Chamber Mission and Work Plan
Mission Statement
The Brainerd Lakes Chamber serves its members by building a healthy and successful business community in the Brainerd Lakes Area through:
- Positioning the Brainerd Lakes Area as a premier Minnesota vacation destination.
- Advocating for business interests.
- Coordinating member-focused marketing programs.
- Creating educational opportunities.
The 2012 Chamber Priorities include:
Offering programs that support and grow existing businesses and celebrate entrepreneurs – through education and connections, such as business roundtable groups, educational programs, lead generation activities, industry awareness events – and through ongoing partnerships with Brainerd Lakes Area Economic Development Corporation.
Establishing a business awards program – recognizing the outstanding businesses in our region.
Connecting high school students from 23 schools to high-pay, high-demand jobs in our region – the important work of The Bridges Workplace Connection, which is making a difference! More than 80 percent of the students said their Bridges experience better prepared them for their post-secondary education. Another priority this year is piloting a job shadow program with liberal arts students at Central Lakes College to help guide their career choices.
Promoting government efficiencies, productivity, and partnerships – through our regional business councils and neighborhood advisory boards. Another goal is improving our reporting to members about our advocacy engagement.
Analyzing the Chamber’s communications plan.
Extending support to the Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport and ensuring the continuation of scheduled air service.
Redesigning the Commerce & Industry Show and launching the new Brainerd Lakes Marketplace.
Launching a “secret shopper” program for member retail businesses.
Developing a plan to emphasize the benefits of shopping locally.
Analyzing Chamber member dues and developing a tiered dues program that bundles benefits.
Implementing quarterly Membership Maximizer meetings to allow current and new members to better engage with Chamber benefits.
Emphasizing the Brainerd Lakes Area, which is a world-class tourism destination, as a destination and evolving www.explorebrainerdlakes.com into a world class website – with more photographs, video, calls to action, and a mobile version. Custom programming will make the website more functional and enable more promotion of events, specials, and provide better search results to promote our members.
Increasing and targeting social media campaigns for tourists and Chamber members to engage, promote, and build community.
Focusing on projects instead of committees – so members can dial into what is important to them – contribute talents – and accomplish the goal.
Expanding recognition of volunteer contributions.