What is the No. 1 message more board members need to hear and understand? And why?
Sharon Mayer, IOM, CCE
CEO
Allen Fairview (TX) Chamber
The crucial message board members need to embrace: responsiveness.
Within the realm of chamber of commerce professionals, numerous questions arise regarding boards and their involvement. How can we motivate them to attend events or sponsor programs? Why are they hesitant to volunteer or delve into event participation?
These queries have sparked insightful discussion, shedding light on the need for effective communication and value propositions. However, the paramount message that board members must comprehend is the importance of responsiveness. Merely providing training sessions or materials is futile if they fail to engage.
By prioritizing active participation, addressing concerns in person, and emphasizing the significance of their input, boards can truly fulfill their responsibilities and help create a thriving chamber!
Ann Silver
CEO
Reno+Sparks (NV) Chamber
If you are not a passionate and engaged advocate for commerce and economic vitality, please use your time doing other important things. Board members are selected for their commitment to advocate for, inform, and connect our members and so their individual and collective support is vital to our mission.
Jason Mock
President/CEO
Greater Dalton (GA) Chamber
As board members of a chamber of commerce, it is crucial to understand the power and impact you have in building and transforming a community for generations to come.
The No. 1 message that board members need to hear and understand is the importance of taking on big, bold ideas that empower the president and their team to make transformative changes. In order to succeed, it is imperative to foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity that encourages creativity, risk-taking, and out-of-the-box thinking.
By embracing these values and prioritizing the needs of all community members, board members can create a more robust, more resilient local economy that benefits everyone.
Angie Osguthorpe
President/CEO
Davis (UT) Chamber
I think board members need to know the importance of the role they play in spreading the story of the chamber. Board members usually do such a good job with their fiduciary and oversight duties, but they should strive to always be champions of the chamber as they go about their day-to-day lives out in the community as well.
As chamber staff we should ensure their awareness of our value and the breadth of our offerings and then remind and encourage them to spread the news, so everyone is aware of the important role of the chamber!
Paul Holden, ICD.D
President/CEO
Burnaby (BC) Board of Trade
It is absolutely essential that board members understand that the role of the chamber of commerce has drastically changed, and that it will continue to evolve.
We started using the 3C messaging at the very start and it has now become embedded in everything we do and in conversations with our board. This will continue, but the meaning of each of the C’s needs to reflect the changes in what our business community, and community at large, are demanding from us.
Workforce development, and all that it involves, needs to be at the forefront of what we do and represents a tremendous opportunity for us to continue to be indispensable.