Our Vision

Strategic Planning Report - Vision 2020:

In the fall of 2016, the Fox West Chamber Board of Directors engaged Allen-Olson Consulting to develop a strategic plan for the next three years. Allen-Olson had facilitated the Chamber's 2016 plan to develop "Vision 2020."

The Chamber membership was given the opportunity to participate in a survey during the summer of 2016. The survey results were then shared with 20+ volunteers who participated in a Strategic Planning Session in mid-September. During the session members developed strategic focuses and potential initiatives for the next four years.

Mission: Building Business, Enriching Community

Mission Focus	Initiatives
1) Build and enhance the Fox West brand	A. Clearly define the Fox West Brand B. Define common pride themes
2) Improve connections amoung all members	A. Increase the number of social events for members B. Develop a "buddy system" for new members C. Restructure regular meetings to make them more interactive for members (9/2017)

Mission Focus

To review the full report, click on our Strategic Planning Report 2017-2020. The following was observed during the meeting:

Fox West Chamber Value Proposition

In September 2016 Monthly Meeting, the Board of Directors did a presentation on the Value Proposition at the membership's monthly meeting. The presentation covered the history and background of the Chamber; objectives; research; and the value for membership investment.

Listed below are some excerpts from the presentation.

History/Background:

• Hortonville Area Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1999
• Membership was around 50 members with an average attendance of 10 members at our monthly meetings
• We hosted brat fries, organized the Village Rummage Sale, held monthly meetings, hosted some socials and maintained a website
• We launched Chocolate Fest in 2009
• By 2009, we grew to roughly 60 members, 75 in 2010 and 90 in 2011
• We added another Board Position in 2011
• We were experiencing growth and gained some new active members over the years
• The Town of Greenville approached Lance Schmidt about starting a Chamber of Commerce
• We had many small businesses in our communities and many who worked for larger businesses that lived in our communities
• Worked together to form Fox West Chamber of Commerce and reconfirmed our Mission Statement— "Building Business. Enriching Community"

Chamber Objectives:

• To help our members succeed and grow through our programs and partnerships
• To consistently work to overcome barriers to future economic development
• To promote a healthy and positive business climate to encourage economic development
• To enrich this area as a great place to live, work, play & raise a family

Chamber Membership Provides:

• Excellent networking opportunities
• Increased visibility
• Advertising for your business
• Educational tools
• Access to real-time business information
• Business referrals
• Opportunity to be a featured business card in municipality newsletters

Research Shows:

• Results in the research study by The Shapiro Group, Inc. and Market Street indicate the impact of local chamber membership on small businesses is very powerful
• Small businesses represent the largest segment by number of most local chamber membership rolls
• 44 percent increase in consumer favorability
• 51 percent increase in consumer awareness
• 57 percent increase in local reputation
• 63 percent increase in the likelihood that consumers will patronize the business in the future

Value for Membership Investment:

• Current investment amount $120 ($60 for non-profits) Includes:
• Use of Chamber sign (3 days free)
• Free booth at Chocolate Fest
• Networking
• Monthly meetings
• Business After Hours
• Chamber of Commerce window decal
• New investment amount $150 ($75 for non-profits) Includes:
• One free print ad in the Chamber quarterly newsletter of your choice
• One free insertion in the member e-newsletter (Fox Cast) of your choice
• Free listing on the website and link from website to business' website
• Affordable advertising opportunities developed by the Communications Committee
• Use of Chamber sign (3 days free)
• Networking
• Monthly meetings
• Business After Hours

The new investment amount of $150 will go into effect with the 2017 annual dues. Many members will receive their renewal invoices in November of this year. If you joined during 2016, your membership will renew with your next invoice. For example: If you joined in April 2016, your annual membership goes until March 2017. Your renewal notice will be sent in February 2017.