About the Morden & District Chamber of Commerce

* Increase Membership Fees

- This is the main generator of revenue for the Morden and District Chamber of Commerce. Increases should be implemented annually at a percentage recommended by the Executive and approved by the General Membership. Priority: High

* Made in Morden Trade Show

- The purpose of this activity is to raise money and provide a platform for exposure. This activity should be chaired by Chamber Executive (Program/Events) and a talented MC should be hired for the show. The expected outcome is to increase the finances of Morden and District Chamber of Commerce, give this organization a higher profile and is also expected to increase foot traffic through community which provides our Member businesses with more opportunity to sell their services. The estimated cost of this event is $5,000. Priority: High. Program and Events.

* Consult Business:

- The purpose of this activity is to ask our Members how the Morden and District Chamber of Commerce can best serve them. This should be implemented by the Executive (Membership), hire a consultant or by exchange students. The expected outcome is an increase in interest and thus membership revenue. Priority: High. Membership

* Leadership Program for Youth

- This activity involves the youth in the Community interacting and learning about all sectors of business. High school students pay to join the program and one day per month they tour and learn about each business sector from agriculture to retail. The estimated cost of this program is $5000. The implementation will be carried out by Program & Events. The expected outcome is to educate youth about business. Possible partner organizations: Western School Division, Regional Health Authority, Town, etc. Priority: High

* Annual and Spring General Meetings

- Plan speakers, golf tournament, new ideas and activities. Program & Events

* Seminars

- Actively search for new speakers and learning opportunities that are of interest to our Members and take advantage of events planned by others by promoting through our newsletter, etc. Look for opportunities to raise funds through registration fees. Priority: High. Program/Events.

- Discounted price for Members for events provides value for membership. (See "Increase Membership by 20%)

* Federal, Provincial and Municipal All Candidates' Forums

- As elections are called, continue to provide a forum for our citizens to meet and question their candidates. Need for a dynamic M.C. Cost approximately $400 each. Priority: High. Program/Events

* Just The Fax Newsletters

- Add a quarterly publication (try for regional). Priority: High. Marketing & Communication

* Chamber of Commerce Web Site

- Redesign site to be more attractive and relevant and market to encourage use. Priority: High Marketing & Communication

* Plant Presentations for new and expanding businesses

- This is a Town Council initiative that includes the Chamber of Commerce. Photos are submitted to the Morden Times by the Chamber for publication.

- Try to implement a ribbon cutting component.

* Awards for business

- This activity's aim is to increase the public's awareness of business activities in Morden. The estimated cost is $500. Explore sponsorships. Priority: High. Program and Events

* Lobby for a Post Secondary Facility

- There is a need for an office and post secondary education facility in the Town of Morden and the Research Station would provide a good location. This should be implemented by the Executive of the Morden and District Chamber of Commerce. Priority: High Executive.

* Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre

- Provide space in office for library and computer/internet access. Heartland CFDC does quarterly advertising promoting the site to prospective entrepreneurs. Foot traffic (6-8 people in a heavy week) and advertising provides awareness of Chamber of Commerce and its services. Chamber Manager provides advice and assistance, including referrals to Community Development Officer, to users.

* Serving the Needs of our Members

- Business Retention and Expansion (BR-E) Program

- Estimated cost $12,000/year sponsored by Community Development (MCDC). Priority: High

- Employment Readiness Training for new Immigrants

- Partner with Province, Red River Community College, etc. Budget $80,000

- Alternative Fuels Day

- Partnered with Province, Pembina Valley Development Corp, Heartland CFDC, businesses. Our share of costs was $1,000.

- New Start Employment Program

- Partnered with Province, Red River Community College, Businesses, etc. Cost $73,000.

- Recruitment Fair

- Partnered with Service Canada, Province, Town of Morden, Heartland CFDC, Western School Division and local businesses. Budget: $12,000

* Young Citizen and Loreena McKennitt awards

- Provide grad bursary in the amount of $500 plus Festival of the Arts award $100.

* Tourist Information Centre

- Lobby Town Council to take on the responsibility and funding for the Morden Tourism Marketing Team.

- Organize Tour Operators' Familiarization Tour of area.

* Membership Drive

- Membership Committee organizes a telephone campaign (sponsored by MTS and Co-op) to sell memberships. Provide a membership package complete with information on seminars and events to increase membership and revenue. Estimated cost $2,000 for printing, possibly sponsored. Priority: High. Membership

* Discount Program

- The purpose of this activity is to provide more value for membership by discounting event prices for members. The expected outcome of this activity is to increase membership and revenue. Develop relationships with high quality speakers, sponsors and other organizations. Priority: High. Administration