It seems really hard to believe that we are almost at year-end.  My year as board chair has really flown by.  As my term draws to a close, I asked the staff to prepare a list of all the things we had accomplished during 2003.  That list is included at the end of this article.
 
As I reviewed the list, I was astounded at all we had done this past year.  But it’s not just the quantity -- the quality of those events kept coming to mind.   Many of our members that attended the Chairman’s Coffees this year were members of multiple chambers.  As Sharon and I sat there listening to their input, one recurring theme seemed to be how well we were doing when compared to the other chambers those people participated in.  They talked about the quality of our programs, the quality of our staff and about how friendly the Allen Chamber is.  During these difficult financial times when many Chambers are suffering, the Allen Chamber is in excellent shape. 
 
It has been a great year and it has been a pleasure to play a small part in it.  Next year promises to be even better.  I wish you and yours the very best this holiday season and hope you have a great 2004.
 


Annual Report of
Accomplishments 2003
 
Communication – Increased through use of technology
o       Weekly Member-andum E-mail or FAX updates
o       Chamber Connections Monthly e-newsletter
o       Launched new web portal increasing exposure for member businesses and offering advertising opportunities
 
Membership
o       Maintained 89.9% retention rate
o       Instituted multi-level membership investment schedule
o       Currently working on Mission: Retention campaign

Increased and enhanced member Networking Opportunities
o       Held eleven Business After Hours events including the Collin County Chamber’s Combined After Hours
o       Increased participation in Tuesday Morning Live 
o       Hosted four Nothing But Networking and six regular Membership Luncheons
o       Instituted Women in Support of Enterprise (WISE) Luncheons
 
Programs
o       Special promotional advertising – Home for the Holidays
o       Presented four Business for Breakfast Seminars and the four-part Lunchbox Learning Series
o       Leadership Allen – Graduated Class XIV; began Class XV
o       Hosted two Eggs & Issues Legislative Breakfasts
o       Hosted 53 grand opening, groundbreaking and/or ribbon cutting ceremonies
o       Established Tourism Council
o       Established Strategic Planning Committee to review current Chamber structure and programs and to solicit input from membership on enhancing and adding value to Chamber services.
 
Special Events for 2003
o       Annual Awards Luncheon
o       Candidate’s Forum
o       Celebrate Allen! 2003
o       Annual Golf Tournament
o       New Teacher Reception
o       Wacky Waiter Celebrity Dinner
o       Millennium Awards Luncheon
o       Business Expo & Collin Co. Business After Hours