Recently I reviewed with you what the Chamber got accomplished in 2015.
For 2016, the Chamber has another big year teed up. Subject to final approval by the Board the month, here are the top priorities for the year:
- Lobby to secure funding to widen North I-25 to 3 lanes each way between Highway 14 in Fort Collins and Highway 66 north of Longmont. We have made good progress here over the past two years as I have previously reported but much remains to be done. We will be making a big push during the upcoming legislative session to introduce and get passed the Fix Colorado Roads Act. Help us pass this important act by signing on to our petition: http://www.fixcoloradoroads.com/
- Launch a new workforce initiative. Under-employment remains a big problem for local residents while at the same time key Fort Collins employers struggle to find the right talent. A more proactive approach is needed to address this situation.
- Identify strong candidates for the 2017 City Council races. With the balance on the city council we’re always just one election away from an economic setback. The key is finding reasonable, competent people to run then leaving it up to the wisdom of the public to choose wisely.
- Undergo a ‘creative disruption’ process. One of the Chambers’ great strengths has been focusing resources to influence big issues while also keeping an eye on the future. Regarding that latter point, in 2016 we want to concentrate some time to re-examine our basic business and funding models.
- And, speaking of funding, this fall we will conduct our 6th Moving Fort Collins Forward! campaign to ensure that key programs and initiatives are properly funded.
In addition to the short list of priorities, the Chamber will also:
- Retool our business retention and expansion program to stay in touch with the needs and plans of primary employers
- Maintain a strong lobbying presence at City Hall and in Denver
- Help Members stay informed on key issues and get information they need to help them succeed
- Health Care in Your Future (March 29) – Understand how you will receive health care in the future and who will pay for it
- Thought Leaders Speaker event – We’ve got an invitation out to Daniel Pink. Keep an eye out for details coming soon.
- Lunch ‘N Learn Series – monthly ‘lunch and learns’ with innovative marketing ideas to propel your company forward
- 2017 Legislative Preview / Regional Issues Summit (December)
- Mid-Session Legislative Dinner with area legislators (March)
- Legislative Wrap-up (May)
- Fort Collins Area Chamber SmartBrief Weekly – a weekly electronic newsletter with interesting, timely and useful content
- The 2 Minute Update – a weekly electronic newsletter that condenses the City Council Meeting into 2 minutes!
- Grow community leaders
- Envision Young Professionals – monthly emerging young professionals engage in career and professional development and networking
- Leadership Fort Collins – a life-changing 9-month experience that expands minds and broadens networks
- Leadership Northern Colorado – a 6-month experience that helps participants understand that our economic fate is regional
- Leadership Trip to the Capitol (February 11)
- Recognize and celebrate small business at the Small Business of the Year Breakfast May 26
- Help Members connect with prospects and customers and have unique and memorable experiences
- Spring Showcase (May 26)
- Leads Groups – three groups to choose from that meet twice monthly
- Business After Hours – 12 of the region’s best networking events
- Regional Business After Hours (August)
- Relocation Packet Inserts – thousands of people contact the Chamber annually for relocation information and members can insert marketing material in the relocation kits
- Golf Classic (August 1) – a modified scrabble of 144 hackers, duffers and friends for a day of fun and networking
So there you go, a mixture of new to go with the popular classics.
Here’s wishing you a healthy, successful and profitable 2016!