Newton Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau
500 N Main St. Suite 101
Newton, Kansas
67114-2211
|
|
Program of Work |
|
|
Newton Area Chamber of Commerce
2005/2006 Program of Work
Mission Statement
To promote and develop the civic, commercial, industrial, agricultural and professional
interests of the City of Newton, Kansas and its vicinity.
Vision Statement
The Newton Area Chamber of Commerce is committed to building a healthy, progressive and
prosperous community by advancing business, commerce and those elements that contribute
to our quality of life.
Boards of Directors & Staff
Participation is by appointment
Chamber Board of Directors
Chairperson: Ken Hall, American Family Insurance
Staff Liaison: Virgil Penner
Composition: As per Chamber by-laws
Purpose: To direct the affairs of the Chamber through policy decisions, leadership and personal improvement.
Meetings: Monthly, 3rd Wednesday at 7:00 a.m. in Chamber Board Room
Staff Assistance: Camille Schrader
Executive Committee
Chairperson: Ken Hall, American Family Insurance
Staff Liaison: Virgil Penner
Composition: As per Chamber by-laws
Purpose: Shall act on behalf of the Board of Directors when the Board is not in session,
provides direction to CEO; works with CEO on internal affairs. Is responsible to the Board.
Meetings: Monthly, 2nd Wednesday at 7:00 a.m. in Board Room
Staff Assistance: Camille Schrader
Newton Convention & Visitors Bureau Advisory Board
Chairperson: Mo Petrocci, MAYB
Staff Liaison: Jennifer Mueller/Virgil Penner
Composition: As per contract between Chamber and City of Newton
Purpose: To advise on the activity of the Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Meetings: Monthly, 3rd Thursday at 7:30 a.m. in Board Room
Newton/North Newton Historic Preservation Board
Chair: Patrick Duffy
Staff Liaison: Virgil Penner/Billi Jo Wilson
Composition: As per contract between the Chamber and the City of Newton
Purpose: To advise on the activity of the Historic Preservation Commission.
Meetings: Monthly, 2nd Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at Newton Public Library, 720 N. Oak
Open to the Public
Staff Assistance: Billi Jo Wilson
Greater Newton Foundation
Chairperson: Ken Hall, American Family Insurance
Staff Liaison: Virgil Penner
Composition: As per GNF by-laws
Purpose: To oversee the activity, make policy decisions for GNF Investment.
Meetings: As needed
Staff Assistance: Camille Schrader
Past Presidents
Chairperson: Ron Lang, Midland National Bank
Staff Liaison: Virgil Penner
Meetings: Monthly on the 1st Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. in the Board Rm.
Staff Assistance: Camille Schrader
Chamber's Economic Development Administration Council
Chairperson: Virgil Penner
Members: Virgil Penner-CEO Chamber, Ken Hall-President, Tom Williams-President Elect, Jim Heinicke-City Manager Newton,
Willis Heck-Vice Mayor Newton, Mickey Fornaro Dean-Harvey County Economic Development Council, Steve Kelly-Pres. HCEDC, Ray Penner-Member at Large and
John Torline-City Manager North Newton.
Meetings: Monthly, 1st Friday at 7:00 a.m. at Charlie's Restaurant
Public/Private Partners Council
Chairperson: Virgil Penner
Members: Representatives from Cities of Newton and North Newton, Harvey County, USD #373, Harvey County Economic
Development Council, Local Legislature Representative, Newton, Kansas and Newton Area Chamber of Commerce.
Meetings: Monthly, 2nd Friday at 7:00 a.m. at Charlie's Restaurant
Committees & Structures
Participation is open to the membership
I. AMBASSADORS/MEMBERSHIP DEV. & RETENTION
Goal Statement: To continue to grow membership while building relationships with current members. Serve as hosts at
Chamber events and promote Chamber good-will throughout the community.
Coordinator: Andrea Rostetter, Hutchinson Credit Union
Staff Liaison: Virgil Penner
Meetings: Monthly
Staff Assistance: Pam Stevens
Action Steps:
To work together with Membership Services Director. Expand membership recruitment.
To work on retention of current members.
II. NEWTON CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT PROGRAM
Advisory council made up of chairs of Promotion & Design committees, CEO of the Chamber, City of Newton representative,
Chamber board member and Chamber staff coordinator for the program.
Staff Liaison: Virgil Penner
Meetings: Monthly
Staff Coordinator: Billi Jo Wilson
Action Steps: to coordinate the different ad hoc and task forces set-up by the advisory council.
Marketing & Strategy, Image Building, Retail/Business Promotion, Building Improvements, Design/Education/Tech Assistance,
Special Events, Design/Regulation Enforcement, and Public Spaces.
III. LEADERSHIP ADVANCEMENT
It's imperative that a community have ample and quality leaders with leadership skills for the 21st century. The Newton
Area Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Advancement program is the impetus behind fulfilling that community need. This annual
program open to the membership and community at large takes 35 participants and provides leadership skills development
training. Contact the Chamber office for more information.
IV. EDUCATION & BUSINESS ADVANCEMENT
Goal Statement: To establish stronger working relationships between the educational and business constituencies within the
greater Newton community. Representatives of all educational entities, K-12 public schools, community college, and
four-year college will work with selected Chamber representatives to further educational and business collaboration in
Newton.
Chairperson: Dr. John Morton, USD 373
Staff Liaison: Virgil Penner
Meetings: Monthly
Staff Assistance: Camille Schrader
Action Steps: Development of youth leadership program. New Teacher/Staff Welcome Breakfast (selection of host at Breakfast
for each teacher/staff person). Development of Business Professional Book Discussion group. Yearly Education/Business
Summit meetings to discuss how each group can help the other. Work with Businesses/Students in a mentor program;
selection of business mentors.
V. GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
Goal Statement: Increase involvement and action in local, county and state legislative issues that impact business and
commerce.
Chairperson: Gary Hill, Coldwell Banker Stucky and Associates
Staff Liaison: Virgil Penner
Meetings: As needed
Staff Assistance: Pam Stevens
Action Steps: Develop legislative priorities. Host legislative forums for candidates local and state. Host legislative
session (open to public) during legislative sessions. Candidate Recruitment-local/state. Meet September thru May.
|
|
|
|
