program - muskogee chamber of commerce · program of work 2014 the original okie nation. muskogee...
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The Greater Muskogee Area Chamber of Commerce is the unified voice of business
dedicated to building and promoting a better business and community environment.
310 W. Broadway • P.O. Box 797 Muskogee, OK 74402
Phone: 918-682-2401 • FAX: 918-682-2403 www.visitmuskogee.com
Program of
Work
2014
THE ORIGINAL OKIE NATION.Muskogee is a burly, bootstrapping town that believes living right and being
free is worth fighting for. A crossroads of everything, Muskogee brought
together cowboys and Indians, outlaws and lawmen, slaves and freedmen, oil
tycoons and roughnecks, even hippies and manly men. Okie Nation is a place
where it’s hip to be real, whoever you are.
w w w . v i s i t m u s k o g e e . c o m
Tom TurnerGMACC ChairmanTedford Insurance
Daniel MillerGMACC Vice ChairEdward Jones
Ann OngTreasurerCCOM Medical Group
David JonesPast ChairAmerican Bank of Oklahoma
Frank CooperArrowhead Mall
Nita McClellanVA Medical Center
Dr. Tim McElroyNSU Muskogee
Mike MillerBacone College
Mike MorseFive Star Office Supply
David WhiteCitizens Security Bank
Farrell KaaihueCreek Nation Casino
Marlon ColemanAntioch Missionary Baptist Church
Ryan BlantonConnors State College
Rodney BondGeorgia Pacific
Joel CousinsStifel
Mike LeonardFirstar Bank
Mike EbertWalmart
Leigh Ann MathewsMcDonald’s of Muskogee
Nick Thompson
ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS:
Daniel MillerArmstrong Bank
Earnie GilderInterstate Properties, Inc.
Mike GilpinEastar Health System
EX-OFFICIONON-VOTING MEMBERS:
Howard BrownCity ManagerCity of Muskogee
Treasure McKenziePresident/CEOGMACC
Bob CoburnMayorCity of Muskogee
Scott RobinsonDirectorMuskogee Port Authority
Marie Synar (Acting)Muskogee Business Development
2014 Board of Directors
Treasure McKenziePresident & CEO
Anita BucciarelliTourism Director
Sherry PilantEvents Coordinator
Sharon SharpAdministrative Assistant
Alisha Tanksley Vice President, Chamber & Marketing
Meaghan McCawleyDirector of Communication & Membership
Angela WilsonProgram & Sales Director
Amy GarnerOffice Manager
Chamber Staff
Membership Services/Organizational ManagementWELCOME PACKETSStaff: Amy GarnerProvide a comprehensive information packet about Muskogee which targets and reaches the most lucrative demographic of all time – the new resident, both new homeowners as well as renters. Perfect timing to establish a customer for life!
PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES PROGAMStaff: Treasure McKenzie; Alisha TanksleyProvide a complete list of all sponsorship and partnership opportunities to the membership annually offering previous sponsors first right of refusal. This allows a business to select the best combination of events and activities to get maximum exposure to the membership.
CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN The Greater Muskogee Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism is the issuing body of Certificates of Origin for our area. We certify that goods in a particular export shipment are wholly obtained, produced, manufactured, or processed in the United States of America. A Certificate of Origin (CO) is a document which states the origin of goods being exported. Virtually every country in the world considers the origin of imported goods when determining what duty will be assessed on the goods or, in some cases, whether the goods may be legally imported at all.
To continue to improve the quality of service and knowledge of Chamber programs to our members through training and continuing education.
CHAMBER MANAGEMENT INSTITUTECMI is a class of four days over a four month period at the State Chamber. In addition to the formal classroom instruction, attendees are able to network with each other which increases their learning potential. Graduates of the program are able to implement new ideas, programs and strategies to improve their own programs and events.
OU’s CENTER FOR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EXCELLENCETo succeed in today’s increasingly competitive marketplace, chamber officials must keep up-to-date on management issues and chamber practices. At the University of Oklahoma, through a unique partnership, state and local chambers are provided with the training and resources needed to continue to develop a chamber. OU’s Center for Chamber of Commerce Excellence has been established to provide the skills needed to enhance the value of a Chamber to the business community.
EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS FOR TOURISM ORGANIZATIONS (ESTO)National forum where tourism destination professionals at the state, regional and local level get critical tools, tips and information to help them better market and grow their destinations. ESTO presents cutting-edge, progressive insights from industry and nationally-recognized thought-leaders and speakers on marketing, technology, trends, leadership and more.
OKLAHOMA GOVERNOR’S CONFERENCE ON TOURISMPresented by the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association. Attendees of the Oklahoma Governor’s Conference on Tourism are kept abreast of the latest trends, tactics and tools needed to maximize opportunity, energize marketing efforts and set the path to sustained growth.
OKLAHOMA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EXECUTIVES (OCCE)OCCE is organized to encourage the highest professional standards for the men and women in Chamber of Commerce Management and to advance close unity among its members.
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EXECUTIVES (ACCE)ACCE has dedicated its resources and energies to enhancing professional growth, career development and management effectiveness of chamber executives and professionals alike. Chamber executives and their staffs can capitalize on a wealth of information, leadership skills development, management techniques and innovative program offerings. ACCE also works diligently to upgrade the economic status and professional standing of those active in the chamber field.
MISSOURI, ARKANSAS, KANSAS, AND OKLAHOMA CHAMBER CONFERENCE (MAKO)Four states, one vision. A conference for professionals from all areas of Chamber of Commerce service including tourism, economic development, membership development and policy.
TRAVEL AND TOURISM COLLEGEOne week on the campus of a Texas university for an intensive curriculum of tourism marketing and management courses. This is designed as a 3-year program, resulting in graduates earning the Certified Tourism Professiolan Title.
Professional Development
Business DevelopmentTo provide educational support, recognition, and networking opportunities that will retain and
grow established industries and businesses.AGRI-BUSINESS COMMITTEE Chair: Cheryl Leatherman, Staff Liaison: Angela WilsonDedicated to promoting and supporting local businesses associated with this industry, including the Farmer’s Market. They also support the annual Muskogee Regional Junior Livestock Show, which gives 4-H and FFA students the opportunity to exhibit their livestock animals.
MAGIC PROMOTIONS COMMITTEE Chair: Darrell Hamby, Staff Liaison: Angela WilsonSponsor community-wide annual retail promotions including Muskogee’s Magic Holiday Giveaway, a back to school event, an Azalea Festival Promotion, and the Fall Festival of Fabulous Shopping.
RETAIL DEVELOPMENT ALLOCATION COMMITTEEChair: Tom Turner, Staff Liaison: Alisha TanksleyThrough a contract with the City of Muskogee, promote economic retail development of the Muskogee area by promoting and funding various actions encompassing all aspects of commercial retail, office and professional service business development, promotions and attending the International Convention of Shopping Centers Events.
SUCCESS EXPOChair: Michael Torkelson, Staff Liaison: Angela WilsonPlan and implement a business-to-business marketing event designed to showcase member businesses and organizations, and provide an educational opportunity for employers & employees.
“GOOD HEALTH IS GOOD BUSINESS” LUNCHEONStaff Liaison: Angela WilsonProvide a networking and educational opportunity for business owners, managers, and executives through a business-sponsored luncheon. Teaches healthy business practices to increase productivity and improve overall company health. Also teaches businesses how to become a “Certified Healthy Business”.
LOCAL BUSINESS & INDUSTRY APPRECIATION Staff: Angela Wilson Co-Sponsor with The Port of Muskogee and Indian Capital Technology Center an annual awards banquet to recognize local industry accomplishments.
SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTStaffProvide small business and start up information. Coordinate seminars on topics of interest, some in partnership with the Muskogee Area Human Resource Association, the Muskogee Education Consortium, and the Eastern Workforce Investment Board.
SHOP MUSKOGEE Staff: Alisha TanksleyEnhance the promotional campaign to market Muskogee shopping opportunities to outlying areas, focusing on keeping shopping dollars local.
RETAIL RECRUITMENTStaff: Alisha Tanksley To increase investment in the City of Muskogee by commercial business entities. The Chamber and the City of Muskogee hired a consulting company to fulfill the city’s need for a retail economic development professional. The city reaps the benefit of utilizing experienced, successful economic development professionals.
CHAMBER UNIVERSITY Staff: Meaghan McCawleyQuarterly workshops designed to help members provide affordable education to their employees on topics that are important in business today. Subjects range from how to build business relationships and customer service to keeping up with today’s technology.
To cultivate the individual member’s commitment by developing the capacity of our leaders to work more comprehensively within the needs of the community.
LEADERSHIP MUSKOGEE Chair:Staff Liaison: Meaghan McCawleyLeadership Muskogee is a program designed to develop participant awareness of the Muskogee community with the purpose of broadening the volunteer base. The Leadership Muskogee Class offers eight monthly sessions focusing on topics like education, healthcare and local & state government.
YOUTH LEADERSHIP Chair: Ron Morton, Staff Liaison: Alisha Tanksley, Meaghan McCawleyCoordinate Youth Leadership by fostering development of the leadership skills necessary for success in the workplace and by introducing area students to the world of business. The Youth Leadership Class offers four monthly sessions for sophomores and juniors from Muskogee Public Schools, Fort Gibson, Hilldale, and Oklahoma School for the Blind.
Community Development
WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP CONFERENCEChair: Sue Godwin, Staff Liaison: Angela WilsonPlan and implement a marketing event and conference program designed to further develop women’s business skills and assist women business owners with improving their bottom line.
MUSKOGEE VISION COMMITTEEChair: Jim Eaton, Staff Liaison: Anita BucciarelliThe mission of this think tank is to dream, visualize and discuss a vision for Muskogee. This high energy committee is an incubator for ideas to improve and foster a positive image of Muskogee to residents as well as visitors and prospective businesses.
SUPPORT EDUCATION CONSORTIUM Staff: Treasure McKenzieMaintain dialogue with the Muskogee Education Consortium through continued membership. Continue to address issues of concern to the business and education community.
CITY OF MUSKOGEE FOUNDATIONStaff: Treasure McKenzieMaintain dialogue with the City of Muskogee Foundation through participation on committees and the Board of Directors.
REAL OKIE MERCHANDISE STOREStaffProvide and maintain REAL OKIE merchandise for sale to visitors and local citizens to increase community pride and brand awareness.
AMBASSADORS Chair: ShIron Ray, Staff Liaison: Meaghan McCawleyPromote new and expanding businesses through special events including ribbon cuttings, open houses, and ground breaking ceremonies. Greet the membership at Chamber events. Contact the membership to improve retention. Assist in acquiring new members.
ANNUAL BANQUET & AUCTIONChair: Al Stevens, Staff Liaison: Angela WilsonCoordinate plans for the annual meeting of the Chamber membership including securing donated items for a live and silent auction.
CHAMBER GOLF CLASSICChair: David Jones, Staff Liason: Angela WilsonCoordinate a golf outing for the Muskogee business community to further encourage networking and the development of long lasting positive relationships.
NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION Staff: Meaghan McCawleyProvide orientations for new members featuring an afternoon reception program with discussion of the Chamber mission, goals, objectives, and participation opportunities.
ANNUAL PLANNING RETREATStaffConduct an annual planning retreat to determine priorities for the Program of Work.
Business After HoursStaff: Meaghan McCawleyCo-host business networking opportunities at member locations through Business After Hours events.
MEMBER-2-MEMBER PROMOTIONSStaff: Meaghan McCawleyEncourage Chamber members to do business with other members through a member-to-member discount program and other member based programs and opportunities.
NEWSLETTERStaff: Alisha TanksleyDesign and write the monthly newsletter, “Muskogee Chamber Connection” for distribution within the Muskogee Daily Phoenix.
CHAMBER RHYTHMSStaff: Treasure McKenzie
To achieve positive growth of membership through retention, recruitment and communication.
Membership Services/Organizational Management
Write a regular column to be published in the Muskogee Phoenix to inform the public and the membership of vital information.
WEBSITEStaff: Meaghan McCawleyDaily monitor content and provide updates when necessary of the Chamber Website and continue to update online Community Calendar. Also continually improve the site as new marketing and user tools become available.
To provide opportunities for members to become informed on legislative issues and proactively support Muskogee and the business community with the appropriate governmental entities.
PAUL REVERE LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS Chair: Mike Ebert, Staff Liaison: Alisha TanksleyHost local public forums and town hall meetings and serve as the catalyst for proactive community partnerships on matters affecting public policy. Monitor state and federal legislative activities on behalf of business, and provide an opportunity for members to meet with area legislators. Communicate with City officials to provide a more business-friendly community.
STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESSStaffCoordinate the annual luncheon featuring the “State of the City Address” presented by a representative from the City of Muskogee leadership.
MILITARY AFFAIRS TASK FORCE Mike EbertThe purpose of this committee of the State Chamber is to build relationships between the community and Camp Gruber. Camp Gruber has millions of dollars in construction underway and more planned. The task force realizes that communication is the key to continued growth and support for Camp Gruber and that Gruber has a large economic impact on the surrounding communities, especially Muskogee and Davis Field.
STATE CHAMBER MILITARY AFFAIRS COMMITTEEMike EbertThe purpose of this State Chamber committee is to maintain a multi-billion dollar industry to the State of Oklahoma from the US Department of Defense. The committee will maintain direct communication with local chambers’ military affairs efforts and the Oklahoma Strategic Military Planning Commission, and will not duplicate but will, in fact, support their efforts.
POLITICAL FORUMS Mike Ebert; Alisha TanksleyProvide opportunites for candidates for federal, state or local office to speak with the chamber members regarding their ideas and plans if elected.
PROSPERITY PROJECTAlisha TanksleyThe Oklahoma Prosperity Project is a partnership between The State Chamber, more than 1,300 leading Oklahoma companies, and nearly 100 local chambers of commerce and trade associations. The project is dedicated to helping our workforce “vote smart” on Election Day on issues that will keep our economy strong.
OKLAHOMA MID-SIZE CITY COALITIONTreasure McKenzieAn effort to bring deserved funding for viable and important projects to their member cities through legislative action.
WASHINGTON DC FLY-INTreasure McKenzie; Alisha TanksleyMeetings with officials in Washington DC about local, state and federal economic issues, organized by the State Chamber or Tulsa Regional Chamber.
Governmental RelationsChair: Daniel Miller, Staff Liaison: Anita Bucciarelli
To promote, foster and otherwise advertise the City of Muskogee as a tourist and convention destination.
BRANDING The Tourism Department partnered with Cubic Creative, Inc. to update and redefine the “Proud to be an Okie From Muskogee” campaign. After months of research, Cubic found that Okie’s from Muskogee have a genuine strength of character that often goes unrecognized. REAL. OKIE. is the true definition of someone who lives in Muskogee and has a deep understanding and appreciation of living right and being free. This campaign is designed to bring awareness of Muskogee and increase community pride.
PROMOTIONS Develop Muskogee Tourism Marketing Plan and advertising strategy that enhances tourism opportunity awareness both internally and externally. Including purchasing and designing ads and distributing promotional items such as lapel pins and guitar picks. Building community pride through the Real Okie Identity to foster local involvement in community and tourism activities.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT Providing hospitality and financial support for events, attractions and activities that meet the criteria for expenditure of hotel/motel tax revenue, including funding for organizations that hold successful tourism events. PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT Identify, develop and implement tangible products that enhance the visitor’s experience while in Muskogee. NETWORKING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Networking with Tourism professionals in the tourism industry by attending Oklahoma Tourism Industry Association board meetings and Travel Industry Association’s ESTO (Educational Seminars for Tourism Organizations), and the Oklahoma Governor’s Conference on Tourism. Networking with local hotel and motel owners and attractions to foster mutually beneficial relationships.
EDUCATION Educate the local public on the importance of tourism and becoming a visitor friendly community by speaking to local civic organizations.
TRADESHOWS Promote Muskogee as a destination, to heighten public awareness of our local attractions and events by exhibiting at local and regional trade shows, and partnering with the Oklahoma Travel and Recreation Department to promote Muskogee at national and international tradeshows.
Tourism
VISITOR CENTER To maintain and improve the Muskogee Tourist Information Center by staffing with knowledgeable and friendly volunteers to greet every visitor and promote Muskogee.
CONVENTION/EVENT RECRUITMENT Support the Muskogee Civic Center Director with marketing efforts to recruit events and conventions to Muskogee.
INFORMATION Serve as a One-Stop-Shop for the collection of event information and a photo library of Muskogee attractions and events. Information is distributed via the Muskogee Activities Guide, the Online Community Calendar, the Tourism Website and Tourist Information Center.
TRACK VISITORS Create and maintain a tracking system for the attractions, hotels and restaurants to have an accurate estimate of visitors to the Muskogee area.
REAL OKIE PRIDE TRAINING PROGRAMProvide a customer service and community pride training program offered free to all Muskogee businesses. Partnering with the AIM Great Community committee, the OSU Extension Office and Okie Heritage this program’s goals are to train all employees in quality customer service and teach them about the activities, attractions, events, and available resources in Muskogee. This ensures every citizen’s can help give all visitors a positive “Muskogee experience”.