Upcoming Boot Camps Present Political Action, Business Retention, Expansion Best Practices

Two major program components for many 3C—catalyst, convener and champion—chambers are engaging in political action and playing a more meaningful role in economic and job development.

In an ongoing effort to give our members the tools and best practices to succeed in these areas, two boot camp programs will be offered this summer.

The first will be a Political Action Boot Camp held in conjunction with the annual Association Chamber of Commerce Executives convention in Long Beach (CA) on Monday, July 15.

The second will be the W.A.C.E.’s second Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Boot Camp offered on Monday, August 5 in Sacramento (CA) in conjunction with the Association’s Academy Program.

Political Action

With more and more chambers endorsing candidates and forming political action committees, helping them navigate the sometimes-treacherous political waters has become an important part of W.A.C.E. programming.

“The boot camp is designed to help chambers of all sizes get a better handle on political engagement,” said Lisa Krueger, ACE, vice chair of W.A.C.E. and president/CEO of the Lake Havasu (AZ) Chamber. “We are convening the brightest minds to give chambers the tools they need to help them win elections.”

Program components of the Political Action Boot Camp will include:

• An overview of the political landscape;

• Lessons learned and insights from the political trenches; and

• Campaign essentials, such as endorsements, funding, polling, get out the vote best practices.

The Political Action Boot Camp, which will be on Monday, July 15 from 2:00–4:30 p.m., will be held at the Long Beach Convention Center.

Business Retention, Expansion

“In order for chambers to fully claim the mantle of catalyst and champion, we believe they must be directly involved in the work of retaining and supporting the expansion of local businesses,” said W.A.C.E. Chair-Elect Glenn Morris, ACE, president/CEO of the Santa Maria Valley (CA) Chamber.

“This goes beyond ‘creating an environment for success’ and requires direct involvement with specific businesses. It also requires much deeper access to and understanding of the data that defines your marketplace.”

The BRE Boot Camp will share examples of what this work looks like and will give attendees the tools to start—or expand—their efforts in this important endeavor.

This year’s program will include:

• Why your chamber should have a BRE program;

• Key components and challenges to starting or refreshing a BRE program;

• Using data to drive your efforts;

• Tracking metrics and reporting to stakeholders; and

• Partnering with other organizations.

The BRE Boot Camp will be held on Monday, August 5 from 12:00–4:30 p.m. at the California Chamber in Sacramento.

Register Now

Registration information for BOTH boot camps is available on waceonline.com and is included with this issue of Insider.