Committees

Annual Coastal Clean-up In Hancock County, the Chamber of Commerce is the heartbeat of the community. It is the glue that brings all segments of the community together, working toward common goals.    Many of our initiatives are overseen by our 26 committees.  Below is a list our 2010 priorities, followed by a roster of our committees and their on-going projects. 2010 PRIORITIES - SUMMARY + Member Services o   Continue support of the $3 million Job Generation Fund (low interest/forgivable loan program). o   Provide support to government to develop the Waveland Business Incubator o   Enhance member services through technology—launch new website and social media o   Develop a business education program for the Chamber to include seminars, training and webinars for members on marketing, business planning and financial management. o   Seek marketing funds to promote the area to generate new business for small business owners + Business Corridor Initiatives o   Enhance our gateways into Hancock County with a special 2010 focus on the Hwy 607 entrance o   Develop a master signage plan to commercial corridors & find funds for signage o   Implement the “Wrap It Up by 2010” awareness campaign to encourage business owners and residents to remove all visible signs of Katrina + Partnerships o   Government Relations – Enhance relationships with elected and public officials. o   Pull together a group of business-related organizations and government to foster teamwork, collaborate on priorities, and create positive outcomes on community issues + Operations o   Coordinate with City of Bay St. Louis for the move to the new permanent Chamber Office in the City Annex o   Provide business services for the Chamber, Foundation, Partners, and groups focused on business development o   Continue to develop the Chamber’s county-wide focus, including further growth of the Kiln Business Council + Foundation o   Continue to implement the $3 million Job Generation Fund o   Seek additional funding sources for small business and community development o   Cultivate contacts to obtain funding from the Department of the Treasury to establish a Community Development Financial Institution COMMITTEES OPERATIONS Finance By-Laws Compliance Facilities Nominating BEAUTIFICATION Greenways Beautification EDUCATION Education EVENTS Major Events MEMBER SERVICES Member Services Marketing, Communications & Technology Ambassadors Business Education Major Sponsors Membership Meetings PARTNERSHIPS Past Presidents Advisory Government Relations Hancock Organizations Liaison through the Hancock Business Council Hancock County Tourism Bureau Board Appointment Hancock Main Street Board Appointment Waveland Business Incubator LEADERSHIP Kiln Business Council Women's Leadership Roundtable Leadership Hancock PROGRAM MANAGEMENT Partners for Stennis Hancock Community Development Foundation OPERATIONS Finance Committee To provide financial oversight and to conduct monthly reviews of Chamber financial statements and records; and, to make financial investment recommendations to the board. Chair:             Rea Montjoy Members:      Angelyn Treutel, Matt Scardino, Clay Leyser, Hal Leftwich Staff:               Lynne Chasez Goals: •           Monthly committee review of financial records •           Monthly CPA review of records, calculation of taxes •           Annual preparation of 990 by CPA •           Annual budget preparation in December/January with Executive Committee •           Oversee annual audit •           Make recommendations on financial investments & policies and procedures for accounting (to include Bay BridgeFest in 2010) •           Create and publish a fee schedule for work done in managing other group’s finances By-Laws Committee To review the governing policies of the organization.  Meetings held as needed as called by the Chairman. Chair:             Mary Perkins.  Staff:               Tish Williams Constitution and By-Laws Compliance To provide additional oversight and help ensure adherence to controls, especially in regards to finances;  serves as ombudsman to receive anonymous feedback on any irregularities.  Complete Annual Report to EPA in April 2010 and conduct final board training in March for grant management and fraud prevention to conclude three year compliance agreement with EPA. Chair:             Cindy Knoblock Staff:               Tish Williams, Carol Wasielewski Facilities Committee To provide guidance on issues related to Chamber facilities, both short-term and long-term;  and, oversee transition to new permanent office at the Bay St. Louis City Hall Annex Chair:             Bill Cotter Members:      Tommy Murphy, Mary Perkins, Ray Cox, David Holman, Regan Kane Staff:               Tish Williams Nominating Committee To oversee the process of annual board nominations and elections; process begins annually around September; votes are cast by full membership in December, ratified at the January 2011 annual meeting. Chair:             Angelyn Treutel Members:      TBD by Board Appointment three members who are not members of the board Staff:               Tish Williams Goals ·         Continue the focus on identifying potential board members that represent the entire county. ·         Nominating Committee:  to be appointed by the Board in August/September. ·         Contact nominees to determine interest. ·         Offer slate of nominees to the membership by November 15th         BEAUTIFICATION Greenways Committee To promote enhancement of natural resources, uniform codes and ordinances, improved sidewalks, streets, paths and drainage, uniform gateways. (Meets third Thursdays monthly at 8:30am at Chamber Office) Chair:             Ron Magee Staff:               Tish Williams / Moli Kergosien Goals for the 2020 Greenways Vision  (The baseline used is the 2005 Greenways Plan) ·         Increase by 20% green vegetative cover of urban areas and residential density in Hancock County; ·         Realize 20% of our inter-urban travel using mass transit and our urban travel using walking and bicycles;  ·         Improve by 20 % our surface water quality, and increase access to water-based recreational opportunities;  ·         Realize 20% increase in our greenways trails, parks, and recreational facilities in our population centers;  ·         Institute the 50 mile menu - promoting the selling of food in our restaurants, stores and markets from local farmers and seafood industry Beautification Committee To promote anti-litter campaigns and beautification awards. (Meets second Wednesdays monthly at 10am at Chamber Office) Chair:             Ellis Cuevas Staff:               Moli Kergosien  Goals: ·         Enhance our gateways into Hancock County with a special 2010 focus on Hwy 607 ·         Wrap-it Up by 2010 Initiative – remove blighted properties with a special emphasis on properties along business corridors by August 2010 ·         Coastal Clean-up Campaign on Saturday, October 16, 2010;  increase volunteer participation ·         Beautification Awards to businesses – throughout the county;  and, to coordinate with the Garden Club to re-establish awards for residences ·         Develop a master signage plan to commercial corridors & find funds for signage EDUCATION o focus on issues affecting educational outcomes in Hancock County, community education, and community college academic programs.  (Meets second Thursdays monthly at 4:30pm at Chamber Office)             Chair:             Trent Favre Staff:               Lynne Chasez  Goals: ·         Annual Breakfast:  hold annual breakfast in conjunction with Leadership Hancock County session on Education (January session). ·         Student Scholarships:  Working with four high schools, award one $250 scholarship for one senior at each school ·         Book Worms:  Launch bookworms program in 25 classrooms in all schools in Hancock County and with Coast Episcopal (a reading program between the business community and third grade students, second Friday monthly) beginning in February 2010 through the end of the school year;  and, raise funds to purchase 100 books for the schools (and expand to other grades in following years) ·         Teacher Appreciation:  raise funds for scholarships, host 4th Annual Dinner at Bay Middle School on Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010 and increase educator attendance through strategic marketing to exceed 300 ·         Classroom Grants:  expand the classroom grant program to increase from $2,000 to $3,000 ·         Committee Guest Speakers:  invite community educators to serve as speakers at monthly meetings EVENTS Major Events              Chair:  Various Chairs             Staff:   Latonja Ervin            Goals: ·         Annual Meeting, Chair:  Tommy Murphy - January 29, 2010, Diamondhead Country Club, 8-9am ·         Bay Bridge Fest, Chair:  David Holman – Saturday, May 15, 2010, Old Town Bay St. Louis, 10am – 7pm ·         Awards Gala:  Thursday, August 26, 2010, 6pm – 9pm, Hollywood Casino ·         Business Expo, Chair:  Janell Nolan and LeAyn Walton, Wednesday, September 29 (After Hours), and Thursday, September 30, 2010, Seminars & Luncheon 12noon – 4pm & Exhibits from 4-7pm) ·         Golf Tournament, Chair:  Rea Montjoy – Friday, November 5, 2010 at Hollywood Bridges Golf Course, shotgun start at 11am. MEMBER SERVICES Member Services Committee To provide services to support and promote member businesses & oversee Member Services Committees.               Chair:             Angelyn Treutel Staff:               Latonja Ervin Marketing, Communications & Technology Committee To enhance member services through marketing, communications and technology. Chair:             Janell Nolan Members:      Ellis Anderson, Angelyn Treutel Staff:               Latonja Ervin ·         Embrace social media to enhance the Hancock Chamber’s visibility, member support, public relations, and strategic positioning for the future.  (Face book, Twitter, Second Life, You Tube, Photo Contests, Merchant Circle, Consistent Theme ·         Utilize social networking to provide additional professional networking and educational opportunities. (LinkedIn, Member Surveys, Blogging, Webcasts and Podcasts, Chamber Directory, Slide Share, Live Chime (live chat)) ·         Advance Hancock Chamber initiatives through the use of technology for community outreach and attracting new members. ·         Launch New Website by February 1, 2010 and devise plan to keep site up to date ·         Search Engine optimization ·         Refer a Friend ·         Develop advertising opportunities for members ·         Enhance Hancock Chamber’s internet presence ·         Image Enhancement – Continue pro-active communications enhancing the Chamber’s image as a business leader in Hancock County;  continue weekly e-news and monthly newsletter with advertising inserts for member advertising ·         Enhance Member Marketing -  Use website and publications to maximize member exposure o   Hancock Today partnership with Sea Coast Echo - magazine with advertising opportunities o   Re-print map with advertising opportunities o   Continue the Sunshine Pages Chamber directory o   Devise and promote themes to stimulate business (i.e., Shop Local Campaign) Ambassadors Committee To assist with Membership Meetings, Ribbon Cuttings, Business After Hours, New Member Recruitment, and Member Relations.  (Meets Quarterly at 8am – March 24, next meeting) Chair:             Dottie Bentz Staff:               Moli Kergosien  ·         Attend all Ribbon Cuttings (scheduled as request by business owners) and After Hours and focus on increasing attendance (see attached calendar);  2010 After Hours Schedule (third Thursdays from 5-7pm, different locations) o   January – no event held o   February – Gulfside Assembly o   March – St. Stanislaus o   April – The First o   May – Bridge Fest Patrons Party (Friday, May 14th);  BridgeFest, Saturday, May 15th o   June – open for sponsor o   July – Coast Electric Power Association o   August – Hancock Library Foundation o   September – open for sponsor o   October – Silver Slipper Casino o   November – Hancock Bank – Main Sreet Branch o   December – open for sponsor  ·         Promote Chamber marketing opportunities to members during events ·         Quarterly Awards for Ambassadors and Ambassador of the Year Award and Most Spirited ·         Support events by selling booths, sponsorships and serving as volunteers on event days ·         Establish an orientation program for new members ·         Visit new member prospects (Moli Kergosien) to recruit 50 new members during 2010 Business Education To provide technical assistance to members to enhance business opportunities.  Chair:  Ken Griffey Staff:   Carol Wasielewski  Goals: ·         Develop a business education program for the Chamber to include seminars, training and webinars for members on marketing, financial management, internet marketing, and more. ·         Provide information about other business services through email and on the web Major Sponsors To retain corporate sponsors and increase corporate support during by 2010 by $5,000  Chair:  Tommy Murphy Staff:   Tish Williams Membership Meetings Utilizing the Leadership Hancock Alumni Association, host four membership meetings in a breakfast format to focus on four issues of concern to the business community and rotate throughout the county (Dates:  Friday, March 26th;  Friday, April 23rd;  Friday, October 22nd;  Friday, November 19th)  Chair:  Tom Carlton Staff:   Latonja Ervin PARTNERSHIPS Past Presidents Advisory Committee New committee in 2010.  To continue to engage past presidents; make use of their valuable insights in an advisory capacity; keep their support in the community as Chamber advocates. Chair:             David Holman Members:      All past presidents are invited to participate Staff:               Tish Williams, Latonja Ervin  Goals: ·         Develop a list of past presidents; eventually documenting years of service and photos for historical purposes. ·         Host one event (i.e. breakfast, lunch, etc) of all past presidents; use time together to continue to assemble list of names, to provide a status/update, and request feedback. Government Relations Committee To coordinate interaction with local, state and federal officials to foster positive outcomes on community issues.    Co-Chairs:     Trent Favre & Jeremy Compretta Members:      David Holman, Tommy Murphy Staff:               Tish Williams  Goals: ·         Sponsor and support the Annual Coast Legislative Reception (January) ·         Participate in the MS Economic Council Capitol Day in Jackson (January) ·         Support NASA-Stennis Space Center Capitol Day in Jackson (January) ·         Support NASA-Stennis Space Center Capitol Day in Baton Rouge (April) ·         Support Citizens for Space Exploration Trip to DC (May) ·         Support local elected officials through public information and meeting coordination ·         Conduct Citizens Forums to meet the candidates during election years (including Bay BridgeFest) ·         Prepare materials for area legislators to support the legislative agenda Hancock Organizations Liaison through the Hancock Business Council To coordinate interaction with other business-related organizations and government to foster teamwork and positive outcomes on community issues.  Co-Chairs:                 Mike Haas and Chuck Benvenutti Staff & Liaisons:       As Assigned Below Goals: ·         Pull together this group of community leaders, along with elected officials ·         Prioritize top issues for the county ·         Collaborate on action items and responsibilities to overcome issues Hancock County Tourism Bureau Board Appointment The Chamber, by law, has one appointment to the Tourism board – serves as a liaison between the organizations.  Current Appointment:         Tommy Murphy (Three-year term expires September 2010) Hancock Main Street Board Appointment The Chamber established the Hancock Main Street Program.  During 2010, it will spin out as a separate 501 ( c ) 3 non profit with financial support from the Chamber.  It is anticipated that the new board will request one representative from the Chamber Board to serve on the Main Street Board as the liaison between the Chamber and Main Street.  Current Appointment:                     TBD Waveland Business Incubator Program             Chair:  Ted Longo             Members:  Ray Cox, Tommy Murphy Staff:   Tish Williams oals: ·         Provide leadership support to the City of Waveland to establish the business incubator program ·         Work with Mississippi Enterprise for Technology at Stennis Space Center to obtain technical assistance and support. LEADERSHIP Kiln Business Council To promote the social, civic and economic well-being of the Kiln area; meets the third Monday at 5:30pm, different locations.             Chair:  Judith Redshaw             Staff:  Moli Kergosien, Tish Williams             Goals: ·         Devise brochures (to include inventory of businesses and assets) of the Kiln Area history and attractions to distribute to area resources to promote business activity ·         Integrate members into committees of the Chamber ·         Explore establishing a signature event Women's Leadership Roundtable To offer professional women opportunities for networking and professional development in a welcoming and collegial environment.  (Meets fourth Thursday monthly at 5pm, different locations.)                         Chair:  Vicki Hughes, Hospice Compassus             Staff:  Moli Kergosien Leadership Hancock Committee: To provide information and instruction to educate and grow new leaders in Hancock County.  Program runs from September through June;  Class meets third Wednesday all day and focuses on different subjects such as:  education, government, economic development, and more.              Chair:  Hank Wheeler Members:  Reps from Alumni of past Leadership Classes Staff:  Lynne Chasez  Goals: ·         Run program from September through June (third Wednesdays from 8am-4pm) ·         Engage leaders in community through community service ·         Kick off new Alumni Association to network leaders into action & serve as host for four Chamber membership meetings focused on issues facing the community PROGRAM MANAGEMENT Partners for Stennis             Chair:  Ned Peak             Staff:  Tish Williams, Latonja Ervin, Lynne Chasez              Goals: ·         Monthly telecom meetings (second Wednesdays at 8:30am) ·         Quarterly Information Meetings & Business After Hours (2pm board;  3pm meeting;  4pm After Hours on January 27th;  April 14th;  August 11th;  October 13th) ·         Capitol Days in Jackson (January) and Baton Rouge (April/May) ·         DC Fly-in as part of National Coalition:  Citizens for Space Exploration (week of May 17th) Hancock Community Development Foundation (Meets fourth Tuesday at 8:30am)             Chair:  Basil Kennedy Finance Chair:  Linda McKay             Grants Chair:  Jeremy Compretta Staff:  Tish Williams, Carol Wasielewski, Mike Chapoton, Lynne Chasez,                Moli Kergosien            Goals: ·         Continue implementation of the $3 million Job Generation Fund ·         Seek additional funding sources for small business and community development ·         Cultivate contacts to obtain funding from the Department of the Treasury to establish a Community Development Financial Institution ·         Seek marketing funds to promote the area to generate new business for small business owners