Second meeting April 24, 2008

First meeting September, 2007

CAN WE GET MONEY OUT OF CURRENTLY FREE LISTINGS?
For many years WCOCA has tried to make its web site and maps a resource for
visitors (and natives too). This has led to having about 140 free listings on map and web
site.

These free listings are mostly non-profits such as churches, charities & public service
organizations. Other non-profits include art organizations, museums & points of interest. A
small number (map only) are for-profit businesses that visitors may need or for which we
get frequent requests such as airport, railroad, hospital, drug store, auto repair & horseback
riding. (See list at end).

From time to time the question has been raised – can we get some of those listed to help support WCOCA.
See list and more info.

Larry 9/12/2007

Some History on WCOCA revenue raising.

The most common method of trying to increase WCOCA's income has been through membership drives. This is being done since 2004 by Pat Horner who makes the big push while selling Travel Guide ads. (advertisers must be members). Pat additionally looks for new business while coordinating the Open House event and thru-out the year as well.

From 2001 to 2004 Lelani Claire served as Travel Guide and membership sales person.

All along, the paying membership rarely varies much from the current 220.

There have been minor attempts at creating fund raising "Benefits". Those have been OK parties but have not raised any funds.

No one has tired getting any sort of grant.

Larry 9/12/2007

Biggest Bang

While we can no doubt make some improvements in the way the existing WCOCA is run, I think, without question, that creating a Business Improvement District is going to be the best use of most of our energies. That because when all business are required to pay their fair share to a BID every year, the commercial district will have a known amount of funds already in place each year. Then the group need only focus on how best to use the funds rather then spining its wheels trying to collect funds from a few for each and every little activity.

Larry 9/12/2007

Some business and strategic plan links that may help stimulate our initial meetings:

Bonita Springs Business Plan 2006-2007
• Provide ..... reception with an orientation for new members to the Chamber.
• ..... Feature a committee/task force each [period] in the newsletter to make the membership aware of the work of various volunteer groups.
• ..... provide members maximum exposure in promoting their business through sponsorship opportunities......
• Continue to review, develop and enhance the Chamber website.... BonitaSpringsChamber.com
• Monitor and encourage turther improvements to our transportation systems.......
• Week long open house at the booth so members can become familiar....
• Coordinate and hold a holiday event that acts as a fundraiser for the Chamber while collecting gifts for under privileged children.
• Conduct periodic surveys of the membership to asses their needs and issues.
• Create a "Committee Request Form" to encourage member involvement.
Bonita Springs Business Plan

Bonita Springs Strategic Plan 2004-2008
• Attracting High Level Leaders/Building Alliances...
• plan would be developed to look at broader community issues and would focus on a longer term and include a more visionary approach....
• A survey was developed and sent to various groups of people including the Board of Directors, graduates of the Leadership Bonita program, past leaders of the organization and select community leaders. This group of over 100 individuals generated a response rate of 33%. In addition, the membership at large also received the survey via e-mail with an on-line survey form. Of the approximately 900 e-mail addresses, we received a 15% return rate of this larger group.
• Chamber leadership suffers “burn out” over time, as well as attrition for other reasons; a pool of potential leaders must be developed for replacement...
Bonita Spring Strategic Plan 2004-2008

Riverhead Business Plan 2007
• Strengthen relationships within the Riverhead business community through networking events and opportunities.
• committee ..... is to attain grant monies to assist in sponsoring special events, promotion of Riverhead, and possibly grants with a focus on downtown revitalization and community programs.
• bimonthly radio program (every two months). The Executive Director, Board of Directors and committee will work with local Radio Station TMO Radio to produce a monthly segment on “Doing Business in Riverhead.”
• .... Chamber has the responsibility to work with other business and tourist-oriented agencies such as the Business Improvement District (BID), Long Island Farm Bureau, Long Island Wine Council, Cornell Cooperative Extension, East End Arts Council. A variety of large private interests......,
Riverhead Business Plan

Babs 9/12/2007