(Approved by 2016 Executive Committee, 12/1/16) (Approved by 2016 Board of Directors, 12/21/16)

Chamber’s Mission:
To assist in building a strong economy by nurturing business, addressing business needs, and developing a business environment that is attractive and stable.


Business Development & Support Group

– Host an annual “Small Business Celebration” in May.
– Host the 5th Annual “Industry Appreciation Reception” event in February.
– Increase the organization’s business retention efforts in collaboration with the new Economic Development entity to attract more jobs throughout Shelby County.
– Provide direct support and assistance to the new Economic Development entity in the areas of light industrial, retail and commercial development.
– Hold quarterly industrial tours of area companies (small business and industry).
– Maintain and grow the monthly mentorship sessions through the Chamber’s Business Support Center.
– Hold ten “Go & Grow Workshops” on topics of interest to small businesses and industry.
– Host the 2nd Annual “Business Outlook Conference” in collaboration with the University of Montevallo’s Stephens College of Business and other Shelby County chambers in January.
– Develop and distribute the 3rd Annual “Business Outlook Survey” in the Fall of 2017 to gauge what Shelby County businesses think the climate will look like for 2018.
– Host the 2nd annual “Business Outlook Conference” in collaboration with the University of Montevallo’s Stephens College of Business and other Shelby County chambers.
– Increase participation in the Entrepreneur Roundtable I group.
– Launch and increase participation in Entrepreneur Roundtable 280 group.
– Maintain and grow the “Green Business” recognition program for Shelby County businesses.
– Investigate the formation of a Tourism & Recreation Work Group to assist chamber investors in this business sector.
– Investigate C-Suite level event in Shelby County.
– Host the 2nd annual “Recycling Day” during the month of April.
– Collaborate on other informational seminar opportunities that develop through our partnerships
– Collaborate with Alabama Technology Network on Manufacturing Proclamations in each Shelby County municipality.


Communications & Marketing Group

– Create and edit twelve issues of Business Connections, the Chamber’s monthly newsletter.
– Produce weekly “E-Business Connections” e-mail updates to investors on programs and activities.
– Promote Chamber investors as well as Chamber and Community events through Social Media (Facebook, Linked-In, Twitter, Instagram, etc.).
– Publish and distribute the Who’s Who of Shelby County, a quarterly printed Investor Directory in Shelby Living magazine.
– Update Chamber’s website (content and registration with all major search engines).
– Continue developing and promoting the usefulness of the Chamber website by reflecting the expanded program of work.
– Produce press advisories and news releases on Chamber programs and events and distribute to local media.
– Communicate monthly with ShelbyOne shareholders to keep them informed on our progress.
– Produce press advisories and news releases on Chamber programs and events and distribute to local media.
– Increase media contact relationships.


Community & Workforce Development Group

– Complete 4th year of “Keeping It Real” programs for 9th Grade students throughout Shelby County schools, and begin 5th year.
– Hold 3rd Annual “Career Awareness Fair” for 10th-grade students throughout Shelby County schools in the Fall.
– Host the 4th Annual “Student and Educator of the Year Luncheon” program recognizing excellence in the classroom and providing scholarships and stipends for four recipients.
– Conduct 2nd year of “Communication Matters” a “soft skills” workforce development program for 11th Grade students throughout Shelby County.
– Promote the importance of health awareness (healthy lifestyles) to the business community by publishing a “Health Focus of the Month” in Business Connections, the Chamber’s monthly newsletter.
– Hold 3rd Annual “Healthcare Professionals of the Year” program.
– Host the 3rd Annual “Shelby County Healthy Lifestyles Expo” for Shelby County businesses.
– Hold Annual “Public Safety Awards” Luncheon in October recognizing public safety departments throughout Shelby County.
– Plan and hold the Annual “Prayer Breakfast” in November.
– Collaborate with Shelby County safety departments on programs that reduce criminal activity relating to businesses (i.e. financial crime, ID theft, theft by employees, fraud by mail and telephone, embezzlement by technology, counterfeit bills, etc.).
– Partner with community leaders to develop and expand healthcare opportunities unique to Shelby County.
– Identify countywide resources and leadership with whom to collaborate on key issues regarding the quality of life issues (education, healthcare, recreation, arts, beautification, retail, green space, etc.) that help make Shelby County an even better place to live and do business.
– Pursue collaborative efforts with all businesses (chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, etc.) and community organizations in Shelby County.
– Develop and coordinate informational seminars (Chamber Go & Grow) on healthcare topics of interest to small businesses and industry.
– Collaborate with other chambers in Shelby County on a joint Golf Tournament.


Finance & Administration Group

– Manage Chamber’s daily operations.
– Maintain financial records for the Chamber’s General and Community Foundation funds.
– Handle invoicing procedures for all Chamber and Community Foundation programs.
– Develop an annual budget for Chamber’s operations.
– Coordinate Nominations process for Chamber leadership roles.
– Plan and coordinate Annual Meeting of Investors.
– Coordinate and manage partnerships with business groups: New Economic Development entity, Chelsea Business Alliance, Montevallo Chamber of Commerce, and South Shelby Chamber of Commerce.
– Review Employee Policies & Procedures Handbook.
– Review Event Analysis forms prior to each event or program.


Governmental Affairs Group

– Maintain and update the Chamber’s “Public Policy Agenda” pertaining to issues impacting Shelby County businesses.
– Maintain positive working relationships with local state delegation and other community stakeholders.
– Host quarterly “Mayors’ Roundtable” meetings for Shelby County mayors.
– Host a Legislative Preview event with Shelby County Legislative delegation prior to the 2017 Legislative session which begins in February.
– Hold a “State of our Communities” Luncheon with Shelby County Mayors in February.
– Hold Annual “State of the County” Luncheon in October.
– Host “Washington Update” type programs with Alabama’s federal legislative delegation.
– Plan and implement a Montgomery Drive-In event.


Investor Development Group

– Determine the best mechanism to fund the organization’s expanded program of work (ShelbyOne) and collaboration with the new Economic Development Entity.
– Recruit 120 new investors.
– Coordinate volunteer recruitment effort of sponsorships.
– Finalize “Tiered Investment Schedule”.
– Investigate/ launch a “Signature Event” which will provide additional funding for the organization.
– Plan and host ten “Community Luncheon” programs.
– Hold two “Speed Networking” events in partnership with other “over the mountain” chambers of commerce.
– Coordinate ribbon cuttings and ground-breakings for area businesses.
– Coordinate Ambassadors’ program.
– Host quarterly “Investor Receptions” for new and existing investors.
– Update and maintain accurate records in the investor database.
– Coordinate ongoing investor retention program.
– Hold two Network280 (networking and/ or professional development) programs.
– Hold quarterly “Business After Hours” networking programs.
– Hold six “CoffeeNet” networking programs.
– Continue developing and promoting investor discounts (“Hot Deals”, Office Depot, etc.).