The Wilmington Chamber of Commerce’s board announced a new strategic plan for the organization that pushes for a greater advocacy role on business issues and regional collaboration for economic development groups.
 
The three-year plan, unveiled Thursday, stemmed from areas the group’s executive committee looked at during planning meetings this summer. Consulting firm Global Perspectives helped with putting together the full plan, chamber officials said.
 
It includes seven areas of focus, ranging from internal chamber issues, such as its financial future, to community-wide issues, such as workforce training.
 
Each area includes “tactics that will be implemented to achieve tangible results,” the report stated.
 
Examples of some of those actions, according to the document, are:
• study the need for a Political Action Committee (PAC)
• lead quarterly meetings of economic developers and chamber executives regarding policy and infrastructure
• study regional chamber models relating to umbrella organizations
• continue implementation of Choose Cape Fear regional economic development marketing initiative, which refers to the four-county marketing campaign that coalesced around the Wells Fargo golf tournament in May
• create and convene CEO roundtable on workforce talent and
• develop diversity and inclusion programming to support employer efforts.
 
Among the strategies included about the chamber itself, and specifically its financial footing, are:
• utilize investment in chamber property
• hire a director of investor relations and
• create industry sector councils and events.
 
“To establish a path to achieve the redefined strategic vision, Chamber leadership and staff identified areas of opportunity that will aid economic development, strengthen area partnerships, and increase promotion of the region as a great place to do business,” the plan states. “In addition, concentration on these focus areas will strengthen the Chamber’s position financially to allow for additional community and member programs, as well as establish a new pipeline of future leaders to fill Chamber leadership roles, and serve on government and non-profit boards and as elected officials.”

To read the full plan, click here.