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2009 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Interactive Web Site - www.cornerstonechamber.com Launched September 2006 - 63,799 total visits - 220,940 page views
Social Media Communications Facebook page created on November 5 - 450 fans established in first two weeks and growing
Combined Annual Reception/Champions of Business Awards 34 business awards presented
49th Golf, Horseshoe & Steak Fry 281 in attendance
Harbor Shores Golf Outing 100 golfers participated in this inaugural event
Fall Trade Fair 79 member exhibitors - 2,800 in attendance
Business After Hours 13 events - 2,000 in attendance
Ribbon Cuttings/Open Houses/Groundbreaking Ceremonies 9 events
Seminars H.R. Retirement, Lakeshore 504, Who to Talk to, The New Gold Standard, Off Balance On Purpose, Managing your Business through the Economic Crisis, H.R. Developing an Employee Handbook, BrandsFormation - 442 in attendance
Eye Opener Breakfast 26 members attended September event
Business Advocacy The Chamber's Board of Directors took up a number of business advocacy issues in 2009 including the following resolutions:
- Opposition to proposed MIOSHA Ergonomic Standard Changes
- Opposition to proposed changes in the Renaissance Zone Law
- Opposition to the changes in the Unemployment Insurance Act which would have increased costs to existing businesses
- Support for changes to the Michigan Budget Development Process including a change of fiscal year to June 1st instead of October 1st
- Support for funding of the highly successful Pure Michigan tourism marketing campaign
- Support for the Lakeside Beach Club project zoning issue in Lincoln Charter Township
- Support for proposed changes to the Education Sinking Fund Act which would allow for inclusion of technology and transportation issue uses of sinking fund dollars at the K-12 level
New Members 66 new members
Chief Elected Officials Hosted CEO Council monthly throughout the entire year with an average attendance of 24 key leaders sharing best practices and legislative concerns.
Special Session with State & Federal Legislators John Proos and Ron Jelinek hold dialogue with the full Chamber Board at December Board meeting.
Community Leadership Academy Continued major sponsorship of the Academy and provided one full scholarship
Ongoing Efforts to Collaborate with Regional Chambers of Commerce Partnered with the following Chambers: Berrien Springs/Eau Claire Chamber, Bridgman Area Chamber, Lakeshore Chamber, Coloma-Watervliet Area Chamber, and Harbor Country Chamber.
Tourist Organizations Ongoing collaboration with the Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council and St. Joseph Today
Ambassador Corps Recognized Glenn Wilson as 2008 Ambassador of the Year
Membership Newsletter Published 52 weekly full-color Cornerstone Chamber Insider newsletters for email distribution directly to our membership every Friday morning.
Customer Service web-based Citation Initiative 68 citations received since the launch of the initiative on 2/14/08 - 35 negative - 33 positive.
Customer Service Academy Graduated 15 students from this 2nd year program and luanched planning for winter semester's 3rd year.
Member Referrals 1,472 business referrals to 391 members through 9/30/09 from our Chamber database.
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