A Note from the President, Looking Ahead to 2012

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT

Dear Chamber Members:

As we move forward into 2012…
Here’s what you need to know.
Where we need your support.
And how you can make a difference:

First – Board Member Nominations
The Nominations Committee of the HWCOC Board of Directors is actively looking for dedicated and committed Chamber Members who can put their name in nomination to serve on the Board.

According to our Bylaws, should a Chamber Member wish to seek such a position, they may do so through our “Nominations by Petition” process. This allows Members in good standing (of at least one year) to self nominate by petition.

In order to give you plenty of time, your petition must be filed with the Chamber’s office on or before August 1st. Bearing the original signatures of at least fifty (50) members (individual business members) in good standings of the Chamber.
Your petition will be forwarded to the Nominating Committee within ten (10) days after receipt.

Nominees by Petition who wish to join the Board of Directors will have their name added to the list of nominees selected by the Board Nominating Committee and will be added to ballot for voting by the membership.

As always we seek individuals who can and will make the necessary time commitment, bring resources, support Chamber events through financial sponsorships and are willing to share their expertise and talents to support our membership.

Second – Chamber Mobile Website (Perfect for the smart, smart phone connoisseur!)
Our Board of Directors has authorized the purchase of a Chamber Mobile Website at NO COST to our Members.

A Chamber Mobile Website for your smart phone is a nationwide mobile directory of businesses that belong to our Chamber. It allows your business location to be pinpointed on an easy-to- navigate map, search by category, business name or location.

Third – Chamber Master Database Upgrade
Our Board of Directors has authorized an upgrade to our Chamber Master Database system at NO COST to our Members.
Chamber Master is used by over 1,000 chambers and associations throughout the US. It is a member management system that provides for custom reporting, integrated billing solutions, easy communications, and provides for events management along with marketing and social networking tool and search engine optimized website modules.

While we are not purchasing every single module available at this time, we are most interested in Chamber Master’s business directory search features -- which should facilitate easier search capabilities along with other significant benefits.
We urge you to do business with one another. For starters, this upgrade will make it much easier to find each other on our Website directory.

Fourth – Join our 1001 Membership Drive -- Imagine the Possibilities!
We already have over 600 business members representing 45,000 employees.
But what if you could do business with 1001 members?
And they -- in turn -- did business with you?

Here’s how:
BE A MEMBER – BRING A MEMBER!

Fifth – We Love Feedback (or We Heart Feedback)
We are interested in what you have to say.
Really!

We work hard to provide you with the very best services, activities and events to grow your business – but remember, you can’t just “show up” – you must also “suit up.”

So tell us your wants and needs.
Then, “roll up your sleeves” and help make it happen!

Sixth – Don’t Do Business with Strangers.
Keep it in the family. Do business with fellow HWCOC members.
When there is a business opportunity out there, please try to include another Member(s).
What everyone wants is an opportunity.
Not a guarantee.

Handy Chamber Factoids
30+ Years Old • 606 Members • 70% Retention Rate • Representing 45,000 Employees

$430,000 Annual Budget (60% from Dues & 40% from Events and Marketing/Sales Activities)
6-10% of the Chamber’s net income is given to Charity each year
65% of our Members pay dues of $275 per year & have less than 10 employees
26% of our Members pay dues over $275 per year & have more than 10 employees
9% of our members are represented by charitable non-profits

4 Full-Time Staff and 2 Part-Time Sales Staff

Predominate zip codes: 77024, 77042, 77077 & 77079

The top ten business categories represented by the HWCOC are: Retail, Financial, Medical, Legal & Professional Services, Restaurants, Schools, Staff, Hotels, Insurance, and Apartments

The Houston West Chamber of Commerce
“In Business. For Business.TM”
Visibility – Networking – Politics

Blessings and Best Wishes for the New Year!

Sincerely,
Jeannie M. Bollinger, President/CEO
Houston West Chamber of Commerce