Annual Report to the Membership 2004 - 2005
Program Year
Membership
Current Membership: 501
New Members: 50
Retention Rate: 91%
Member Value-Added Programs
Worker’s Compensation Group Rating: On average, our members are
realizing $13 in savings for every $1 invested in group rating.
Multiple tier savings levels for all industry groups ranging from
20% to 93%, the maximum discount allowed by the Bureau of Workers’
Compensation for the 2006 rating year.
Medical Insurance Premium Discounts: Employers enrolled in Chamber
alliance plans received 3% to 5% discounts on their premium costs.
Additional Discounts: In addition, the Chamber continued to provide
savings to its members with programs for dental insurance, eye
care, prescription drug discounts, and hearing aids and supplies.
Focusing on the Mission
In 2004-2005, the Board of Directors conducted a comprehensive
review of the Chamber’s mission statement, strategic plan and
programs to ensure the Chamber is responding to the needs of its
members. Through focus groups with members, business and community
leaders, core competencies were identified:
1. Economic Development
2. Government Relations
3. Communications
4. Leadership
5. Workforce Development
Using these core competencies, the Chamber developed a series
of goals to be implemented during the 2005-2006 program year.
These goals include:
1. Implementation of a RACI chart with the Office of Economic
Development and other economic development entities to create
a unified "one-voice" approach to marketing Darke County for business
recruitment and expansion.
2. Upgrading Chamber computer systems to provide required tools
to implement partnerships with Office of Economic Development
and others.
3. Development of a Communications Plan including website, newsletter,
newspaper column, speakers bureau.
4. Increasing workshop offerings, particularly on "soft" skills.
5. Developing an evaluation process for issues pertaining to
business in order to take a stand versus staying neutral. Start
a PAC if membership desires.
6. Developing process to streamline business development/permitting
process.
Darke County Safety Council
In 2004, the Chamber partnered with local business to form the
Darke County Safety Council to promote workplace safety awareness
and to reduce occupational injuries and disease. Working in partnership
with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, the Council presents
monthly speakers on issues of employee safety and health. Active
members of Safety Council from July 1, 2004 through June 30, 2005,
received a 2% discount on their workers’ compensation premiums.
OBW has announced a 4% premium discount for active members during
fiscal year July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006.
Business Start-up 101
Beginning in early spring of 2005, the Business Committee instituted
a series of seminars for entrepreneurs interested in starting
their own businesses. Nearly 50 people attended the first session
on Business Start-up Basics. The series continued with in-depth
seminars on Business Plan Development, Recordkeeping and Insurance.
The series will continue in the Fall of 2005 with sessions on
Hiring and Job Training, Tax and Regulatory Information. Business
Start-up 101 will culminate with a Business Expo on November 5,
2005, at the Darke County Fairgrounds. The Business Committee
plans to repeat the Business Start-up 101 series in Spring/Summer
2006. Plans are also underway to add a new series of seminars
on Customer Service 101.
Leadership Classes
Leadership - Darke County and Leadership - Management Skills
graduated their 14th and 10th classes respectively.
Teen Leadership Academy 2005 was attended by 11 young adults
from Darke County High Schools. During the one-week academy, enrollees
visited the State Capitol in Columbus where they attended a session
of the Ohio Senate and received a tour from State Senator Jim
Jordan. The teens also visited Darke County businesses, government
offices, health care facilities and educational facilities to
learn key traits of successful leaders. A new element to the curriculum
was added in 2005. Teens graduating from Teen Leadership Academy
now receive one credit hour from Edison Community College. Teen
Leadership 2005 graduate Misty Marshal with Ohio Senator Jim Jordan
Chamber Gift Certificate Program
The Darke County Chamber of Commerce Gift Certificate program
continues to keep shopping dollars in Darke County and in Chamber
member businesses. This year, the program topped $2 million in
sales.
Other Chamber Programs in 2004-2005
Lunch with Congressman Boehner
State of the State and State of County Luncheons
Annual Election Guide
Economic Development Forum with Rep. Keith Faber
New Teacher Welcome Breakfast
Positive Business Results Seminars
Tribute to Earl Baltes with Visitors Bureau & Downtown Greenville
Inc.
Agriculture Appreciation Luncheon
Horse Farm Tour
Richmond Rooster Baseball Outin,
Golf Outing
Annual Meeting
Ribbon Cuttings
Business After Hours
Groundbreakings
|
