#1 PRIORITY -- ENHANCE MARKETING EFFORTS
The Chamber will actively promote its activities, members and the community, and increase awareness as to the value of membership.
Actions:

• Continue to promote and enhance the Buy Mower/Grow Mower! Campaign as the No.1 marketing priority.
• Work with local units of government to ensure that local businesses are given an opportunity to provide needed services and products.
• Raise awareness as the value and selection that are available locally.
• Partner with traditional media and members to increase visibility of Buy Mower message; leverage partnerships for greater visibility of program.
• Reward member partners by providing increased marketing visibility.
• Promote Chamber Bucks to the public as a valuable gift that keeps on giving.
• Promote Chamber Bucks to major employers as important tool for employee rewards and to all businesses as an important member benefit.
• Identify key community selling points and encourage all organizations to promote collectively.

#2 PRIORITY -- ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The Chamber will work in partnership with organizations involved in economic development to strengthen our area economy, workforce and tax base.
Actions:

• Continue to support Vision 2020 and consider leading one of the Top 10 projects identified.
• Emphasize business retention and expansion.
• Identify key community selling points and encourage all organizations to promote collectively.
• Host business training seminars.
• Continue to partner with Mayo Clinic Health System-Austin, and other organizations to advance the Mower Refreshed initiative.
• Work to better connect major employers and their employees with community resources and activities.
• Support and work with other organizations to improve communications and create community vision for economic development and job growth.

#3 PRIORITY -- BUSINESS ADVOCACY
The Chamber will provide a strong, effective voice for business members in government affairs.
Actions:

• Continue partnership with Minnesota Chamber and other local chambers in advancing business priorities at the State Capitol through the Chamber Federation.
• Encourage and support quality candidates for local elected offices through the Business Leadership Committee.
• Encourage local officials to seek greater efficiency in delivery of needed public services through redesign and reform.
• Build coalitions of support for Chamber positions.
• Work with local units of government to ensure that local businesses are given an opportunity to provide needed services and products.
• Organize Day at the Capitol event.
• Recognize local officials for taking positive steps toward improving business climate.
• Host issues forums with legislators and local officials; increase public awareness through media coverage/broadcast.
• Continue Leadership Austin in partnership with Riverland Community College.
• Recognize contributions of business to community.

#4 PRIORITY --EXPAND MEMBERSHIP
The Chamber will grow its membership by building and increasing awareness of value.
Actions:

• Staff personally visits 250 members.
• Recruit 40 new members.
• Retain 92% current members.
• Continue to focus more staff time on membership recruitment/retention.
• Increase awareness of membership value.
• Offer training and mentorship opportunities that help business members succeed.
• Ambassadors "Adopt a New Member."
• Continue participation for GrowMinnesota business retention program.
• Recognize member accomplishments.
• Keep members informed through electronic and print media; survey members on key issues.
• Increase Board of Directors' role in recruitment of new members.

• Continue existing events that draw people to our community, such as Freedom Fest, Christmas in the City and the Ag Appreciation Summer Cookout
• Help advance at least one of Top 10 Vision 2020 ideas to help make community a better place to live, work and shop.

GUILDING PRINCIPLES - 2012-2017

TOP 5 LONG TERM GOALS

1. The Chamber will promote and support its members, working to increase their visibility and success.
2. The Chamber will serve as the voice of business, promoting policies and economic development efforts that strengthen our business climate.
3. The Chamber will work to enhance the quality of life for all residents, making Austin and Mower County a preferred choice to live, work and play.
4. The Chamber will broaden and strengthen its membership base, reaching out to all businesses in Mower County.