PROGRAM OF WORK – 2006

Entrepreneur Friendly Community

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Perry Area Chamber of Commerce is to promote and sustain the business of its members and enhance the quality of life for the greater Perry area.

LEADERSHIP PERRY COMMITTEE

Co-Chairs: Sheila Jones and Beth Burris

Purpose: To develop and expand the base of informed and qualified leaders for Perry and Houston County.

Projects: This committee plans, participates, and finances the following tours and programs:

Leadership Perry Nominations - The committee selects 15-20 participants from the written applications. Alumni or corporate sponsors may nominate applicants.

Press Conference - December Press Conference to introduce the class and their sponsors.

Class Tours - Leadership Perry is a series of daylong tours, conducted over nine months. The tours have the following themes: State Government Day, County Government Day, City Government Day, Education Day, Health & Human Services Day, Industry Day, Robins Air Force Base Day, and Community Awareness Day.

Class Retreat - The class participates in a two-day retreat with team building and leadership skills sessions.

Class Survey - Conduct a survey of participants’ opinions on the strengths and weaknesses of Perry/Houston County. Surveys conducted at Retreat and after graduation to compare results.

Class Graduation - Dinner and awards banquet with a speaker.

Alumni Program – Develop ways to use Leadership Perry Alumni. Encourage recent graduates to serve the Chamber of Commerce, City of Perry and the Perry area community.

MEMBER SERVICES COMMITTEE

Chair:

Purpose: Encourage membership growth, promote member services, and increase public awareness of the Chamber of Commerce’s mission and activities.

Members: Bonnie Blackmon

Projects: This committee is responsible for the following projects.

Membership Recruitment - Conduct a month-long new member drive from a target list of non-member businesses in the Perry Area. Coordinate effort with the Chamber’s President/CEO.

New Member Orientation - Conduct a new member orientation event annually to show appreciation for new members and make them aware of our Program of Work and how they can become involved.

Membership Visitation – The President/CEO shall regularly visit members and shall enlist members of this Committee to assist in the visitation effort to solicit comments and opinions on how the Chamber is, or may not be, meeting their needs and report results to the President/CEO.

Member Retention - Develop new ideas, value-added benefits, programs and services for members.

Continue to upgrade the new member incentive package.

Business After Hours -This is a networking opportunity for members of the Chamber of Commerce. These events are held bi-monthly in the evening. A local business sponsors the event, which allows that business to showcase their products and/or services. Members who attend have the opportunity to network with other active members making valuable contacts within the community.

Good Morning Perry Breakfast - This is also a networking opportunity for Chamber members. These events are held bi-monthly in the mornings at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter. A local sponsor provides a continental breakfast. Students of the Month are recognized and presented awards and a brief program of interest to the business community is presented.

Administrative Professional Luncheon - This event is held annually on National Secretaries Day. The Chamber provides a luncheon, program, and door prizes/gifts for the secretaries and administrative staff of members of the Chamber of Commerce.

Annual Meeting - The Perry Area Chamber of Commerce holds an Annual Meeting each January

to report to the membership, induct the incoming Chairman and Directors, recognize outgoing Directors, and honor community volunteers. This Banquet style dinner event features a speaker of state, national, or international importance.

Ambassadors – A group of volunteers willing to represent Perry at various functions including ribbon cuttings, grand openings and groundbreakings.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Co-Chairs: Karen Thompson and David Grossnickle

Purpose : Support established business and industry members and encourage economic and small business development and growth in the Perry area.

Members: Shannon Hargrove, Marti Tolleson, Mike Baker, and Rick Davis

Projects: This committee is responsible for the following programs and projects:

Business Recruitment, Development, Retention and Expansion – Working with present Chamber members and the Downtown Development Authority, recruit new businesses to the Perry area and work to expand existing businesses through the following efforts:

Develop and conduct a Business Climate Survey to define the focus for the expansion of existing businesses and obtain feedback on the value of the committee and its work.
Develop marketing and informational brochure/package for potential businesses and target specific businesses for recruitment to the Perry area focusing on the Entrepreneurial Friendly Community benefits.
Continue the ‘Business of the Month’ program to recognize existing businesses and their contributions to the community.
Develop, implement and market an ‘exceptional customer service’ recognition program for community businesses.
Maintain membership in the International Council of Shopping Centers and utilize the association’s resources to better prepare the Perry area for new businesses.
Use the state-awarded designation of Entrepreneurial Friendly Community to market the Perry area.

Work With Other Area Business Development Entities – Meet with, facilitate and support activities of the Downtown Development Authority, the Downtown Merchant’s Association, the Houston County Development Authority, the Georgia National Fairgrounds and AgriCenter, the Perry-Houston County Airport, and the Warner Robins Area Chamber of Commerce’s Warner Robins Industry Now Group (WRING). Represent the Perry Area Chamber of Commerce at meetings and functions of these groups.

Business Development Seminars/Workshops – Establish annual training needs of the business community and then develop, coordinate, and conduct beneficial seminars or workshops to meet those specific needs, working in conjunction with the Uptown Perry Partnership, the educational arm of the Downtown Development Authority, and the Warner Robins Area Chamber of Commerce.

Developer Tours/Dinners – Support the Houston County Development Authority when it hosts state economic developers for tours of our existing industry and infrastructure in Houston County, showcasing the county and what we have to offer prospective business and industry.

Established Industry Appreciation Event – Support this annual event co-hosted by the Perry Area Chamber, Warner Robins Area Chamber and the Houston County Development Authority, where existing manufacturers and major industries within Houston County.

EDUCATION COMMITTEE

Chairmen: Michael Chalmers

Purpose : Promote and enhance the quality of education in Houston County, especially in the Perry area.

Members: Darryl Albritton, Earl Cheek, Skip Dawkins, Billy Edenfield, Janette Anderson, Kim Halstead, Joe Hutcheson and Thomas Moore

Projects: This committee is responsible for the projects that follow.

Middle Georgia Technical College GOAL Program - (Governor’s Occupational Award for Leadership) In addition to sponsoring the program financially when requested by MGTC, this committee provides a judge to MGTC to select an area winner who will then advance to state level competition. The judging will likely take place the end of February, early March. The state event is May 24-27.

STAR Student/Teacher - We co-sponsor this state program with the Warner Robins Chamber. Each STAR Student and STAR Teacher is presented a $500 savings bond and an additional $500 savings bond is given to the system wide STAR student and STAR Teacher. The Chambers coordinate and equally fund the local awards and the reception. The Chambers also pay for the STAR student and teacher to attend both the regional and state events. The local recognition program will be held between February 7 and March 4, 2005. The region recognition will be held between March 4 and April 8, 2005. The state PAGE STAR banquet will be held in Atlanta the last week of April 2005. (Perry plans odd years and Warner Robins plans even years, so 2005 will be the Perry Chamber’s turn.)

Career Development – Chamber members will offer to present the CHOICES program to Perry Middle School to help students make smart choices about their career and life choices. Training and materials are provided by the MGTC Tech Prep program.

The Chamber will offer schools the scheduling and coordination of various business leaders to speak to classes and to participate in career days. This service provides speakers to discuss specific career opportunities and other topics such as customer service and employability.

Education Appreciation Cookouts - This event is held annually to show our support of and appreciation for the Houston County Board of Education, Perry area school principals, Westfield’s directors, headmaster and principals, various educators from Middle Georgia Technical College and Macon State College. The invited educators are briefed on the various education related projects sponsored by the Perry Area Chamber of Commerce, introduced to education sponsors, and given the opportunity to discuss what education means to the community. This event is typically held early June.

M.H. Cheek English Award - The Chamber administers a scholarship funded by contributions from Mr. Earl Cheek. The monetary scholarship is given annually to a Perry Middle School English student in the eighth grade. Perry Middle selects the student on the basis of highest average, cooperative attitude, community contribution, a 100-word essay and future plans for higher education. The student is recognized at the school honors program with a check up to $150. This is presented in May.

Perry High School Honors Contribution – The Chamber’s Executive Board administers the Perry Community Foundation, which was initiated by Mr. Earl Cheek and Dr. Derryl Whipple. The accrued interest is presented to Perry High School to offset the cost of the annual awards program and/or to help students in need. This is presented in May.

Students of the Month - The committee coordinates with all Perry schools, plus other schools in Houston County that are Chamber members, to honor their respective Students of the Month. The elementary and middle school students and their parents are invited to the Chamber each month and awarded a certificate. The high school students, principals, and parents are invited to attend the Chamber’s Good Morning Perry Breakfast held every other month where the Education Committee Chairperson will introduce the students and parents and honor them publicly with a plaque. This event takes place monthly.

Georgia Scholar Reception – This event is co-sponsored with the Warner Robins Chamber. This is a state program, and our event recognizes local Georgia Scholars. (Perry- even years; Warner Robins- odd) This is usually held in May.

Miscellaneous Public Relations – The committee works to increase coverage of academic and extracurricular accomplishments in the local media and to encourage the involvement of school personnel in Chamber functions and events and vice-versa. In 2005, the committee will create a brochure on all of the Perry schools and conduct a customer survey to evaluate the benefits of the Program of Work.

New Teacher Luncheons - The Chamber will be a sponsor of both the Houston County School System and Westfield Schools new teacher luncheons. These are usually the end of July.

Teacher of the Year Awards - Teacher of the Year Awards are co-sponsored by the Perry Area and Warner Robins Chambers. The Perry Chamber funds half of the cost for four plaques, which are presented to the system runner-ups for TOTY. The plaques are presented at the Opening Session. This event will be held August 1, 2005.

Sponsorship – The committee works to raise corporate sponsorships to fund the education programs of the Perry Area Chamber of Commerce Education Committee.

Youth Leadership – Modeled after the Leadership Perry program, the Youth Leadership class consists of juniors from Perry High (9) and Westfield (6). The program consists of six sessions including a daylong retreat, RAFB tour, city and county government tour, existing industry tour, health and human services tour and a State Legislature tour in Atlanta. This is a sub-committee of the education committee, co-chaired by Michael Chalmers and Ricki Free.

MILITARY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

Chairman: Skip Dawkins

Purpose: Provide support to Robins Air Force Base in an effort to keep it viable as the economic engine that drives Middle Georgia.

Projects: This committee is responsible for the following projects.

The Middle Georgia Military Affairs Committee determines this committee’s projects. MGMAC consists of Middle Georgia counties within the area of influence of the base. Local projects focus on key military and appreciation events.

Committee Member Recruitment - The Middle Georgia Military Affairs Committee, under the direction of the Warner Robins Air Force Base Public Affairs Office, assigns the Perry Military Affairs Committee membership slots – our allotment is 29 members. Additional slots may be added with approval of the WRAFB/PA. The number of slots also determines our pro-rata share of expenses incurred by the Middle Georgia Military Affairs Committee.

Museum of Aviation Pledge -Members of the Perry Military Affairs Committee must commit to the Heritage of Eagles Campaign at the Museum of Aviation. Each member donates $1000, payable in $200 installments over a five-year period. In addition to these contributions, the Perry Area Chamber of Commerce’s Military Affairs Committee annually donates $1000 to the Airman’s Attic.

Middle Georgia Military Affairs Committee - MGMAC consists of the counties in the middle Georgia area that Robins Air Force Base (RAFB) impacts, and who are committed to keeping it as the economic engine that drives our area. The Perry Area Chamber’s Chairman of the Board, President/CEO, and Military Affairs Chairperson serve on the Executive Board of this committee. The committee meets once per quarter, or as may be otherwise scheduled, to discuss issues affecting RAFB and provide community support. The committee provides RAFB an outlet through which to keep our community informed about issues and events at RAFB.

Military Ball - Members of the Perry Military Affairs Committee are required to purchase tickets to this event that MGMAC holds annually to raise funds for the Museum of Aviation.

Georgia Invitational Golf Tournament - This annual event is an annual fundraiser for the RAFB Museum of Aviation. It has raised more than $1 million for this key tourism and educational facility. Brigadier General Robert Scott (Ret) and former U.S. Senator Sam Nunn are Honorary Chairpersons for this event, which draws participants and dignitaries from Georgia and throughout the Nation.

Fall Social - This annual event is a local event sponsored by this committee to express our appreciation for the RAFB/ALC Commanding General and his senior staff.

Base Functions & Socials - The RAFB/PA invites members of the Perry Military Affairs Committee to various receptions, briefings, and events. Attendance at these functions is a key element of this committee and indicates our support for RAFB and serves to maintain relationships with key base personnel. Each member will attend as many as feasible and will diligently RSVP on all invitations.

21 st Century Partnership - The Middle Georgia community created this organization to handle the briefings regarding the BRAC hearings during the 1990's and 2000’s. The organization remains in operation to keep informed of defense issues that may affect RAFB. The Perry Area Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board, Chairman Military Affairs Committee, and the President/CEO serve on the Board of Directors.

GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS

Chairs: Draper Watson

Purpose: Facilitate productive relationships between the Chamber and governing agencies.

Members: Carey Baxter, Dave Cyr, Linda Easterly, & Amy Green.

Projects: This committee plans and/or participates in the following:

Candidate Forums – Plan and host forums to allow Chamber members access to hear candidates speak and have the opportunity for questions and answer sessions during election years.

City Council – Keeping the Mayor and City Council informed of the Chamber’s Program of Work, activities and events. Assist the President/CEO with an annual report to the City Council. Perform as a liaison and maintain personal contact with elected officials to encourage attendance and participation at Chamber events.

County Commission – Keeping the County Commissioners informed of the Chamber’s activities and Program of Work. Perform as a liaison and maintain personal contact with elected officials to encourage attendance and participation at Chamber events.

Elected Officials Cookout – Informal gathering to show appreciation and support for our elected officials and to discuss community issues and Chamber activities.

Federal/State Legislators – Communicate with and encourage attendance at Chamber events. Perform as a liaison and maintain personal contact with elected officials to encourage participation at Chamber events and to keep legislators informed of Chamber goals and accomplishments. Provide liaison and provide assistance with issues and projects.

Houston County Legislative Luncheon – The Perry and Warner Robins Chambers of Commerce sponsor this event to network with our State Legislative Delegation. The Chambers alternate administrative responsibility for organizing the event (Perry in odd years; Warner Robins in even years).

Legislative Delegation Appreciation Event – Plan and host a luncheon which allows the Chamber membership to show appreciation and support for our State Legislative Delegation, post- legislative session.

Legislative Delegation Updates – Plan and host forums to allow Chamber members access to hear our elected officials speak and have the opportunity for questions and answer sessions.

Houston County Business Legislative Agenda – The Perry & Warner Robins Area Chambers of Commerce with the support of the Houston County Development Authority will work together to develop a Legislative Agenda for the Houston County Business Community. This cooperative team will review and endorse the Legislative Agenda listed below. This effort will involve a pre-legislative briefing with the Houston County Delegation to review the agenda. Resolutions will be written from this cooperative team on issues that they determine will benefit the Houston County business climate. A follow up with the Delegation will take place at the Houston County Legislative Luncheon in Atlanta on January 25, 2005.

LONG RANGE PLANNING COMMITTEE

Chairman: Kelly Mullins

Purpose: Develop and maintain a strategic long-term plan for the Perry Area Chamber.

Review of Program of Works – Each committee will do a survey of their users to find out if the committee is meeting their needs. Once the surveys are done the Long Range Planning Committee will review the surveys and make recommendations to the board on any changes or actions that need to take place.

Long Range Plan - Develop a comprehensive three-year plan, which is reviewed and updated annually.

Nominations - This committee serves as a nominating committee that submits names of candidates to the Board of Directors for vacant or retiring positions on the Board.