Strategic Plan

OUR MISSION:  Build an environment that encourages business to grow and prosper within a thriving Bethesda-Chevy Chase community.

OUR VISION:  The Bethesda–Chevy Chase community will be regarded as the preeminent place to do business in the Washington Metropolitan Area.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES:
Our Chamber supports its members by providing both a voice and a forum to help shape public policy and enhance  opportunities for exposure, connections and growth.

Our responsibility is to lead by example, holding ourselves to the highest governance principles, ethical standards and business practices. 

PLAN OVERVIEW:
The Greater Bethesda-Chevy Chase Chamber of Commerce’s Strategic Plan will guide the organization over the next three years. The Plan differs from previous years by narrowing the organizational focus into two main areas: (1) Thriving Business and (2) Organizational, Financial and Governance Strength.  These focus areas have been identified and affirmed by focus groups as areas for the Chamber to concentrate its energies and resources.

This Plan focuses on strengthening our organizational core to help the business community grow and prosper.  In the past, the Chamber divided its focus among the organizational components of membership, communication, advocacy and economic development.  This Plan acknowledges that these key components are better enhanced by the creation of a vibrant business environment and organizational excellence.  As a result, the Chamber will be recognized as the champion for business and a standard for good governance and business practices. 

STRATEGIC FOCUS AREAS

1. Thriving Business
Description:  By being the champion of business, the Chamber creates an entrepreneurial atmosphere for businesses to further develop themselves. 

Objective:    Promote opportunities where businesses can grow and prosper.

Objective:    Advocate for regulations and legislation to positively affect the business environment and the public perception of business.

Objective:    Foster relationships and partnerships between and among businesses and within the public and private sectors.

2. Organizational, Financial and Governance Strength
Description:  In order for the Chamber to deliver on its mission to its membership, it must be strong in its organizational structure and its governance principles.  The Greater Bethesda-Chevy Chase Chamber must be ever vigilant in its pursuit of a sound structural core, ethical practices and effective governance. 

Objective:    Create a more efficient and effective organization.

Objective:    Ensure the financial well being of the organization.

Objective:    Strengthen the engagement, participation and business diversity of the Board and its membership.

Objective:    Develop clear pathways for communications and interaction between and among the Board, staff and membership.