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HomeMy Public PortalAbout09) 7F Chamber of Commerce 1x Supplmental RequestDATE: TO: FROM: MANAGEMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM September 4, 2012 Honorable Mayor and City Council Jose E. Pulido, City Manageli By: Brian Haworth, Assistant he City Manager SUBJECT: TEMPLE CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ONE-TIME SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING REQUEST RECOMMENDATION: AGENDA ITEM ?.F. It is recommended that the City Council approve a supplemental funding request for the Temple City Chamber of Commerce in an amount not to exceed $13,000. BACKGROUND: 1. In June 2011 and as part of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2011-12 City Budget, staff allocated and the City Council (Council) approved a $25,000 budget allocation to the Temple City Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) for one-time supplemental funding. The monies were to be used for initiatives that supported the Chamber's shift to a high performance organization. 2. On July 19, 2011, staff presented to the Council the Chamber's proposal for one-time supplemental funding in an amount just shy of $25,000. The proposal, which was denied by the Council, requested funds for a new website, a business center and media/conference room, and organizational capacity building. 3. On October 31, 2011 after a 12-year tenure, former Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Linda Payne retired her post. Subsequently, after an extensive recruitment process, Peter Choi was named to fill her post effective December 1, 2011. 4. In May 2012, Mr. Choi -under leadership of the Chamber's Board of Directors (Board) -articulated a direction for the organization through a comprehensive two-year business plan (Attachment "A"). That document outlines a series of metrics and actions that refocuses the Chamber's resources and energy toward a more business-oriented mission, while continuing the organization's unique role of leadership in the community. City Council September 4, 2012 Page 2 of 3 5. On June 19, 2012, the Council approved the FY 2012-13 City Budget. Appropriations included $70,000 for the Chamber's annual service agreement and a $25,000 rollover (from the FY 2012-13 City Budget) for one-time supplemental funding. 6. On July 3, 2012, the Council renewed the City's existing contractual agreement with the Chamber for FY 2012-13. The performance-based $70,000 contract allows Mr. Choi and the Board to make the organization leaner and efficient, while also supporting a renewed emphasis on membership and assisting the City on issues of economic development. 7. On August 21 , 2012, the Board finalized its request for the one-time supplemental funding in an amount of $13,000 (Attachment "B"). Monies are proposed for three areas essential to the Chamber's capacity building (per immediate future needs): a new website; office equipment and staff; and board and staff trainings. ANALYSIS: Although the City has appropriated $25,000 in one-time supplemental funding, the Chamber's Board of Directors has chosen to request a total of $13,000 -essential for future needs and growth as laid out in their two-year business plan. Following is a summary of their proposal. Website Update, $8,000: Funds would be used to re-design the Chamber's website to promote the organization's current resources and activities, while retaining popular elements that drive traffic to their website (e.g., community photo galleries and online issues of Temple City Life). Upon a target launch date of May of next year, the updated website would project a 21st century brand for the organization through new copy, refined design elements and enhanced user functionalities. Office Equipment and Staff, $3,000: As a non-profit run by two part-time staff (i.e., Mr. Choi and his assistant Trish O'Brien), the addition of essential office equipment and a part-time sales associate will improve internal operations, attract new revenue and allow current staff to take on new challenges especially in the areas of economic development. At a cost of $2,500, the Chamber is requesting to use funds for the purchase of two laptop computers and a flat screen monitor to transform the Chamber Board room into a high-tech conference center. The new equipment would greatly assist staff and the Board in hosting presentations, meetings and seminars; it would also provide the Chamber with an opportunity to generate non-dues revenue for those businesses wanting to rent the room for their own conference needs. The remaining $500 would provide seed funding to hire a sales associate for new membership and newspaper ad sales, thereby allowing staff to effectively pursue other initiatives of the Chamber's business plan. City Council September 4, 2012 Page 3 of 3 Board and Staff Training, $2,000: The Chamber operates under a Board comprised of individuals with diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise. Training for both the Board and its staff is both desired and essential. Funding will support attendance at seminars on strategies and other methods that help develop an effective Chamber team. The organization intends to utilize services and trainings from noteworthy industry associations including, but not limited to, the U.S. Small Business Association, Western Association of Chamber Executives and the Center for Non- Profit Management. If the funding request is approved, monies for above referenced initiatives will be paid out on an as-needed basis upon submittal of invoices, and at the approval of the City Manager. CONCLUSION: Approval of the requested one-time supplement funding preserves the mutual partnership between the City and Chamber. It also provides the Chamber with necessary resources to take operations to the next level. FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact. Funds for the Chamber's supplemental funding request were allocated in the FY 2012-13 City Budget. The balance of $12,000 in unexpended appropriation will return to the undesignated General Fund reserve. ATTACHMENT: A. Chamber Business Plan B. Chamber Funding Request Attachment A 1 Temple City Chamber of Commerce Business Plan 2012-2014 BUSINESS PLAN 9050 E. Las Tunas Drive Temple City, CA 91780 info@templecity.org www. templecitychamber.org Peter Choi May 24th, 2012 i I I I ' i• Temple City Chamber of Commerce Business Plan 2012-2014 TABLE OF CONTENTS Executive Summary (page 3) Mission Statement (page 4) Business Plan (page 5 -6) Appendix (page 7 -15) 2 Temple City Chamber of Commerce Business Plan 2012-2014 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Board Chairman Board Vice-Chair Board Secretary Finance Treasurer Board Member/Past Board Chair Board Member!W ebmaster Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member President/CEO Office Manager Nicholas Pon Rita Padilla Bruce Wataru Margaret Healy Brian Venerable Jerry J ambazian " Kathy Chambers Herbert Chan Ed Chen Matt Smith Peter Choi Trish O'Brien 3 Temple City Chamber of Commerce Business Plan 2012-2014 MISSION STATEMENT "You are definitely on the rise and I can see that with all these activities you're putting together here that it is a city that is definitely going somewhere!" -Congresswoman Judy Chu (Small Business Expo, March, 2012) The Temple City Chamber of Commerce started 2012 with a new focus and emphasis on two main areas: our membership and assisting business development in Temple City. 4 Founded in 1924, the Chamber of Commerce is the main business organization for and strives to reflect the diverse, creative, dynamic, and unique character of the city of Temple City. With great schools and a low crime rate attractive to young families, the Chamber works every day to promote Temple City as a sensational place to do business because this is where we thrive and where we come together to support one another. Joining the Chamber taps members into a diverse non-profit organization which includes not just small businesses, professional services and larger institutions, but also local churches, community groups, and non-profits. We create a pool of resources from which can be drawn ideas, energy, and finances for the betterment of our community. The Chamber seeks to work harmoniously with its membership and other responsible constituencies in the community as an organization with a special role of leadership in our area. We seek to be progressive and innovative. We also exist to promote our area so many are encouraged to shop, dine, and become familiar with the many attractions of the Temple City area. We support programs to assist and inform businesses and residents of issues that include crime prevention, city ordinances, and small business management issues. This 5 Point Business Plan is presented to provide vision and serve as a road map for the future growth and development of the Chamber of Commerce and the business community of Temple City. Congresswoman Judy Chu listens to Jennifer Venters, Community Development Secretary, at the Temple City Chamber of Commerce's 2012 Small Business Expo. Temple City Chamber of Commerce Business Plan 2012-2014 Temple City Chamber of Commerce BUSINESS PLAN A 5 Point Plan of Action for the Next 2 Years 1. Membership A. Promote membership benefits & attract new members. See ''Appendix: Return on Investment (ROI)". See ''Appendix: Membership Statistics". B. Increase business coverage in Temple City Life. C. Hire Sales Associate. ($1 0/hr + 20% commission after 5K draw, 10 hours/week. Membership & ad sales.) D. Develop New Media platforms/resources. Temple City business app. New Media opportunities TBD. E. Enhance Chamber reputation as business organization. See ''Appendix: Letters & Links". 2. Economic Development A. Branding of Temple City. Assist with Film LA (create buzz & showcase city.) See ''Appendix: FilmLA & Economic Benefits of Local Filming". Expand FihnLA to TCUSD. Market T -shirt & Postcards. B. Camellia Festival Parade. Incorporate existing businesses along Las Tunas Parade route. C. Assist City on Civic Projects. (i.e. Gateway Project, Rosemead Blvd. Improvement Project). D. Temple City Farmer's Market Encourage participation of local business members in Sunday event. 3. Chamber Organization A. Continue Fiscal Responsibility. Target Goals: July 2011-June 2012-10 K total bank reserves. July 2012-June 2013-20 K total bank reserves. July 2013-June 2014-30 K total bank reserves. 5 Temple City Chamber of Commerce Business Plan 2012-2014 Temple City Chamber of Commerce BUSINESS PLAN (CONTD.) A 5 Point Plan of Action for the Next 2 Years 3. Chamber Organization (CONTD.) B. Create Volunteer Program. Establish Chamber as certifying organization for The President's Volunteer Service Award. Interns learn valuable life skills. Business mentor program. C. Website Re-design Bring website into 21st century. August 2012-Revise/edit content. Update website design. June 2013-Incorporate advertising and new media links. June 2014-Enable interactive elements TBD. 4. Chamber Governing Board A. Mandatory training for Board members. B. Governing Board member incentive & appreciation. Discount on Annual Membership up to $100. C. Review Board Committee activity and areas of improvement. D. Establish 7 District Representatives. 6 (Rosemead North, Rosemead South, Las Tunas West, Las Tunas East, Temple City Blvd., Lower Azusa, Baldwin) 5. Temple City Life A. See ''Appendix: Temple City Life Mission Statement & Appreciation". B. Continue growing newspaper pages. December 2012-24 pages. June 2013-28 pages. June 2014-32 pages. See ''Appendix: Temple City Life Profit/Loss Statistics". B. Increase advertising revenue. Themed Ad Packages. See ''Appendix: Affordable Marketing". Hire Sales Associate. ($10/hr + 20% commission after 5K draw, 10 hours/week. Membership & ad sales.) C. Develop new media delivery of newspaper TBD. Temple City Chamber of Commerce Business Plan 2012-2014 APPENDIX Membership Statistics Membership Return On Investment (ROI) Temple City Life Profit/Loss Statistics Temple City Life "Affordable Marketing" Temple City Life Mission Statement & Appreciation FihnLA & Economic Benefits of Local Filming Letters & Links 7 Temple City Chamber of Commerce Business Plan 2012-2014 Membership Statistics The Chamber currently has 333 members. Businesses (183) Financial Institutions/Banks ( 4) Non-Profit/Service Groups (52) Residential (94) 8 Over the first 6 months of 2012, the Chamber has successfully attracted an average of 3-4 new business members per month while keeping our eye on membership retention. With roughly 60 empty storefronts citywide, new membership is dependent on new business development, but the Chamber has also developed new initiatives like our "Welcome Basket Program" to reach out to new business. Goal: 250 non-residential members by July 2012 300 non-residential members by July 2013 350 non-residential members by July 2014 An active membership attracts new membership. The Chamber pro-actively encourages involvement of its members in activities that help increase awareness for the businesses such as writing expert articles for Temple City Life, participating in the annual Small Business Expo, and attending networking mixers, educational seminars, 'and Chamber events, Temple City Chamber of Commerce Business Plan 2012-2014 Membership Return On Investment (ROI) Top Ten Reasons to Join the Temple City Chamber of Commerce 1. Visibility. FREE listing in the Business Directory found in each month's issue · of the popular and widely read Temple City Life newspaper published by the Chamber of Commerce. 2. Awareness. FREE Member Spotlight feature article in Temple City Life to profile and introduce new members to the Temple City residential and business community. 3. Marketing. FREE listing on the Temple City Chamber of Commerce website. FREE link to business from the Chamber website. 4. Promotion. FREE display for your cards and flyers in our Chamber front office. Articles in Temple City Life on business special news/events. 5. Referrals. The Chamber receives many requests for referrals from walk-in visitors, by telephone and e-mail. We only recommend member businesses. 6. Discounts. Members receive discounted advertising rates in the Temple City Life newspaper which is available throughout the city and on our website. 7. Networ~ng. Our popular monthly Mixers help raise business profile while networking & mixing with other Temple City business folk. FREE to members. 8. Education. Informative seminars to help build a stronger, smarter business community. FREE to members. 9. Access. Members enjoy greater access to our City Council members, community organizations, schools, and local law enforcement. 10. Happiness. You are not alone. Let the Chamber help you grow your business. 9 Temple City Chamber of Commerce Business Plan 2012-2014 Temple City Life: Profit/Loss Statistics Temple City Life and the Chamber of Commerce website are the Chamber's 2 biggest assets. In recent history, the Temple City Life newspaper has been an undervalued, underutilized, and underappreciated element of the Chamber. In the past 6 months, the Chamber has taken a newspaper that was hemorrhaging red ink and improved readership, ad revenue, and paper quality while increasing the page count from 16 pages to 20 pages. Let's let the numbers speak for themselves. First 5 months (Jan.-May) of 2011 vs. the same period of 2012: Profit/Loss January 1st, 2011 -June 1st, 2011: -$3,859.22 (loss) Profit/Loss January 1st, 2012-June 1st 2012: + $841.73 (profit) 10 The 2012 Business Plan calls for expansion to 24 pages. While this is a good news forecast for the bottom line, it also means the Chamber can cover more news and information for the betterment of both our members, the city and its many organizations and community groups. Temple City Chamber of Commerce Business Plan 2012-2014 Temple City Life "Affordable Marketing" Putting a Face on Temple City Businesses and Business People (Special Thanks to Temple City Life Managing Editor Philip Pettus) 11 Creating a favorable business climate and a sense of community are obvious goals of Temple City government, goals it achieves in great part through the Chamber of Commerce. A community of successful businesses helps maintain and increase city revenues as well as provide a sound base of participation and leadership for city programs and activities. Temple City Life's goal is to provide business people with an affordable and appropriate means of advertising their business as well as helping business people to become a more familiar face and personality in the community. In tandem with the news of government, recreation, education, and social events, business news can be more useful to the average person rather than tucked away in some "dry" business journal. Every successful business needs to be known and appreciated by its customer base as well and to attract buyers. Small businesses need the availability of affordable print advertising as well as support for their online prospects. Online advertising is not a complete replacement for print media when seeking to attract walk-in and call-in customers. The Temple City Chamber of Commerce's efforts to help businesses in marketing themselves will be enhanced by regularly presenting business people and promotions in Temple City Life as well as online. Thus, we have developed themed ad packaging and news packaging. News of advertisers working complemented by display ads enables business people to keep a presence in front of readers every month. Businesses that choose to advertise have an affordable method of getting their news before the general public as well as the reinforcement of regular advertising. In addition, we have a goal of mentioning members in our business coverage through well-written short features, photos of business people and promotions, columns that promote wise buying, selling and marketing and head and shoulder photos of business people. Hence the slogan, Putting a Face on Temple City. Of course, everything that is done in print is also available online. We are working to develop a reference listing of all businesses mentioned in Temple City Life indicating which monthly issue and page the business is mentioned or is the subject of a news story. Past issues of Temple City back through 2007 are available online now. Other features that can be developed are a regular standing business column featuring free plugs and pats on the back, quarterly news updates on commercial real estate inventory and quarterly news reviews of small business services offered by independent and one-employee operations. These are trial-and-develop projects that are designed to draw interest into the Chamber while helping small businesses to survive and thrive. Temple City Chamber of Commerce Business Plan 2012-2014 Temple City Life Mission Statement & Appreciation 12 The Temple City Chamber of Commerce is committed to producing the best publication, growing it, and getting full value for our efforts, far beyond the simple profit and loss statement. It is important for all interested parties to appreciate and be aware of the following: 1. Temple City Life is the vehicle the Chamber owns for defining this community and the Chamber's value to the community. It is a huge presence in the community. Temple City Life is about and for Temple City exclusively and exists for no other purpose and no other community. It is not one little spoke in someone else's wheel. It is the entire wheel and the hub is the Temple City Chamber of Commerce. 2. Temple City Life exists to accomplish the following objectives: • Strengthen the Chamber of Commerce by defining the city and Chamber's role in it. • Offer local members and businesses an affordable print advertising vehicle. • Build a sense of community by informing the public of activities and services and documenting the significant events through pictorial and prose reports. • Put a face on the business community by pictorial reports of commercial events and people. • Recognize achievers and by doing this, gently encourage others to do likewise. • Inform the public of issues from a positive and supportive perspective. • Be a historical document of significant city events. • Serve the community's residents, members, and businesses whenever possible. 3. It is against these objectives that we should appraise whether or not any issue of Temple City Life is doing what we want it to do, 4. Other publications covet what Temple City Life has: credibility and market penetration. That's why each of them wants a piece of the action and always will. That's why other Chambers of like-size cities covet what Temple City has. 5. Temple City Life has achieved its standing because it is produced by people who exclusively love Temple City and care about the community from a big-picture and long-range sense as well the momentary and seasonal sense. It also is achieved by people who are uniquely knowledgeable and skilled beyond what you will find available from any other publishing business. Temple City Chamber of Commerce Business Plan 2012-2014 13 6. No other publication has the value and reputation Temple City Life has for being the publication that celebrates who and what Temple City is and why it is special. 7. No other publication in town has the ability to offer members, institutions and businesses an opportunity to advertise at a favorable rate to reach the Temple City market. Temple City Life's ad rates are far less than what it would cost to advertise in the Star News, SGV Tribune and Temple City Tribune. Local merchants need to reach local residents and Temple City Life is their best option. 8. Temple City Life is a customized, monthly publication under the complete control of the Chamber staff, with a flexible working schedule and changeable priorities and options, assembled much like a daily newspaper is, only it's done once a month. Editorial control and flexibility as well as content are decided upon, often on the fly, by people who are close to the city and the action. 9. The City of Temple City and the Chamber Board of Directors should take a big picture view and realize what it has and owns in light of these qualifications. The Chamber is far more important, useful and present because of Temple City Life. This publication is of value because all those objectives and attributes are the reasons for its existence and why we are popular with advertisers. And there has been a lot of thought put into it as well as the fruits of Managing Editor Philip Pettus' personal knowledge guided by experience. Temple City Life strives within our limitations of budget and deadlines to make it the best that it can be. I have not seen another publication in the area that is its equal. -Peter Choi, Editor/Publisher _j ' Temple City Chamber of Commerce Business Plan 2012-2014 FilmLA & Economic Benefits of Local Filming 14 The Chamber is working with the City Manager's office to promote Temple City as a filming location. Temple City did not have much filming last year which is a shame because our many great locations, parks and buildings are perfect for TV shows, films and commercials. However, the fact that Temple City has been underused as a filming location bodes well for future filming as production companies are always eager to shoot in new locations. The city is also located within the 30 mile radius covering Hollywood unions & guilds. A major step forward in attracting production companies to shoot in Temple City is contracting with FilmLA to handle the film permit process for all buildings/parks run by the City, i.e. Temple City Park, City Hall etc. The Chamber has been aggressive in promoting this partnership. Economic Benefits of Local Filming: A. Location permit fees generate income for the City. B. Supplemental location spending supports the local economy. Production crews spend money on everything from food/drink/coffee to hardware and items for props & costumes etc. C. Raise awareness of Temple City while boosting local pride. D. The possibility of being used in an iconic fashion can assist in creating a "niche draw" iri the city. E. Producers are always eager to find new places to shoot and Temple City is well positioned as it has not really been used much. It can also be beneficial to local homeowners and businesses as Producer/Directors on location scouts often will discover private (i.e. non-city owned) properties during their location scouts to shoot in and negotiate a deal with the business or home owner. FilmLA can also contract with the TCUSD to handle filming at school properties owned by the school district. Temple City Chamber of Commerce Business Plan 2012-2014 Letters & Links 15 "I'm a new member of the Temple City Chamber of Commerce. I joined with much enthusiasm and anticipation after attending the Chamber mixer last month (April 2012) at Direct TV EM Services. Fellowship and food were great, and I made a mental note to remember that they offer the use of their facilities for meetings, complete with TV s that can be hooked up to my laptop for presentations. Great idea. I met several friendly people who swapped business cards with me as they told me about their businesses. I hope to get to know them better at future events and to meet other members too. I appreciate the "user friendly" business networking emphasis of the Chamber." -JoAnn Carey, Owner, Carey Business Services. "Thank you for organizing the Business Expo last weekend (March 2012), it was GREAT! We got many business leads and met a lot of interesting people ... Thank you for having us at your Expo, it is import for all of us to support local business, please let me know other future events, OCBE (Overseas Chinese Business Exchange) and Janco will be more than happy to support." ~~, .J.AN:,:Q.· ttNl ""'-·;--_··--· Ray Jan Recent articles that mention the Chamber: http://www.pasadenastamews.com/templecity/ci_19925375 http://www.calchamber.com/businessresources/pages/alphalisting.aspx?selectedletter=t http://www.sgvtribune.com/rodtestcrime/ci_19904932 http:/ /chamberorganizer .com/scacce/directory _all http://www. veengle.com/s/peterchoi.html http:/ /issuu.com/beaconmedianews/docs/20 12_02_13 _temple_city _tribune http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeLVf7ityNA http://www. youtube.com/watch ?v=FBxTKYY svUY http://www.chinastage.com/china-travel/category/china-travel-news/page/43/ (for the above link you may need to scroll a long way on multiple pages to get to 219/2012) Temple City Chamber of Commerce Supplemental Funding Proposal September 2012 Attachment B The purpose of this proposal is to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the Chamber. It is presented with the understanding that although the city has graciously earmarked $25,000. in supplemental funding for the Chamber, any remaining funds not used by the end of this current fiscal year will be returned to the city for use in other areas. This proposal requests a total of just $13,000. It is the goal of the Chamber to do more with less and to only request funding for those 3 areas essential for capacity building per the immediate future needs and growth of the Chamber: 1. Website Update/Re-design 2. Office Equipment & Staff 3. Board & Staff Training & Education WEBSITE UPDATE ($8,000.) It is the intention of the Chamber to re-design the website to promote the Chamber's current resources and activities while retaining popular elements that drive traffic to our website, such as our photo galleries and Temple City Life. We have interviewed website developers and present a budget that covers the work required at this present time. In tandem with the design work, the eventual website update will require a total re-write and revision of the text, elimination of some pages and a re-thinking of the brand image we choose to project of the Chamber. OFFICE EQIDPMENT & STAFF ($3,000.) EQUIPMENT ($2,500.) We have scrapped the previous plan to develop a "Chamber Business Resource Center" as impractical at this time and possibly unnecessary in an age of iPads, smartphones, Wi- Fi, and advanced office software. Instead we have focused on 3 essential pieces of equipment to advance the Chamber's organizational capacity building: 1 flat screen monitor ($1,000.) and 2laptop computers ($1,500.) = $2,500. The flat screen TV monitor will greatly assist in presentations, meetings, and seminars in the Chamber Board room (currently there is none). The portable laptop computer will enable the President to carry and display information away from the office. Currently, the Chamber office has just two desk computers. The President has been using his personal laptop for Chamber purposes. The 2nd laptop would be for use with the flat screen and by third parties in the office. The simple addition of a flat screen and 2 laptop computers is all we need at present to enable the use of this space as a high tech conference center. The rental to members of the business community for a nominal fee also offers potential to generate non-dues revenue. STAFF ($500.) Hire Sales Associate for membership & newspaper ad sales ($1 0/hr + 20% commission after 5K draw, 10 hours/week) The Chamber office currently operates with 2 part time staff working 4 days a week (30 hours). We simply do not have the manpower to support continued growth. The hiring of a sales associate will bring in revenue for the Chamber and allow current staff to more effectively take on new challenges. BOARD & STAFF TRAINING ($2,000.) Finally, as a non-profit organization with a volunteer Board comprised of individuals with diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise, training for the Board of Directors and Staff is both desired and essential. Funding will support attendance at seminars on trends, tips, strategies for long term success, and action steps that help develop an effective Chamber team. We intend to utilize programs and services from groups like the SBA, Cal Chamber, W.A.C.E., Biz Fed, S.C.A.C.C.E. and the Center for Nonprofit Management etc. WEBSITE UPDATE OFFICE EQUIPMENT & STAFF PERSONNEL TRAINING TOTAL: ($8,000.) ($3,000.) ($2,000.) ($13,000.) We are respectfully asking for a one-time investment of $13,000. to purchase the needed equipment and labor to improve our business office and website and help take the Chamber of Commerce to the next level. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Peter Choi, President/CEO Temple City Chamber of Commerce ~~ CHAMBER¥' COI\~ffiRCE ~~·""' Temple City Chamber of Commerce Supplemental Funding Proposal September 2012 The purpose of this proposal is to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the Chamber. It is presented with the understanding that although the city has graciously earmarked $25,000. in supplemental funding for the Chamber, any remaining funds not used by the end of this current fiscal year will be returned to the city for use in other areas. This proposal requests a total of just $13,000. It is the goal of the Chamber to do more with less and to only request funding for those 3 areas essential for capacity building per the immediate future needs and growth of the Chamber: 1. Website Update/Re-design 2. Office Equipment & Staff 3. Board & Staff Training & Education WEBSITE UPDATE ($8,000.) It is the intention of the Chamber to re-design the website to promote the Chamber's current resources and activities while retaining popular elements that drive traffic to our website, such as our photo galleries and Temple City Life. We have interviewed website developers and present a budget that covers the work required at this present time. In tandem with the design work, the eventual website update will require a total re-write and revision of the text, elimination of some pages and a re-thinking of the brand image we choose to project of the Chamber. OFFICE EQUIPMENT & STAFF ($3,000.) EQUIPMENT ($2,500.) We have scrapped the previous plan to develop a "Chamber Business Resource Center" as impractical at this time and possibly unnecessary in an age of iPads, smartphones, Wi- Fi, and advanced office software. Instead we have focused on 3 essential pieces of equipment to advance the Chamber's organizational capacity building: 1 flat screen monitor ($1,000.) and 2laptop computers ($1,500.) = $2,500. The flat screen TV monitor will greatly assist in presentations, meetings, and seminars in the Chamber Board room (currently there is none). The portable laptop computer will enable the President to carry and display information away from the office. Currently, the Chamber office has just two desk computers. The President has been using his personal laptop for Chamber purposes. The 2nd laptop would be for use with the flat screen and by third parties in the office. The simple addition of a flat screen and 2 laptop computers is all we need at present to enable the use of this space as a high tech conference center. The rental to members of the business community for a nominal fee also offers potential to generate non-dues revenue. STAFF ($500.) Hire Sales Associate for membership & newspaper ad sales ($10/hr + 20% commission after 5K draw, 10 hours/week) The Chamber office currently operates with 2 part time staff working 4 days a week (30 hours). We simply do not have the manpower to support continued growth. The hiring of a sales associate will bring in revenue for the Chamber and allow current staff to more effectively take on new challenges. BOARD & STAFF TRAINING ($2,000.) Finally, as a non-profit organization with a volunteer Board comprised of individuals with diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise, training for the Board of Directors and Staff is both desired and essential. Funding will support attendance at seminars on trends, tips, strategies for long term success, and action steps that help develop an effective Chamber team. We intend to utilize programs and services from groups like the SBA, Cal Chamber, W.A.C.E., Biz Fed, S.C.A.C.C.E. and the Center for Nonprofit Management etc. WEBSITE UPDATE OFFICE EQUIPMENT & STAFF PERSONNEL TRAINING TOTAL: ($8,000.) ($3,000.) ($2,000.) ($13,000.) We are respectfully asking for a one-time investment of $13,000. to purchase the needed equipment and labor to improve our business office and website and help take the Chamber of Commerce to the next level. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Peter Choi, President/CEO Temple City Chamber of Commerce