I often see chamber and association people asking for “fresh” or “new” ways to talk about why people join our organizations because what they are doing isn’t working. Unfortunately, it isn’t working because we tend to lead our organization’s marketing efforts with benefits like: Make new connections with peers and industry professionals Business Resources Networking […]

Asking questions is an excellent technique for improving communication with board members. Why is asking questions important? Listening is the most essential part of any conversation and by asking questions you’re demonstrating to the other person you are paying attention. By being an active listener, you are showing your interest and your questions let them […]

Do you ever find yourself gazing out the window, pondering on the changes happening around you, and wondering what the future holds? It’s a common feeling, especially when it comes to media, marketing and communication plans. These plans can sometimes feel fixed and unchanging because they are typically driven by a budget you manage but […]

In 2016, prior to Hurricane Harvey’s devastating direct hit to our community, the Rockport-Fulton Chamber Foundation, Inc. was formed. Before forming another entity, my board of directors wanted to establish a clear purpose. It started with $2,000 in the bank and is a completely separate entity. The plan was to offer high school scholarships, and […]

In my more than 30 years of chamber work, I have not heard as much talk of foundations as I have since 2020. When the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) first rolled out, chambers were not eligible to apply for the program that provided loans to provide economic relief to small businesses and certain non-profit entities […]