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Greater Beaumont
Chamber of Commerce
Strategic Plan
by
Long Range Planning Division October 1, 2014
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Table of Contents
Introduction……………………………………………………………………… Page 3
Background………………………………............................................................ Page 4-6
Strategic Goals
Advancing Business Development……............................................................... Page 7
Advancing Education and Workforce and Readiness………………………….. Page 8
Advancing New Technologies
at Lamar University…………………………………………………………….. Page 9-10
Communications Division………………………………………………………. Page 11
Fiscal Affairs Division…………………………………………………………... Page 12
Government and Public Affairs Division………………………………………. Page 13-14
Leadership Development Division……………………………………………… Page 15
Long Range Planning Division…………………………………………………. Page 16
Membership Division……………………………………………………………. Page 17
Southeast Texas Young Professional Organization…………………………… Page 18
Transportation…………………………………………………………………… Page 19
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Introduction
This plan sets forth the strategic direction for the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce
for the next three years (2013–2016). The plan outlines a direction with which the Chamber
intends to align all of its activities.
Mission
The Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce serves its members and community as a
catalyst to have a positive impact on the economic well-being of Beaumont and the
surrounding region.
Vision
The Chamber’s vision statement is for a healthy economy for the greater Beaumont area at
all levels, quality of life venues for all levels of citizens, and an attractive and well thought of
community.
What We Value
The Chamber seeks to maintain integrity in ventures undertaken to promote economic prosperity
and quality of life for the greater Beaumont community. We also value:
Diversity
Members and Customers
Employees
Innovation
Relationships
Solutions
Quality
Regional Cooperation
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Background
We live in a community whose tax base doubled in the last ten years and is expected to double
again in the next decade. As the Energy gateway to the United States and with the discoveries of
abundant supplies of natural gas and new oil production, we sit at the epicenter for billions in
new investments and jobs. Much of this investment is underway and we are in discussions with
several companies about new projects. Wood pellets from the forests of Southeast Texas will be
the source of fuel for Europe, liquid natural gas exports are needed in India and Asia, chemical
manufacturing is returning to the United States because of the supply of natural gas, a major
feedstock for manufacturing. The Sabine Neches Waterway from the Port of Beaumont to the
Gulf of Mexico provides critical infrastructure and the refineries of Jefferson County provide the
catalyst for further economic development. We will be the southern terminus for the Keystone
XL Pipeline which will pump 800 million barrels per day to the Gulf Coast.
The Sabine Neches Waterway is the fourth busiest waterway in the country in terms of tonnage.
It has not been improved in 50 years and it took the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers 14 years to
study and clear the environmental hurdles to make the determination that it is in the nations’
interests to make improvements. The Sabine Neches Waterway’s channel improvement project
was authorized in the recently passed Senate Water Resource Development Act of 2013 and we
await action in the House of Representatives. It provides for a $1.2 billion dollar public works
project with $800 million in federal funds and a local match of $400 million. The chamber
leadership has devoted 14 years to the effort of gaining political support and assisting the local
waterway sponsor, the Sabine Neches Navigation District. The challenge will be securing the
funds for the local match. We worked with our local legislators to pass legislation to allow for
the creation of transportation reinvestment zones, a significant step to provide an economic
development tool to borrow funds for the local match.
A strategic marketing study completed by an Austin based economic development consultant in
2004 (TIP study), resulted in the recommendation of expanding the role of Lamar University as a
center for research, the attraction of talent, and an emphasis on entrepreneurship and
commercialization of new businesses. The TIP study led to formation of three chamber divisions
which use the word “advancing” in their title. The Advancing Community Development
Division; the Advancing Business Development Division; and the Advancing New Technologies
at Lamar University Division were formed to implement the consultant recommendations. The
word advancing is an action word meant to illustrate progress every year toward the broader
economic development objectives. We view economic development as the primary purpose of
the organization.
The Advancing Community Development Division has the task of tackling barriers to economic
development. Barriers have included public education, the need to develop an effective
community brand, and the current focus on workforce readiness. We have more skilled, high
paying jobs that require security clearances than anywhere on earth. High unemployment in
Southeast Texas is not a job problem; we have a high number of unskilled and unqualified
workers because of background checks. Since September 11, 2001, enhanced security affects
every contractor who enters a chemical plant or port facility.
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The Advancing New Technologies at Lamar University has focused on making industry with
their connections to corporate leaders aware of the capabilities of Lamar University to solve
problems. With an enrollment of 14,000 students, the university has always been a great source
for employees, but with doctorate level engineering programs and a strong business school,
Lamar can be so much more. Building a center for innovation, commercialization and
entrepreneurship with a grant of $11 million of hurricane recovery funds the center promotes
diversification of the economy. The Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce is committed to
be actively involved in the steering community and strategic direction.
We are one of two chambers of commerce in the United States certified by the SBA to market
and process 504 loans through our Southeast Texas Economic Development Foundation. The
SBA 504 loan program is an economic development based effort to finance real estate projects
and create jobs. To maintain the certification we have to produce a minimum of four loans per
year. In addition, there are many procedural and oversight issues we face. Our servicing fees for
the loan portfolio amount to approximately $10,000 per month. The more loans we can arrange,
the more closing and servicing fees we can collect. For this reason we have produced loans in the
Houston area, a hotel in College Station, and we have a loan for a restaurant in Alexandria,
Louisiana as examples. It pays for us to go where the loans are because it builds our funds for
local economic development. In addition, the Chamber has an annual contract with the City of
Beaumont for economic development services. Between the loan program and the city contract,
manage an economic development effort through the Southeast Texas Economic Development
Foundation. The Chamber President is the Executive Director for the Southeast Texas Economic
Development Foundation and all staff is provided by the Chamber under a management
agreement. We connect the work and activities of the foundation to the chamber through the
Advancing Business Development Division.
Leadership Beaumont is one of the oldest community leadership programs in that nation
celebrating its 41st class this past spring. In conjunction with the selection of a new leader, a
blue-ribbon committee researched what of other leadership programs are doing, met with three
subject experts operating or consulting to various leadership programs, and engaged in a year a
long effort to evaluate what to keep and change for the future. Challenges for the program
include relevancy and value to the business community. We propose new efforts to engage the
alumni and develop future leaders.
With our close proximity to Houston Airports, we lost air service to Houston late last year. As a
result, the Chamber led an effort to attract air service to Dallas and entered into a minimum
revenue guarantee agreement with American Airlines to begin service on February 14, 2013. The
agreement required raising and escrowing $1.5 million dollars for the next two years. We formed
the Southeast Texas Coalition for Air Service, LLP as the legal entity to raise funds and manage
the account. The Chamber President is the manager of the coalition with five additional regional
leaders. With no passenger service from the local airport, Jefferson County stood to lose over $1
million per year in FAA funding. Since February 14, over 15,000 passengers have flown to
Dallas to depart or make connections elsewhere in the world. We have dipped into the revenue
guarantee in the initial months as the service built from 9% to 66% in July. We have negotiated
adjustments in the size of the planes and schedule to fit the demand. Efforts to market air service,
gain financial support, work with the media to educate the public have been a focus of our air
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service coalition efforts. Having no air service to an area as large as ours, is a barrier to visitors,
conventions, and economic development. We will continue to provide leadership to address this
transportation and image issue.
Strengthening the financial position of the chamber has been a challenge because of the impact
of two major hurricanes in 2005 and 2008. We are in the fourth year of implementing a total
resource campaign which raises funds for the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber
Leadership Foundation, and the Southeast Texas Economic Development Foundation. We have
more sponsorship support than any other time in our history and this year we were able to
increase monthly savings to our contingency fund. Noteworthy, is the fact that we have six
months of payments remaining on our building. We will save close to $57,000 per year when the
note ends. We are confident will be able to build contingency funds to support the organization
from future disasters.
The Chamber articulated its vision and communicated its purpose along four core areas of
activity. These four core areas remain important to the future of the Greater Beaumont Chamber
of Commerce.
1. Aiding the profitability of the members.
2. Bringing members together to build a great community.
3. Developing effective pro-business leaders for the future.
4. Growing and diversifying the economy.
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Strategic Goals and Objectives
Advancing Business Development
(Southeast Texas Economic Development Foundation)
Goal Statement:
To enhance the economic vitality of Beaumont, Texas, and the surrounding region through a
coordinated effort to bring ideas, energies and monies together toward specific economic
development goals and objectives.
Objectives:
Participate as a financial contributor and facilitator to the Regional Economic
Development Initiative (REDI) to market the region and coordinate opportunities for
industrial and commercial development and retention. Work with the South East Texas
Regional Planning Commission to facilitate regional economic development planning.
Maintain a strong relationship with City Council and the City Manager to provide
economic development services in accordance with an annual agreement for services.
Maintain a focus on job creation with existing businesses by operating the Southeast
Texas Economic Development Foundation to market, process, finance and service Small
Business Administration real estate and equipment loans throughout the region and the
State of Texas.
Manage a public awareness campaign regarding small business lending programs through
press conferences, feature articles, speaking engagements, network events, signage, and
through regional allies as a means to promote the financing opportunities available to
small businesses and special populations seeking business expansion opportunities.
Continue to work with the Small Business Development Centers and the Center for
Innovation, Commercialization, and Entrepreneurship at Lamar University, the U.S.
Small Business Administration, and all other entities with a mission of assisting with
business development.
Focus on promoting opportunities for local suppliers and vendors to take advantage of the
construction of Natgasoline LLC.
Provide information to complete the local cost of living index for the Council for
Community and Economic Research and to share the information with area
organizations.
Establish a committee to solicit nominations and select two outstanding business people
in the categories of retail/service and manufacturing for the prestigious Dr. Robert A.
Swerdlow Small Business Person of the Year award. Winners may also be nominated for
other Small Business of the Year competitions.
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Advancing Education and Workforce Readiness
Goal Statement
Support and enhance Beaumont’s position as a regional center and the broader community
challenges that impact economic development success as it related to education and workforce
readiness.
Objectives
This new division will be developing objectives in the coming months.
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Advancing New Technologies at Lamar University
Goal Statement:
To support and enhance Lamar University’s position as a center for research activities relating to
technologies of the future and the commercialization of new products by:
Serving as an advocate for Lamar University with elected officials and private
businesses.
Providing outreach to ventures, encouraging them to locate high technology businesses in
our region.
Objectives:
Support increasing the number of doctorate level programs to strengthen research
capabilities and build intellectual capital for the region.
Provide economic development support for technology businesses considering locating in
our region.
Champion industry awareness of Lamar University’s capabilities and the strategic
priorities of the University.
Sponsor interactions at senior corporate levels of our member companies to familiarize
them with the capabilities and strategic direction of Lamar University.
Facilitate local contacts within member companies for assistance and involvement with
Lamar University programs and initiatives.
Help Lamar University screen and evaluate potential opportunities for collaboration and
research supporting technology businesses.
Provide support for the implementation of the Center for Innovation, Commercialization
and Entrepreneurship at Lamar University following up on the recommendations of the
team of experts from the International Economic Development Council.
Establish a broad-based regional advisory group to create awareness and support for the
Center for Innovation, Commercialization and Entrepreneurship at Lamar University.
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ANT@L Program of Work - Graphical Representation
Grow Senior Corporate
Relationships
Develop and Maintain “Local Champions” in Industry
Increase Industry Awareness of LU Develop Future Champions
• Pyramid shape represents the number of contacts at that level (many at the bottom, fewer at the top)
• The middle layer of the pyramid is the most critical
– Consists of finding “local decision makers” committed to the success of Lamar University, and keeping them broadly informed of LU activities
– This group has access to the top layer of the pyramid, and supervises many of the people in the bottom layer
• The top layer of the pyramid involves utilizing “Local Champions” to host meetings between LU and their Senior Leadership as appropriate to:
– Establish a relationship
– Educate them on breadth of LU capabilities and strategic initiatives
– Improve LU image outside of SE Texas
– Secure a commitment to search for opportunities to work with and support Lamar
• The bottom layer of the pyramid is focused on ensuring local business and industry remains up-to-date on Lamar capabilities and strategic priorities
– Consists of routine updates at business related meetings at Rotary Club, Lamar Industrial Partnership, SETx Industrial Public Relations Assoc. (STIPRA), Beaumont/Orange/Port Arthur Chambers of Commerce, Golden Triangle Business Roundtable, SETx Regional Planning Commission
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Communications Division
Goal Statement
The Communications Division will focus on building the Chamber’s image and furthering
Chamber initiatives with the goal to increase Chamber membership through complete
information about our programs of work.
Objectives
Continue to maintain a proactive relationship with the local and regional media to
provide and ensure coverage of Chamber issues and accomplishments; including
community education.
Continue to work closely with the Convention and Visitors Bureau, Better Business
Bureau, and the City of Beaumont to communicate the current Beaumont branding efforts
and promote Small Business Saturday.
Plan and implement the Communications Media lunch.
Continue to maintain the website, social media and mobile app.
Continue to promote the image and good news of local educational institutions.
Continue to supply the weekly electronic newsletter to all active members.
Continue to promote the image and good news of local educational institutions.
Continue to supply the weekly electronic newsletter to all active members.
Work with The Examiner to produce The Beaumont Business Journal to share more of
the Chamber information.
Work with other Divisions to promote annual Chamber events. Help produce press
releases and garner media coverage of the events.
Build a synergistic relationship with chambers and economic development agencies in
our region through consistent communication
Plan a monthly philanthropic effort to be carried out by the Communications Division
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Fiscal Affairs Division
Goal Statement
To oversee fiscal affairs and internal financial operations to ensure there are adequate liquid
assets to carry out the primary mission of the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce.
Objectives
Shall advise the board of directors the financial condition of the chamber. (Bylaws:
Article V-S3c-P9;Article VI-S5a-P11)
Shall be responsible for assisting the administration in establishing the budget necessary
to meet the requirements of the chamber’s program of work and be responsible for
determining the ways and means by which budget requirements are met. (Bylaws:
Article VI-S5b-P11)
Shall present a budget of estimated income and expenditures to the board of directors
prior to the commencement of fiscal year.
Shall present an investment policy and establish specific guidelines as to the mix and
quality of the investment accounts to the board of directors prior of the annual approved
budget. (Financial Procedures: Investment Policy-P1)
Additional Responsibilities
Oversee and review all issues relative to internal operations, including policies and
procedures, US Chamber of Commerce Accreditation, human resources issues, capital
expenditures, building maintenance and repair, improvements, lease administration for
existing and future tenants and grant applications. (GBCC Structure Chart)
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Government and Public Affairs Division
Goal Statement
The Government and Public Affairs Division will focus its efforts on pending and proposed
legislation, regulations, or public policy that impact the interests of the greater Beaumont
business community, the Chamber’s economic development mission, and related programs.
Objectives Focus efforts and resources on local, state and federal issues which are critical to the
economic growth of the Beaumont area, including:
1. Partner with local, state, and federal taxing entities to promote a positive business climate
in a competitive global economy.
2. Maintain involvement in efforts to maintain and improve the Sabine Neches Ship
Waterway through;
a. Funding for maintenance of the Sabine-Neches Waterway at the current
authorized depth
b. Local control of water rights
c. State and Federal funding to deepen to the new authorized depth of 48 feet
d. Any required education campaign and support to raise for matching funds
3. Support efforts to address coastal erosion concerns
4. Monitor the impact of regulations and compliance relating to area designation under the
Clean Air Act and any new federal or state regulations that adversely impacts local
industry.
5. Advance legislative actions serving to promote economic development and population
growth, including the challenges coastal counties have with insurance options.
6. Focus on education and training for a globally competitive workforce
a. Work to maintain the academic and vocational preparation successes of all local
education organizations.
b. Support the Advancing New Technology at Lamar Division to promote research
funding and implementation of the Center for Innovation, Commercialization, and
Entrepreneurship.
7. Work to find solutions to transportation issues affecting Southeast Texas.
8. Work with the BISD Board of Managers to respond to any additional actions by the
Texas Education Agency.
9 Keep members informed on the implementation and impact of the Patient Protection and
Affordable Care Act on business in Southeast Texas.
Conduct periodic surveys and focus meetings to identify state and federal legislative and
regulatory issues of concern to local business and advise the Board of Directors of findings.
Meet regularly with local, state and federal elected representatives and staff on issues and
legislation needed or affecting the Chamber mission. Encourage members and the area
business community to maintain relationships with elected representatives, their staff and
executive branch agencies throughout the year.
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Coordinate quarterly meetings to promote discussion and information sharing with
government entities such as the Beaumont Independent School District, City of Beaumont,
Jefferson County, Jefferson County Drainage District 6, Sabine-Neches Navigation District,
Lower Neches Valley Authority, Port of Beaumont, Lamar University, Lamar Institute of
Technology, and other appropriate organizations to advance the interests of the area.
Continue to encourage and support a coalition with area chambers of commerce to represent
the views of the region by providing a united, informed response on legislative issues that
could impact our communities at any given time.
Facilitate planning annual visits to Washington, D.C, during the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Small Business Summit on June 2016.
Continue to host the annual Legislative Breakfast, in addition to other local events, to bring
state and federal governmental officials to Southeast Texas.
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Leadership Development Division
Goal Statement:
The Leadership Development Division will develop strategic approaches to identify, develop and
nurture high performing individuals in our community in order to recruit the best and brightest
talent into business and community leadership roles.
Objectives:
Oversee the Mentorship Program, carefully cultivating its success while further
developing the program into a premier leadership enhancement asset. Elicit business
leaders, elected officials and Chamber Board members in their support and buy-in for
mentor and mentee candidates.
Support the Chamber’s family of Leadership Programs (including, Mentorship,
Leadership Beaumont and Youth Leadership) through promotion and education to
Chamber members, Board of Directors and the community at large.
Conduct an annual Public Service Candidate Workshop that will provide valuable
information and encourage area leaders to seek public office.
Strive for the cultivation of Leadership Beaumont and Mentorship Graduates in the
Chamber as well as in the community by identifying development activities, such as a
partnership with the South East Texas Non-Profit Development Center to execute a
Board Workshop for the community to learn about board service and organizational
leadership.
Identify and establish initiatives in Leadership and Professional Development as a benefit
for Chamber members and an opportunity community to access training.
Investigate possibilities to partner with Junior Achievement and Region 5 with the goal
of promoting leadership skills for BISD students in the schools and in preparation of the
new Board of Trustees.
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Long Range Planning Division
Goal Statement The Long Range Planning Committee provides a means to identify the chamber’s goals and
mission through a well-understood vision and strategic plan.
Objectives:
Conducts an on-going long range planning process and assessment. **
Assist Board of Directors in creating a 3-5 year Strategic Plan.
Oversees the benchmarking portion of the accreditation process including the short and
long term goals which occurs every five years. **
Plans and implements, with the incoming chairman of the board and staff, the annual
board planning session.*
*Planning session response
** Accreditation response
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Membership Division
Goal Statement:
The membership division will increase and strengthen the membership base by recruiting of
new members, providing a strong retention program to focus on involvement of all members
and providing value to our members by helping them understand chamber benefits.
Sales
$56,379 new member revenue goal by end of September 2016
Continue to encourage current members to upgrade their package level
Continue looking for new revenue lines
Membership Director to attend the annual ACCE sales/retention conference
Retention
$430,534 current member revenue goal by end of September 2016
Continue close contact with new members for the first year of membership
Membership division, staff and ambassador’s will continue visiting current members
Continue hosting the annual “Let it Shine” showcase event for our newest members
Look at providing booths at the “Let it Shine” event to current members
Continue hosting the member orientation 2 times per year
Host 2 coffee & donuts with the staff in the GBCOC board room
Continue improving and providing ideas to promote the membership packages and add
benefits for chamber members.
Continue to explore payment options for members
Membership Specialist and/or Membership Director to attend annual CM training
Member Benefits
Emphasize how the chamber is helping all businesses in the area to grow
Emphasize networking opportunities
Continue providing a business data research/marketing tool via our online member
information center
Oversee the Referral Groups
Oversee the Ambassador Program
Conduct at least 20 Chamber Mix & Mingles, and coordinate ribbon cuttings and
groundbreaking ceremonies to celebrate the opening of new businesses.
Research and develop incentives for businesses to invest
Research ways to assist members in growing their business
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Southeast Texas Young Professionals Organization
Goal Statement:
To assist in the retention and recruitment of young professionals throughout Southeast Texas
through career development and networking opportunities.
Objectives:
Continue to grow and diversify membership in SETX YPO in ways that continue to be
responsive to the corporate sector’s objectives while also being inclusive and more
broadly representative of all young professionals and entrepreneurs in the region.
Offer innovative programs and initiatives that actively engage more members in the
organizations three core focus areas: Professional Development, Community
Involvement and Executive Networking.
Provide a public voice for young professionals and entrepreneurs by advocating for
changes and policies that will make the Southeast Texas region more attractive to young
professionals.
Enhance public awareness of SETX YPO positive impact on the personal and
professional lives of young people living and working in the Southeast Texas region, and
work in partnership with others to improve Southeast Texas’s image and reputation.
Recognize young professionals throughout Southeast Texas for their individual and
professional achievements, commitment to the community and educational attainment
through an annual event.
Ensure organizational sustainability to support the mission, vision and growth of the
organization.
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Transportation Division
Goal Statement
The Transportation Division shall promote the utilization of our intermodal transportation
systems (air, water, railroad, trucking, and telecommunications) to increase economic growth in
our region.
Objective: Monitor progress and provide support to authorize and fund the deepening of the Sabine
Neches Waterway from 40 feet to 48 feet to allow the ship channel to compete with the
commerce of the future due to larger vessels.
Provide encouragement and advocacy for air service to DFW with American Airlines. Focus
on the use of the service to avoid use of the areas minimum revenue guarantee for the first
two years of service.
Attend state and national transportation and infrastructure conferences representing the
business interests of Southeast Texas. Provide expertise on transportation matters to the other
divisions.
Promote the programs and initiatives of the Port of Beaumont as a major port of entry for
international trade and economic vitality.
Preserve and expand the rail infrastructure assets serving the area. Support and represent
Southeast Texas on discussions about high speed and commuter rail service.
Provide input to regional planning and prioritization of local highway transportation projects.
Support the completion of the Keystone XL pipeline project from Canada to Nederland as a
major energy initiative for Southeast Texas.