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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.