Strategies:

1. Recruit 120 new members for fiscal year 2009-2010.
2. Review and work with other committees to implement retention programs such as speed networking (January 7, 2010, May 5, 2010, September 2, 2009) and Networking at Noon (November 5, 2009, March 11, 2010).
3. Plan and implement the Member 2 Member Discount Program.
4. Continue monthly Coffee Talk sessions. (3rd Tuesday of each month) i.e. member orientation.
5. 5. Survey needs and interest of members in June 2010.
6. 6. Support the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Federation Program.
7. 7. Plan and coordinate a member retention plan.

Mission: To conduct groundbreaking, ribbon cutting and other ceremonies in support of Chamber membership.

Outcome: Improvement of membership retention and support Chamber’s image.

Strategies:

1. Plan and conduct “Diamond Ball” (March 27, 2010) as fundraising project to offset costs of plaques, ribbons and other chamber activities. Goal: Net $8,000.00

2. Support the Chamber with special events by volunteering time for ribbon cuttings, member retention programs, business expo and business after hours mixers.

3. Plan and conduct a minimum of 55 ribbon cuttings and/or ground breaking ceremonies for FY 09-10.

Chair: David Merrill, Wells Fargo Advisors
Co Chair: Traci Wickett, United Way of Southern Cameron County
Staff POC’s: Angela R. Burton

Mission: To provide, develop and encourage community support for excellence at all levels of education using appropriate methods and resources.

Outcome: To improve success rates in high school completion and college/workforce readiness. (Increase available skilled workforce for the future).

Strategies:

1. Advocate for effective education strategies at local, state and federal levels of government.
2. Support the Imagine Brownsville comprehensive plan by developing an education research and development task force that will outline an action plan addressing issues related high school completion in Brownsville.
3. Organize and implement Academic Leadership Alliance. (May 10-July 10) Goal: 10 Educator Interns and 10 local businesses.
4. Continue speaker’s bureau activities.
5. Attend U.S. Chamber Education & Workforce Summit (November 9-10, 2009)
6. Develop and support internship programs between local businesses and UTB/TSC.
7. Write letters of support and apply for grants related to high school completion and college/ workforce readiness.

B. International Trade Committee:

Chair: Steve Perez, AOG Logistics
Staff POC: Angela R. Burton, Irma Hernandez

Mission: To represent the international business needs of chamber members.

Outcome: Increase international business and relations for Brownsville Chamber members and the community.

Strategies:

1. Formulate and recommend policy to enhance flow of commerce and security at international ports of entry.
2. Maintain liaison with consuls, Department of Homeland Security, maquiladoras, brokers, elected and appointed officials on both sides of the border.
3. Represent Chamber on trade missions and at social functions in Mexico.
4. Promote Brownsville/Matamoros as an international business community and encourage international commerce and tourism.
5. Continue to support the BiNational Chamber of Commerce Coalition.
6. Continue to participate and support sister city initiatives between Brownsville and Mexican cities.

C. Governmental Advocacy for Business

Mission: To promote awareness and take action on governmental issues of importance to chamber members at local, state and federal levels.

Outcome: Increase member involvement around critical issues related to voting, legislation and business advocacy.

Strategies:

1. Plan an implement a “Get the Vote Out” campaign”. Elections to be held in 2010.
2. Support federal, state and local legislators on issues relevant to the region.
3. Support Census 2010 by the formation of a Business Census Subcommittee.
4. Keep membership informed.
5. Testify when needed.
6. Plan and organize a Public Affairs Luncheons based on local, state or federal issues or topics.
7. Continue to support and participate with Brownsville’s InterAgency meetings.
8. Host legislators and governmental officials when opportunities present.

III. Community Development Division (2nd Vice Chairman)

A. Small Business Development

Co-Chair: Eva Woodfin, Wells FargoJ
Co-Chair: essica Gonzalez, Brownsville Local Development Co.
Staff POC: Delia Pena

Mission: To promote and assist small business through education, networking and other resources available to facilitate growth.

Outcome: 25% more chamber members participating in business development events.

Strategies:

1. Assist Membership Committee with retention programs.
2. Review and work with other committees to implement small business events such as Speed Networking (January 7, 2010, May 5, 2010, September 2, 2009) and Networking at Noon (November 5, 2009, March 11, 2010).
3. Develop educational seminars on a consistent basis (monthly/quarterly) at least 30 per year.
4. Recognize Brownsville Chamber of Commerce members who exceed the spirit and basic standards of customer service via the Customer Service Shining Star Award.
5. Participate and promote Business to Botana Expo to exceed 100 tables - September 23, 2010. Net: $12,250.
6. Participate and promote at least 4 “Business After Hours” Mixers to exceed 100 participants per event. (December 17, 2009, February 24, 2010, July 1, 2010, September 23, 2010) Net: $2,050.00
7. Promote Small Business Counselor at Brownsville Chamber of Commerce.
8. Gather data and perform Cost of Living Index for ACCRA report quarterly.
9. Recognize Chamber members at a Small Business Week Luncheon. (April 2010). Net: $750.00
10. Develop and support The Young Entrepreneurship Project (YEP) via administrative and marketing avenues.
11. Implement Women Entrepreneur Small Business Boot Camp.

Chair: Vacant
Staff POC: Delia Pena

Mission: To provide leadership, direction, support, and recognition for projects that enhance the image of Brownsville as a clean, and beautiful place to live and work.

Outcome: Enhanced economic development and quality of life by the organized improvement Brownsville’s appearance.

Strategies:

1. Encourage public entities to enforce laws that enhance the appearance of Brownsville.
   

2. Advise public entities of suggestions to enhance the appearance of primary corridors through out the City.

3. Recognize Brownsville Chamber of Commerce members who exceed the spirit and basic standards of the City of Brownsville Landscape Ordinance via Brownsville twelve Shines Award.

C. Brownsville CrimeStoppers Committee

President: Dan Flores, American Investigations & Security International
Staff POC: Angela R. Burton, Alfredo Picazo

Mission: To provide an anonymous reward program that involves the citizens, the media, and local area law enforcement in an effective crime control program. The program is designed to assist law enforcement agencies in the identification apprehension and prosecution of persons suspected of having committed a criminal act.

Outcome: The reduction of crime by encouraging the community to assist law enforcement agencies making Brownsville a better place to live work and do business.

Strategies:

1. Assist Brownsville Crime Stoppers with administrative duties.

2. Plan and conduct fund raising events that support the needs and expectations of the organization in order to balance the budget.

3. Ensure the Brownsville Crime Stoppers Board of Directors is representative of the community.
   

Chair: Eddy Hernandez, Brownsville Public Utilities Board
Staff POC: Angela R. Burton

Mission: In cooperation with TxDOT and other agencies, facilitates discussions and information programs that will support transportation projects.

Strategies:

1. Support strategies to develop East Loop.
2. Support strategies to improve East/West mobility.
3. Support initiatives to complete the upgrade of Hwy 77 to interstate standards and the designation of Interstate 69.

B. Visioning & Strategic Planning