EveChamber Office Closed

New Year’s EveChamber Office Closed

DECEMBER

31Christmas DayChamber Office Closed

Chamber 101


Morning Brew


HELP US, HELP YOU! CHECK YOUR ONLINE DIRECTORY LISTING AT WWW.AUGUSTAVA.COM & MAKE SURE ALL INFORMATION IS CORRECT!


When it comes to issues, the Chamber is THE voice of business. We like to say that while you are taking care of your business every day we are in the “business, business”. We are constantly reviewing issues and looking for ways to advocate on behalf of the business community and we have created a range of activities that allow you to showcase your business in connection with business advocacy.

ADVOCACY IS IMPORTANT FOR MY BRAND

+4

In order to boost your brand you need all the exposure you can get. The Chamber website and it’s weekly mem-ber emails, blog posts and social connectivity are just another way to get the good word out about everything your business has to offer.

I’M LOOKING FOR ADDITIONAL BRAND PROMOTION

+3

One of the Chambers direct responsibilities is to be a conduit for education. Education of all kinds! We provide business education that introduces businesses to tools that will help them be more successful, we help create strong community leaders through leadership education, we connect business to youth education through schol-arship programs and other youth education efforts, and we host conferences that provide a forum for learning new skills for both personal and business success.

MY FOCUS IS EDUCATION

+1

So often our members tell us that being engaged with the Chamber helps them engage with their community. We know that what we do for our members ends up having a broader impact on the entire community. The “plus” com-ponent for you may be to align with programs and events that have the biggest community message.

I LIKE TO ALIGN MY BRAND WITH COMMUNITY

+5

Making connections is a fundamental role for the Chamber. Frequently we hear testimonials from members who say that they have increased their business just by participating in the many networking opportunities available through Chamber membership. If your brand message is being a “connector” then this is the place for you.

MY BRAND CONNECTS WITH NETWORKING

+2

WHAT’S YOUR 2019 PLAN?

Legislative Breakfast

LGA



CHAMBER TEAM

Membership is valuable & affordable, with investment starting at less than $23 per month.

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS AVAILABLE

• Chamber website members only section• Annual Member Services Consultation• Logo and name on all print, radio & website• Recognition on event collateral• Listing in website business directory• Banner ad on website business directory• Bi-monthly eMagazine• Business card ad in bi-monthly eMagazine• Premium spots in the Member Newsletter• Listing in annual Chamber Community Resource Guide• Business referrals• Featured on the ‘Chamber Minute’ (new members only)• Member window cling for display at your business• Milestone events (ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings)• Registrations for GA in DC and Chamber Day in

Richmond• Call to action requests on all key business issues• Individual event tickets to chamber luncheons/

breakfasts• Chamber Annual Dinner tickets• Leadshare groups• Monthly networking events• Member pricing at chamber events• Serve on chamber committees• Chamber 101 (monthly membership orientation)• Member only business education programs• Opportunity to offer ‘Hot Deals’• Post company job openings• Certificates of Origin

The Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce is Your...

PARTNER IN PROMOTION

CONNECTIONBUILDER

BUSINESSADVOCATE

Increase your visibility, get the word out, gain access to cost-e�ective and often freeadvertising for your business.

Looking for leads, networking and business showcase opportunities?

You’ve come to the right place.

We’re your voice on issues that a�ect business and we maintain direct

contact with leaders in all levels of government. When you need

change, we make change happen.

KIM WILBURDirector of Information & Special [email protected]

MEGAN HARDINDirector of Operations & [email protected]

(benefits vary based on your choice of investment level)

CHAMBER TEAM

ANNETTE MEDLIN, IOMPresident & [email protected]

HANNAH COOPERDirector of Membership [email protected]

LEVELS OF INVESTMENT

CONNECT: $275GROW: $395

ACCESS: $515BUILDER: $735LEADER: $1,100

For more information on membership, Contact Hannah Cooper at [email protected].


WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?


mailto:[email protected]





CHAMBER TEAM

KIM WILBURDirector of Information & Special [email protected]

MEGAN HARDINDirector of Operations & [email protected]

GREATER AUGUSTA REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 30 LADD ROAD FISHERSVILLE, VA 22939WWW.AUGUSTAVA.COM

FACEBOOK.COM/GARCCVA



2017 annual report 2018 calendar · support the growth of business, industry and agriculture in the...

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