PASO ROBLES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 1225 Park Street, Paso Robles CA 93446

805.238.0506 pasorobleschamber.com

2017 Business Plan Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce

Establishing Roots. Growing Together.

Welcome! The Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce is proud to be the leading voice of business in our wonderful community. We are a dedicated team of members, staff and volunteers working in partnership with the City of Paso Robles to foster intelligent growth, stimulate economic development and advocate on behalf of our business community. We know that our strength is amplified when we work together to make Paso Robles even better than it is. We invite you to take part! Swing by the Visitor’s Center or check us out online. Even if you already are lucky enough to live here you will be surprised by what Paso Robles has to offer.

Matt McClish Matt McClish, Chairman of the Board Kennedy Club Fitness

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

OUR MISSION The Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce is an association of businesses and individuals orga-nized to promote the economic vitality of the greater Paso Robles business community, while preserving its civic and historical well being, in order to provide a better place to live, work and visit.

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

It has been said, “The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” (Socrates) We have been working diligently to establish deep-seated roots in this com-munity with the ultimate goal of continued growth. We heartfeltly thank you for your confidence and support and we will continue to find ways to strengthen this community and its businesses. We look forward to a wonderful 2017. There is no limit to what our future will hold!

Gina Fitzpatrick Gina Fitzpatrick, CEO

Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce

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MEMBERSHIP DIVISION

Division Mission: To grow and retain an enthusiastic membership base. We want to be sure our members feel there is value in their Member-ship. It is important that they be educated on resources available to them and that we guide them to participate in pro-grams, events, and committees that are in line with their business values and goals. It is vital that they understand and are able to successfully navigate the Chamber website and utilize the tools it provides. Division Goals: Engage, retain, and grow the membership base. Determine what members consider to be of value in their membership. Provide the type of value our members seek. Increase member involvement through Chamber activities such as committees or open forum groups. Help businesses increase their exposure at Chamber events and throughout the community. Increase member utilization of online tools. Raise awareness of engagement on the Chamber website. Notify members of advertising opportunities and exposure this will bring. Action Steps: Maintain a consistent outreach program that will allow us to gather information and encourage businesses to reap the

benefits of their membership. Create additional Chamber materials that articulate the benefits of membership. Conduct New Member Orientations to help new members understand their benefits. Facilitate Website Workshops and video tutorials to guide members through site setup and maintenance. Create a stronger working relationship with Chamber Ambassadors and utilize their talents in membership retention. The Committee: Matt McClish, Chairman of the Board - Kennedy Club Fitness; Kim Austin, Board Member - State Farm Rick Goree; Shanay Brown, Ambassador - Mari Landscaping, Inc.; Eric Snider, Ambassador - Econcept Inc.; Gina Fitzpatrick, President/CEO - Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce

Board Liaison: Lisa Marrone Committee Chair: Shanay Brown Committee Mission: To act as a bridge between business and community. In 2017, we will continue to strive to create goodwill between the Chamber and its members and promote both wherever possible. Committee Goals: Promote the value of Chamber membership Assist in implementing a coordinated membership retention pro-

gram Serve as hosts at Chamber events and programs Demonstrate the value of members supporting members and do-

ing business together

Ambassador Committee

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIVISION Division Mission: To encourage business prosperity by promoting a healthy and diverse local economy. We will do this by providing advocacy, identifying resources, and directing information to our members and prospective businesses looking to expand or start their business in Paso Robles. Division Goals: Identify and highlight the advantages of doing business in Paso Robles from a general economic sense and quality of life

perspective. Identify constraints to doing business in Paso Robles and work to remove the constraints. Promote and maintain a “Business Support Group” for existing and prospective members. This group will also serve as a

resource for businesses looking to relocate or expand into Paso Robles. Serve as a liaison for the City and County, so that they may confidently direct Paso Robles related business/economic

inquiries to the Business Support Group. Create a commercial relocation packet. Retain an Economic Development professional to act as the main point of contact for Economic Development and lead

the implementation of goals and objectives. Survey local companies to capture necessary input on their experiences and expectations. Identify and provide additional resources for economic development within our community. Develop and maintain an inventory of workforce needs, including training opportunities, programs and resources. Action Steps: Hold a community key leader summit. Conduct an in-depth economic SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities & Threats) analysis. Create a commercial relocation packet showcasing the Paso Robles area and how to successfully start, relocate or grow a

business locally. Interview, hire and retain an Economic Development professional. Monitor and provide input to city decision makers on commercial and industrial land use development needs and pro-

posals. Conduct a business walk to survey local companies. Develop an economic development section within the Chamber’s website. Create a business shared work space. Monitor trends in employer needs, identifying underserved needs and work with workforce development agencies to

respond to and meet those needs. The Committee: Larry Werner, Board Member - North Coast Engineering; Paul Shannon, Board Member - Pacifica Commercial Realty; John Arnold, Board Member - Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites; Craig Bonelli, Board Member - Stifel Financial Corp; Warren Frace, Board Member - City of Paso Robles; Gina Fitzpatrick, President/CEO - Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce

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COMMUNICATIONS and ADVOCACY

DIVISION Division Mission: In order to best serve our members, we will strive to advocate on behalf of our local businesses.. We will also focus on strengthening our communication processes in order to identify areas of need and opportunities to advocate further. Doing this will reinforce the Chamber’s Mission in that we are the avenue for our business community. Division Goals: Ensure the Chamber is the most consistent and thoughtful voice of the local community on policy issues. Initiate communication system to the membership. Impress upon the value of a regional legislative organization through discussions with other Chambers of Commerce. Express to our members the importance of legislative process and how it impacts business. Present a State of the North County event. Create brand awareness and properly communicate our message. Deliver standardized communication from the Chamber CEO. Strategic overall plan for marketing. Develop a movement that brings businesses together to collectively represent one voice. Work closely with the Membership Division to ensure benefits are describing true value. Action Steps: Maintain partnerships and liaisons with City and County policy makers and departments. Represent our members by attending City Council Meetings regularly. Continue to host open office hours for Supervisor John Peschong and Senator Bill Monning. Reinstate Quarterly Newsletter. Create an email “Chamber Alert” system on key issues. Utilize the Cal Chamber resources. In conjunction with the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce, host the 2nd Annual State of the North County event. Create a monthly message from the President/CEO. The Committee: Michael Bartlett, Board Member - Wedding Solved; Reilly Newman, Board Member - Newman Creative Studios; Gina Fitzpatrick, President/CEO - Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce

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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Division Mission: To strengthen the bridge between the Paso Robles business community and community at large. We plan on doing this by reestablishing leadership development programs, reinforcing communication between the various segments of our Chamber and Community, and collaborating with other organizations who have similar intent. We will put an emphasis on education, community advancement and enhancing the overall quality of life in Paso Robles. Division Goals: Strengthen collaborative partnerships with both public and private educational institutions. Ensure continued dialog with other community related organizations. Provide support in efforts that improve City Vitality. Research the feasibility of creating a 501(c)3 foundation. Secure grant funding to offset costs and allow for implementation of our goals. Establish new programs that encompasses leadership and professional development. Action Steps: Design and implement Intrigued Educational Series. Gather existing business related resources and identify ways to connect them with our members. Produce surveys throughout the year to determine which resources need to become more readily available. Provide a forum such as Wake Up Paso that highlights topics and issues influencing our community. Communicate hot topics through our website and newsletters. Reciprocation of materials and ideas with other existing community organizations. Ensure our members are aware of volunteer opportunities within the Chamber and understand the process on how to

get engaged. Showcase Roblan of the Month, Beautification of the Month, and Community Oriented Business of the Month at events,

on our website, social media and press. Hosting a “Business Goes to School” event twice annually. The Committee: Matt McClish, Board Member - Kennedy Club Fitness; Rich Clayton, Board Member - PRJUSD; Gina Fitzpatrick, President/CEO - Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce

Committee Chair: Sarah Hinds Committee Mission: The Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce Women in Business promotes opportunities for personal and profes-sional growth through networking, business and educational programs that feature relevant topics in a positive environment. Committee Goals: Provide opportunities for professional growth. Increase scholarship giving for continued education. Provide agriculture education and fundraise for scholarships at Farm to Fork event. Promote awareness of successful women in business at Women Who Mean Business. Advance the quality of speakers and contents of the program. Foster a welcoming and professional atmosphere at all events.

Women in Business Committee

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VISITOR CENTER

Division Mission: To provide a warm and friendly welcome to guests and community members by showcasing the natural beauty, subtle ambi-ance, and vibrant community within the Paso Robles region. We will enhance our visitors’ experience by understanding the purpose and goals of their trip, and provide useful information that will ultimately encourage return visits. Division Goals: Adequately track referrals generated to/from our members through the Visitor Center. Engage visitors with useful and user friendly information via our website, email marketing, and other technology. Continue to offer alternate destination trips outside the continental United States. Expand our market area by displaying our Visitor’s Guide throughout the state of California. Enhance our effectiveness by collaborating with local tourism based groups such as: - City of Paso Robles - Visit San Luis Obispo County - Downtown Paso Robles Main Street Association - California Mid-State Fair - Travel Paso Robles Alliance - Paso Robles Airport Advisory Council - Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance Action Steps: Support and implement Way-Finding signage program. Elevate the feel and charm in the Center by continuing to upgrade our facility. Produce a map that encompasses both the downtown streets and outskirts of town. Increase the quality and supply of retail items based on demand. Implement a token based referral program. Create the 2017/2018 Visitor’s Guide Track data to determine where people are visiting from and what information they are seeking. Continue to offer a program that allows members to utilize our display window in the lobby. Promote community events and provide will-call/ticket sale service. Provide contact information for city departments and officials, business start-up info, relocation guides, and information

regarding current issues impacting our community. The Committee: Margaret Johnson, Board Member - Martin Resorts; John Arnold, Board Member - Holiday Inn Express & Suites; Lisa Marrone, Board Member - The Mobile Oil Changers; Gina Fitzpatrick, President/CEO - PRCC

Chair: Harry Ovitt Vice-Chair: Vicki Silva Committee Mission: To promote agricultural education and connect 300 local residents to our agricultural roots. This tour allows participants to discover fascinating agriculture related businesses and historical sites. Committee Goals: Produce annual Ag Tour Provide scholarships for Ag education

Ag Tour Committee

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Chair: John Arnold Committee Mission: To identify and acknowledge individuals and com-panies within our community who strive to make Paso Robles better through their philanthropic, volunteer or beautification endeavors. Committee Goals: Select nominees for: - Roblan of the Month - Roblan of the Year - Community business - Beautification

Recognition Committee

“Establishing Roots”

BOARD OF DIRECTORS “Growing Together”

CHAIRMAN CIRCLE SPONSORS

Matt McClish, Chairman, Kennedy Club Fitness Sarah Hinds, Chair Elect, HFG Coastal Insurance John Arnold, Past Chairman, Holiday Inn Express Gina Fitzpatrick, CEO/President, PRCC

Michael Bartlett, Wedding Solved Craig Bonelli, Stifel, Nicolaus & Company Margaret Johnson, Paso Robles Inn/Martin Resorts Larry Werner, North Coast Engineering

Elizabeth Alflen, IQMS Kim Austin, State Farm Rick Goree Michael Bremer, Paso Robles Golf Club Rich Clayton, PRJUSD Don Daniels, Tooth & Nail Winery Dr. Maria Escobedo, Cuesta College North County

Warren Frace, City of Paso Robles Shelley Gurney, Fidelity National Title Lisa Marrone, The Mobile Oil Changers Reilly Newman, Newman Creative Studios Paul Shannon, Pacifica Commercial Realty

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

MEMBERS AT LARGE