Special Report for the Presented May 14, 2019 by Laura P. Doster, - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Special Report for the Presented May 14, 2019 by Laura P. Doster, Executive Director

Agenda Introductions • a) Executive Director b) Staff c) Executive Board d) Board of Directors Chamber Items • a) Mission b) Services c) Committees d) Economic Development e) Marketing f) Promoting the Gorge g) Gorge Events h) Membership i) Community Development j) Financials • Closing Remarks

Introductions Executive Director – Laura Doster Contracted Staff – Valerie Hoffman – Marketing/PR Allyssa Dixon – Administration Karen Yarborough – Financial Advisor Executive Board - Patrick Bryant – President Bob Keith – Vice President Bill Ashman – Secretary James Cain – Treasurer Board of Directors – Crystal Morrison – Morrison Photography Thomas Keever – Executive Director, LLCA Jennifer Duncan – Branch Manager, Carolina Bank & Trust Teri Coutu – CEO – Teric Enterprise Solutions, LLC April Schick – Owner, April’s Boutique Mary Jaeger-Gale – General Manager, Chimney Rock @ CR State Park Laura Krejci – Communications Director, Town of Lake Lure Howard Redmon – Owner, Cedar Creek Stables

Our Mission To promote economic progress and quality of life in the Hickory Nut Gorge Community while helping to protect the natural integrity and unity of the communities of the Gorge. The Chamber is a catalyst for the creation of activities and opportunities for both visitors and residents and promotes an atmosphere that encourages visitation, business growth, and a strong sense of community.

Strength of our Services • Lift up, support, & promote all of the non-profit organizations. • Consistent networking opportunities through monthly re- Charges, Ribbon Cuttings, Milestone Anniversaries & other Sense of Chamber Signature Events. Community • Public source of referrals for volunteer opportunities – providing numerous opportunities to “plug and play” in the Gorge community. • Active participant in Gorge-wide consortium to enhance Internet & Cell Services in the Gorge • Leader of revitalized Task Force to bring YMCA services to the Gorge. • Organizers of the largest annual event in HNG, the Dirty Dancing Festival, which showcases the Gorge to nearly 4,000 people. • Publishers of the only Online Business Directory focused on Gorge businesses • Representative voice for the business and tourism Economic community in economic and community development issues Progress and projects in the Gorge and across the county. • Managers of the only comprehensive clearinghouse for business referrals in the Gorge – connecting businesses to newcomers, visitors & homeowners. • Sponsor, co-sponsor or volunteer for major events, all to attract visitors and residents alike while bringing economic benefits to local businesses.

Committees Planning & Economic Development Executive Marketing Committee Our Board at Work Community Events Development Membership Services

Economic Development In the Works Community Center Affinity HNG Technical Assisted Living Consortium Facility YMCA Asset Management - Review land/buildings owned by the Town available • for lease/purchase – how can the Chamber support? • Revisit the Arnett-Muldrow Study & Recommendations with the Town to determine what can still be implemented. Build a marketing portfolio of assets to present to realtors. • Workforce Initiatives – how to support existing businesses, expand the • labor pool, and keep our graduates here. • Identify grant writing expertise – explore possible grants. • Partner with the Town to identify key projects – i.e.; Town Center Master Plan; Build the Boardwalk; NC Corridor Master Plan Performance Agreement b/w theTown and Chamber with SMARTgoals & • objectives.

Economic Development, Cont’d Shoulder Season Activities Portable Ice Rink Father/Daughter, Mother/Son Dances Movie Night Restaurant Week Octoberfest Craft Night Memorial Hwy Christmas Lighting Event Services Activities Dry Cleaner Movie Theater Car Wash Bowling Alley Laundromat Indoor Community Center FedX Type Center Art Center Water Shuttle Rowing Club Children’s Day Care Dentist/OBGYN Conference Facility Storage Building Facilities Before/After School Program

Marketing Primary stewards of the Hickory Nut Gorge Brand. • Publishers of the Gorge's only regular tourism and • business focused e-newsletter to a subscriber base of nearly 6,000 • Consistent social media presence dedicated to exclusively promoting Hickory Nut Gorge as a destination. • The most comprehensive, daily managed, and all- inclusive Online Events Calendar focused on Hickory Nut Gorge Events. HickoryNutGorgeEvents.com A Chamber website and database that serves as our • members’ direct connection to market their products and services to consumers who visit our website and social media pages. Includes a business description, Google mapping, web and social media links, images and events, even job openings. Featured monthly member spotlights •

Marketing, Cont’d Primary media liaison and trip organizer for visiting • writers, bloggers, photographers, and production teams wishing to promote the Gorge. The only entity in the Gorge focused on creating specific • PR & Social Media Campaigns around Seasonal Themes. This includes: promoting “Easter in Hickory Nut Gorge,” “Christmas in Hickory Nut Gorge,” “New Year’s Eve in Hickory Nut Gorge,” “Memorial Day Weekend Fun in Hickory Nut Gorge,” and “Autumn in Hickory Nut Gorge.” • Only organization in the Gorge that has consistently pushed for, encouraged, and carried out candidates’ forums. Committed to partnering with the Chimney Rock Village • Community Development Association to ensure that the visiting public sees and experiences the distinct, but compatible aspects of Lake Lure and Chimney Rock Village

Promoting the Gorge

Gorge Events Polar Plunge* Sale on the Trail* July 3rd Fireworks Raptor Run Power in the Flower Dirty Dancing* Classic Boat & Auto Show Christmas Gala* Arts & Crafts Festival Candidate’s Forums* Chamber re-Charge Events* Olympiad *Signature Chamber Event

Membership Levels of Investment Summit - $10,000 Riverfront - $500 Ridgeline - $5,000 Gorge - $200 Hill - $2,500 Non-Profit - $100 Valley - $1,000 Contributor - $50 In the Works Workshop Series – • a) Business Education Program – sponsors/outside speakers b) Chamber Member Businesses – promote your business – members lead • Volunteer Program – Community wide database, event support Benefits – • a) Coupon Book for Members – all businesses w/Membership offer a discount to Chamber members only Membership Campaign – target missing industries, remote workers, lost • businesses, residents Surveys – what members want, what topics for workshops, end of year • satisfaction survey • Member Welcome Packet

Community Development/Initiatives TDA Outreach CRV/CDA HNG Foundation Community LLCA Rutherford County Government Involvement Rutherford County COC Friends of the Mountain Branch Library Hospice • Charity for Children - providing stuffed animals to police and fire stations to hand out when children are involved in emergency calls. Potential training/discussions on topics small businesses • In the Works would not have the resources to undertake, such as active shooter. Community Alliance Committee – Quarterly meeting of key • stakeholders of Gorge communities CRV through TOLL Beautification Effort • • Newcomer’s Welcome Booklet

Financials The Chamber of Hickory Nut Gorge 2018 P&L and 2019 Budget 2018 YTD Totals 2019 Budget Income Events & Fundraising $ 154,378.00 $ 165,500.00 Membership Investment $ 46,147.00 $ 50,000.00 Total Income $ 200,525.00 $ 215,500.00 Expenses Advertising $ - $ 1,000.00 Personnel $ 43,962.00 $ 57,000.00 Events & Fundraising $ 108,541.00 $ 95,500.00 Office Expense $ 8,553.00 $ 8,950.00 Operations Expense $ 10,912.00 $ 9,714.00 Total Expense $ 171,967.00 $ 172,164.00 Net Income $ 28,511.00 $ 43,336.00