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Spring, 2005
 Content: • Chamber pursues 2005 strategic plan
The Berkshire Chamber of Commerce has upgraded its mode of transportation to the 2005 model. Several components have gone into making the chamber an operational machine, with the 36-member board of directors in the driver's seat. The strategic plan is the frame, volunteers are the gas and the staff keeps the machine oiled. With collaboration as the key, where are they headed? Here are the trip highlights: * Collaboration with key economic development partners. This year will bring members of the Berkshire Regional Competitiveness Council together to sell Berkshire County. As this group moves forward in developing a plan of attack and populating the forces, the Berkshire chamber will be instrumental in carrying out the mission and goals of the council. One of the main goals identified by the Berkshire Regional Competitiveness Council is the development of a "one-stop shop" of pertinent business resources. This information portal will contain the data a company would need to make an educated decision to relocate to the area, including demographics, cost of doing business and cost of living rates, work force information, and tax rates. The Berkshire Business Real Estate Locator, the chamber's existing site for available commercial, retail and land space, will be incorporated into the portal. * Collaboration with Berkshire County legislators. For the first time in recent history, the Berkshire Chamber is close to finalizing a legislative agenda. The agenda will identify the issues that are important to the growth and stability of the local economy. This will allow the chamber to proactively support the business community's ability to compete regionally, statewide, nationally and even globally. The county needs to send a message that the Berkshires are open for business, and staying engaged on business-related policies is a step in the right direction. * Collaboration with Berkshire County businesses. Over the next three years, the Berkshire chamber will grow and strengthen operations to become the largest and most effective business organization in Berkshire County and a powerful influence for business in Massachusetts. Specifically, what does this mean? To be a strong voice for business, an organization must represent a majority of the businesses. The Berkshire chamber currently has 1,350 members, and the number is expected to grow to more than 1,400 by the end of this year and to 1,500 by 2007. The chamber will continue to deliver value to its members and enhance program benefits in order to maintain a retention rate of 88 percent. The Berkshire chamber also plans to conduct site visits to local companies to investigate what is preventing companies from reaching their maximum potential. The chamber will invite businesses to the table, listen to their needs and determine how the chamber can help. The knowledge gained will be used to set corrective action plans to address the key areas found during the visits and in the meetings. The Berkshire chamber has its map, the vehicle is gassed up and the drivers are prepared to take the best course, not necessarily the short cut or the scenic route. Watch for the trip updates. The 2005 model should prove to be an award winner. Stephanie French is director of marketing and communications for the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce. She can be contacted at (413) 499-4000, ext. 18, or at sfrench@berkshirechamber.com.  RETURN TO TOP |
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