ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 FROM the CHAIR They say time flies when you are having fun. I agree. It seems hardly possible that a year has passed since I agreed to serve as the 2013-2014 Chamber Chair. Little did I know when I accepted this challenge the depth of my commitment. Several weeks before taking office, we learned that long time President, Don Laird would be retiring from his post at year end. With this in mind, I knew that this program year would be one of transition. Making that transition as smooth as possible was my first priority. When one door closes another opens. Kee Groshong and I co-chaired a diversified committee charged with finding a new executive to lead our association. We began by engaging the services of a consulting firm, Organizational Dynamics, which specializes in this type effort. Their first action was a review and analysis of the current state of our Chamber. This in-depth endeavor provided us with a complete SWOT analysis of our present position. We used this information to first, determine the desired characteristics of our new leader and secondly, to identify areas where we could advance the effectiveness of our organization. Over 50 potential candidates were considered, with 5 finalists being personally interview by the committee. A young man from Texas, Matt McCormick, was chosen from this prestigious group. My role was to help him successfully integrate into our community and our organization. I feel comfortable that this mission has been accomplished. Our next challenge was to initiate the process of moving forward by appointing a talented team headed by Susan Hart to conduct a complete internal audit of all chamber committees, functions and programs to determine if they continued to be consistent with the Chamber’s mission, were productive and cost efficient. The final report from this effort is now in the hands of our Board of Directors. Through this transitional period, the organization and our business community continued to grow and prosper. The quality and quantity of volunteers is truly amazing. Words fail me as I try to express my gratitude for their untold hours, efforts and ideas. We are indeed an organization built on the strength of our members and for their benefit. Your Chamber is in good hands. We are blessed with competent board members, intelligent and energetic leadership and a team of hard working and dedicated employees. The future will be filled with new challenges and new opportunities. Good luck and best wishes to an exciting and dynamic organization as we start a new era. Bob Wagner Chair of the Board of Directors 2013-2014 1 CHAMBER of COMMERCE Who we are. What we stand for. Since 1905, the Columbia Chamber of Commerce has been a voluntary, member-supported organization of business, industrial and professional people who are dedicated to developing, promoting and maintaining a sound and healthy economic climate for Columbia. The Chamber is a non-profit organization with over 1,100 members working together to enhance the Columbia business community. Strategic Plan Strategic Issue #1: Increase Employment Opportunities in Columbia Goal: Support recruitment and retention efforts to recruit and maintain a desirable base of high-tech, high paying jobs for the community and the region. Goal: Coordinate efforts with the University of Missouri to foster technical transfer and research opportunities. Strategic Issue #2: Improve the Economic Development Opportunities for the Columbia Area Mission The mission of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce is to lead our community, drive commerce in our region and advance community and regional collaborations, thereby enhancing the quality of where we live, learn, work and play. Goal: Identify areas of need that might hinder our ability to grow the economy. Strategic Issue #3: Become More Externally Focused to Increase Chamber Impact Goal: The Chamber will further nurture an external focus in order to help the community and the region envision and achieve a higher level of economic vitality. Strategic Issue #4: Affect Cultures and Attitudes Vision Through persistent commitment to our mission, we see a future characterized by unprecedented achievements in both public policy and economic growth. We are dedicated to nurturing and providing leadership to ensure community aspirations become realities. 2 Goal: The Chamber will seek to increase the understanding that business is a driving force behind the quality of life for all citizens. Strategic Issue #5: Identify and Nurture Future Leaders Goal: Develop leaders to guide our community to achieve economic vitality. 3 2013-2014 by the numbers* number of professionals who graduated from Leadership Columbia 749 Emerging Professionals in Columbia 514 Women’s Network 121 Ambassadors 51,781 LE Membership Totals 1,182 Chamber of Commerce LE 30 FACTS & FIGURES E R S HI P r unio AD ER SH I P r unio AD 26 number of students who graduated from Junior Leadership Columbia X 181 Number of Ribbon Cuttings hosted by the Ambassadors 7,141 Number of guests who attended Chamber of Commerce, EPIC and Women’s Network programs and events $526,077.56 Funds raised for the 2013-2014 budget by the 2013 Total Resource Campaign Number of employees represented by the Columbia Chamber of Commerce Other The Chamber has been serving its members for 109 years. 88% Division/Committee Programs & Events Membership retention 141 New members welcomed 4 Division/Committee Programs & Events Membership Dues Other Communications 79% of our membership has less than 25 employees. *all figures as of June 11, 2014 Operations Revenue Communications Expenses 5 Board of Advisors LEADERSHIP The Board of Advisors program recognizes firms that have invested a membership level of $2,500 or greater. These firms provide significant leadership and financial resources to advance the Chamber’s program of work. Board of Directors Executive Committee Chair - Bob Wagner, Columbia Insurance Group Chair-Elect - Heather Hargrove, Holiday Inn Executive Center Past Chair - Randy Coil, Coil Construction, Inc. Treasurer & Finance & Administration Division Chair - Doug Callahan, Boy Scouts of America-Great Rivers Council Membership Development Division Chair - Matt Williams, Hawthorn Bank Community Development Division Chair - Karen Crabtree, CenturyLink Economic Development Division Chair - Rusty Strodtman, Columbia Mall Women’s Network Division - Heather Stewart, Services for Independent Living Chamber President - Matt McCormick, Columbia Chamber of Commerce Members Nancy Allison, Nancy Allison Agency LLC - Shelter John Beverstein, Honey Baked Ham Co. and Café Gina Boone, Columbia Insurance Group Jennifer Bukowsky, Bukowsky Law Firm BJ Hunter, FASTSIGNS Jackie Jones, University of Missouri Kari Laudano, Logistique Studio, LLC Alice Leeper, RE/MAX Boone Realty Rick Means, Shelter Insurance Companies-Main Office Ex-Officio Members Dan Atwill, Presiding Commissioner, Boone County Dr. Chris Belcher, Superintendent, Columbia Public Schools Dr. Terry Smith, Interim President, Columbia College Dr. R. Bowen Loftin, Chancellor, University of Missouri Vicki Russell, REDI Chair, Columbia Daily Tribune / Tribune Publishing Co. Allan Moore, Moore & Shryock - Real Estate Appraisers Eric Morrison, Providence Bank Sidney Neate, Boone County National Bank David Nivens, Midwest Computech Steve Sowers, Commerce Bank Michele Spry, Midway Electric, Inc. Judy Starr, Boone County National Bank Russell Starr, Veterans United Home Loans Anne Williams, JobFinders Employment Services Ameren Missouri The Bank of Missouri Boone County National Bank Boone Electric Cooperative Boone Hospital Center The Callaway Bank City of Columbia City Water & Light Columbia Board of Education Columbia College Columbia Insurance Group Commerce Bank Country Club of Missouri First State Community Bank The Insurance Group Isle of Capri Casino & Hotel Boonville JES Holdings Joe Machens Dealerships KOMU 8 Landmark Bank Mediacom Missouri Credit Union Missouri Employers Mutual Naught-Naught Insurance Agency The Networks of Mid-MissouriABC17/FOX22/MeTV/MyZOUTV Shelter Insurance Companies Main Office State Farm Insurance Columbia Operations Center Tigers Credit Union UMB Bank, NA University of Missouri University of Missouri Health Care Veterans United Home Loans William Woods University AWARDS & RECOGNITION congratulations to our recipients Agriculturalist of the Year - Tim Reinbott, MU Bradford Research Center Ambassador of the Year - Jan Beckett ATHENA International Award - Barbara Hodges, True North ATHENA Young Professional Award - Jessica Macy, Boone County Council on Aging Dr. Dianne Lynch, President, Stephens College Mike Matthes, City Manager, City of Columbia Dr. Bob McDavid, Mayor, City of Columbia Dr. Bruce Walker, President, Centennial Investors Debin Benish Outstanding Busineswoman Award - Susan Hart, Huebert Builders, Inc. Emerging Professional of the Year - Kris Bezenek, Trabue, Hansen and Hinshaw, Inc. Friends of Youth Award - Harold & Wanda Cunningham Outstanding Citizen Award - Representative Chris Kelly Small Business of the Year - SuretyBonds.com 6 7 COMMITTEES Membership Affairs Division Economic Development Division Finance & Administration Division Junior Leadership Columbia Agribusiness & Bioscience Budget & Finance Junior Leadership Columbia graduated 26 high school juniors from seven local high schools. The class completed ten sessions. Agribusiness & Bioscience Committee organized the 55th Annual Agricultural Recognition Banquet. They also hosted two Food for Thought Breakfast Seminars. They selected a recipient for the Don Day Agribusiness & Bioscience Scholarship. Budget & Finance Committee worked with an accounting firm to complete a Chamber audit. They monitored the Chamber’s budget and are in the process of updating the Financial Policy & Procedure Manual. Co-Chairs: Ann Marie Quertermous, Clear Vision Development Group & Heather Stewart, Services for Independent Living Leadership Columbia Co-Chairs: Gale Blomenkamp, Boone County Fire District & Kerrie Bloss, Boys & Girls Club of Columbia Leadership Columbia graduated 30 business professionals. The class completed 12 sessions. Membership Committee Co-Chairs: Mary Ropp, The Bank of Missouri & Mark Mills, Cumulus Broadcasting Membership Committee welcomed new members and worked with existing members to increase membership retention. They planned and hosted four New Member Welcome events. They also administered the Return on Investment program which had eight graduates this year. 8 Co-Chairs: Jerome Gerke, MFA Incorporated & Christi Miller, Boone Electric Cooperative Education Co-Chairs: Brian Hazelrigg, State Farm Insurance Brian Hazelrigg & Ana Compain-Romero, University of Missouri Education Committee redeveloped the Career Days program for middle school CPS students into CareerTV, an online resource available year-roud. They also hosted a seminar on “The Business Case for Investing Early” with the Alliance for Early Childhood Education. They administered the Russell V. Thompson Scholarship. Small Business Co-Chairs: Kari Laudano, Logistique Studio, LLC & Sherry Major, Columbia EDP Center, Inc. Small Business Committee held the 8th Annual Small Business Exhibition (formerly Micro Business Fair). They held mini-seminars at monthly committee meetings as well as Executive Connections meetings every month. They hosted two Lunch & Learn Seminars as well as Small Business Week. Co-Chairs: Susan Hart, Huebert Builders, Inc. & Judy Starr, Boone County National Bank Business Showcase Co-Chairs: Kevin Czaicki, CenturyLink & Teresa White, City of Columbia-Water & Light Business Showcase Committee successfully planned and executed the 2014 Business Showcase. The event included over 130 exhibitors, a Women’s Network Luncheon, a mentoring program with EPIC and a mixer. Chamber Classic Golf Tournament Co-Chairs: Chris McCullough, GFI Digital, Inc. & Brandon Sullivan, Mediacom The Chamber Classic Golf Tournament Committee successfully planned and executed the 2013 Chamber Classic Golf Tournament. The tournament had over 110 participants. Total Resource Campaign Co-Chairs: Jill Cox, Boone County National Bank & Emily Price, Bucket Media The Total Resource Campaign included five teams of volunteers working to meet and exceed a goal of $500,000. Community Affairs Division Emerging Issues Co-Chairs: Andy Waters, Columbia Daily Tribune/ Tribune Publishing Company & Tom Trabue, Trabue Hansen & Hinshaw, Inc. Emerging Issues met many times throughout the year and discussed critical issues that affect the business community. They provided a vetting process for topics to be referred to another committee for consideration and recommendation to the Board of Directors. Government Affairs Co-Chairs: Steve Spellman, Boone County National Bank & Kim Becking, Momentum Public Strategies Government Affairs established the Chamber’s State Legislative Agenda. They hosted discussions with legislative leaders and made ballot recommendations to the Board of Directors. They planned the Mayor’s Appreciation Breakfast and regularly monitored City Council and Planning & Zoning Commission meetings on behalf of the business community. Transportation Co-Chairs: Gene DeVore, Columbia Insurance Group & Jason Mott, MFA Incorporated Transportation Committee met regularly with representatives from the city, county and MoDOT regarding updated transportation projects. They were awarded the opportunity to host the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission in January 2014. 9 Women’s Network DIVISIONS The mission of Women’s Network is to connect, empower and engage members through leadership development, educational opportunities and innovative outreach. Ambassadors The purpose of the Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors is to promote the Columbia Chamber of Commerce and the economic advancement of Columbia and its surrounding trade area by serving as the goodwill group and as the “welcoming arm” of the Chamber. Executive Committee Chair - Kari Laudano, Logistique Studio, LLC Chair-Elect - Nancy Allison, Nancy Allison Agency LLC - Shelter Agency Past Chair - Tom Trabue, Trabue, Hansen & Hinshaw, Inc. Treasurer - Cheryl Jarvis, Landmark Bank Secretary - Kevin Czaicki, CenturyLink Development Director - Wally Pfeffer, Mutual of Omaha This year, the Chamber welcomed seven new Ambassadors. Emerging Professionals in Columbia (EPIC) The mission of EPIC is to engage, develop and celebrate emerging leaders through professional growth opportunities and social interactions. Executive Committee President - Sidney Neate Boone County National Bank President-Elect - Kris Bezenek, Trabue, Hansen & Hinshaw, Inc. Molly Borgmeyer, Columbia College Emily Clapp, Veterans United Home Loans Kimberly Craig, Columbia College Josh Creamer, Boone County Fire District John Fabsits, Boy Scouts of America-Great Rivers Council Jacob Garrett, Landmark Bank Tim Gerding, Evans & Dixon L.L.C. Reyhan Jamerson, Columbia College Lyndsy Richardson, Youth Community Coalition Orvil Savery, Veterans United Home Loans Stephanie Turner, Flat Branch Home Loans Holly Vogel, Boone County National Bank Teresa White, City of Columbia-Water & Light 10 This year, EPIC welcomed 166 new members. EPIC developed a new program this year, “Discover EPIC... and the World of the Chamber,” to teach its members about all that EPIC, the Chamber and Women’s Network have to offer. Steering Committee Committee Chairs President - Heather Hargrove, Holiday Inn Executive Center President-Elect - Heather Stewart, Services for Independent Living Past President - Kate Grant, Fresh Ideas Food Service Treasurer - Cheryl Edington, Baer & Edington LLC Secretary - Jessica Macy, Boone County Council on Aging Nancy Allison, Nancy Allison Agency LLC - Shelter Insurance Barbie Banks, Columbia Area Career Center Brooke Berkey, UMB Bank, NA Kerrie Bloss, Girls & Boys Club of Columbia Christy Bridgman, Mike Messer Agency LLC Shelter Insurance Shelly DeVore, Columbia Insurance Group Kylene Richardson, College of Veterinary Medicine Melissa Smith, The Bank of Missouri Kate Stull, Columbia Insurance Group Nellie Symm-Gruender, Care Navigators Budget & Finance - Cheryl Edington, Baer & Edington, LLC Business Leaders Forum - Caroline Leemis, Caroline Leemis Design & Cara Owings, MarketVolt Changing The Odds - Paula Heath, Caledon Virtual & Teri Cantwell, Boone County National Bank Marketing & Communications - Bailey Calton, Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center & Julie McDermott, Shelter Insurance Companies Membership Development - Jennifer Schenck, Midwest Computech & Brooke Berkey, UMB Bank, NA Monthly Program - Linda Quinley, Columbia Board of Education & Anna Hargis, Shelter Insurance Companies Special Events - Lyndsy Richardson, Youth Community Coalition & Tennille Dorsey, Landmark Bank This year, Women’s Network welcomed 109 new members. 19 Women’s Network members graduated from the Experience Women’s Network (XWN) program. Women’s Network administered the Carrie D. Francke Scholarship. They also awarded the Ron Marley Scholarship for Leadership Columbia to Lyndsy Richardson, Youth Community Coalition, and the Greater Missouri Leadership Challenge Scholarship to Anne Farrow, J. Hilburn Men’s Clothing and Melissa Smith, The Bank of Missouri. 11 PROGRAMS & EVENTS a year of networking & development July 2013 November 2013 March 2014 7/6 - EPIC Pub Crawl Volunteering 11/1 - Tiger Tailgate 3/4 - Quarterly Membership Breakfast 7/11 - WN New Member Welcome 11/12 - Quarterly Membership Breakfast 3/4 - Business Showcase 7/18 - WN Luncheon 11/13 - EPIC Mixing It Up! 3/4 - WN Luncheon 7/19 - Ambassador Century Club Dinner 11/14 - WN Flash Networking 3/5 - Chamber Day at the Capitol 7/23 - EPIC Lunching Outside the Box 11/19 - Education Committee Seminar 3/11 - EPIC St. Patrick’s Day Mixer August 2013 11/20 - Chamber 101 3/13 - Ambassador Quarterly Meeting 8/3 - EPIC Putt Putt Pub Crawl 11/21 - WN Luncheon 3/17 - Welcome Reception for Chancellor Loftin 8/15 - WN Luncheon December 2013 3/18 - Agricultural Recognition Banquet 8/28 - New Member Welcome 12/5 - WN Holiday Party 3/19 - School Board Candidate Forum September 2013 12/12 - Mayor’s Appreciation Breakfast April 2014 9/5 - WN Fall Mixer 12/12 - EPIC Holiday Party 4/10 - ATHENA International Awards 9/6 - Tiger Tailgate 12/18 - Ambassador Quarterly Meeting 4/12 - EPIC Color Dash Volunteering 9/12 - EPIC Catalina Wine Mixer 12/19 - Legislative Luncheon 4/17 - WN New Member Welcome 9/17 - Small Business Lunch & Learn 12/19 - EPIC Gift Wrapping Volunteering 4/21 - Education Committee Seminar 9/18 - Chamber 101 January 2014 4/21 - Junior Leadership Columbia Graduation 9/19 - Ambassador Quarterly Meeting 1/9 - WN New Member Welcome 4/22 - Discover EPIC 9/26 - Quarterly Membership Breakfast 1/9 - Legislative Reception 429 - Small Business Lunch & Learm 9/26 - WN Luncheon 1/13 - Economic Outlook Conference May 2014 9/27 - Tiger Tailgate 1/16 - WN Luncheon 5/1 - Chamber 101 October 2013 1/21 - EPIC Lunching Outside the Box 5/5 - 5/9 - Small Business Week 10/10 - WN New Member Welcome 1/22 - New Member Welcome 5/16 - WN Luncheon 10/16 - New Member Welcome 1/28 - Quarterly Membership Breakfast 5/20 - Food for Thought Breakfast Seminar 10/17 - WN Luncheon February 2014 5/20 - EPIC Lunching Outside the Box 10/18 - Tiger Tailgate 2/11 - City Council Candidate Forum 5/21 - New Member Welcome 10/21 - Chamber Classic Golf Tournament 2/20 - WN Luncheon June 2014 10/22 - EPIC Lunching Outside the Box 2/20 - EPIC NASCAR Experience 6/3 - Leadership Columbia Graduation 10/22 - Small Business Exhibition 2/27 - Chamber 101 6/3 - WN Spring Mixer 10/27 - Tiger Tailgate 6/12 - Ambassador Quarterly Meeting 10/30 - Food for Thought Breakfast Seminar 6/13 - EPIC Art Program 6/18 - Annual Meeting & Awards Banquet 12 6/19 - WN Luncheon 300 S Providence Rd PO Box 1016 Columbia, MO 65205-1016 phone: (573) 874-1132 fax: (573) 443-3986 www.ColumbiaMOChamber.com www.facebook.com/COMOChamber www.twitter.com/COMOChamber