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A Message From Our 2008 Chairman
A Message from the President
2008 Program of Work
Benefits of Membership
Chamber Special Events
Chamber Staff
Drugs Don't Work Program
Executives & Board
Leadership Warner Robins
Membership Application
New Marketing Opportunities
Publications and News
Contact Us
The Warner Robins Area Chamber of Commerce would like to thank the following sponsors:
 

2008 PROGRAM OF WORK:
Building Our Future.... Together!

The Warner Robins Area Chamber of Commerce is a membership/investment organization.  Its purpose is to help members become more profitable and realize a return on their investment in the Chamber.   The Chamber accomplishes this by representing and promoting the interests of its members and the business community.

MISSION STATEMENT
The Chamber is a volunteer, member-supported organization working full-time to preserve, enhance and expand the opportunities for orderly growth of business, industrial and professional communities.  Our objectives are to preserve and increase jobs, capital investment and opportunities for economic growth.  The business of the Chamber is business. 

OPERATING PRINCIPLES
1.  Operate the Chamber as an ethical, financially stable, member-driven business organization that represents the needs and expectations of the Chamber membership.

2.  Plan and conduct non-dues revenue generating projects and special events that support the needs and expectations of the membership and balance the budget.  Insure project budgets are prepared prior to implementation, and financial performance is summarized at their conclusion.

3.  Organize and employ the Chamber's resources to accomplish the Chamber's Mission and Annual Program of Work.  Chamber resources may only be committed in support of the Chamber's programs and its members.

4.  Insure the Chamber Board is demographically and geographically representative of the Chamber membership and the community.

5.  Identify and integrate emerging community leaders into Chamber activities; provide them mentoring and leadership experience; and encourage them to seek leadership roles in the public and private sectors.

6.  Within budget, and as an ancillary effort, support and/or facilitate critical community initiatives as authorized by the Board on a case-by-case basis where it is clear their success or failure depends on the Chamber's participation. 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Chairman – Neil Suggs; Chair-Elect – Rick Drury; Past Chairman Steve Williams; Vice Chairman, Internal Affairs- Kathy Balletto; Vice Chairman Economic Affairs – Terry Smith; Vice Chairman Educational Affairs – Shaw Blackmon; Vice Chairman Governmental Affairs – John Howell; Vice Chairman Community Affairs – Randy Randall; and President Ed Rodriguez. 

Purpose:  To coordinate and provide oversight for ongoing Chamber programs; provide advice to the Chamber Chairman; maintain continuity between Board Meetings; and to discuss issues and prepare recommendations for Board policy decision and/or action.

Officers serve as the official Chamber spokesmen; representing the Chamber at social and community functions.   Officers contact members being recommended for termination and encourage them to reconsider.  Officers visit selected members whose dues do not reasonably conform with the existing investment schedule, and discuss the possibility of adjustment.

SENIOR ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Chair – Steve Williams; Members – Past Chairmen Brad Fink, Paul Hibbitts, David Carr, and Pat Bartness; Chairman Neil Suggs, Chairman-Elect Rick Drury and President Ed Rodriguez.

The 5 Immediate Past Chairmen meet monthly to discuss major Chamber issues and provide advice to the Incumbent Chamber Chairman, Chairman-Elect and President.  Senior Advisory is responsible for selecting the awardees to be recognized at the Annual Banquet.  All Past Chamber Chairmen and Presidents are invited to participate in the December meeting and photo session.

 

COMMUNITY AFFAIRS DIVISION

Chair – Randy Randall  -  Members – Alex Cruz-Martinez, Bruce Hullett, Joe Kiefer, Ronnie Sanders, Mary Coon (Ambassador 1st Vice Chair)

Purpose:  To initiate, coordinate, supervise and provide continuity for Chamber activities that are of broad general interest to the membership and public; and to communicate those activities thru periodic briefings, reports, press releases, interviews and written articles.  Responsibilities include verbal and written reports on the division’s activities.

1.  Play Day Golf Tournament:  Chairs - Ronnie Sanders & Bruce Hullett
Conduct the annual “Play Day” Golf Tournament and Food Festival/Business After-Hours as a daylong social and recreational outing, an opportunity to expand business-to-business relationships, and a major non-dues revenue generator.

2.  Business After Hours:  Chair - Joe  Kiefer
Identify sponsors for the monthly premiere networking event; normally conducted on the 2nd Thursday from 5:30 to 7:00 PM.
Increase the value of the Business After Hours experience by implementing new ways of encouraging networking interaction at these events.
Collaborate on joint Business After Hours events with other regional chambers, as appropriate.

3.  Leadership Warner Robins:  Chair - Jackie Staib Kaestner
Conduct the 2008 Leadership Warner Robins program.
Develop a Leadership Warner Robins Alumni Association
Plan the 2009 Leadership Warner Robins program.

4.  Christmas Parade:  Chair - Frederick Marggraff
Plan, coordinate and conduct the 51st annual Warner Robins Chamber Christmas Parade.

 

ECONOMIC AFFAIRS DIVISION

Chair - Terry Smith  Members –  Tim Callahan (AIC Chair), JaLynn Hudnall, Kenny Kitchens (WRING Chair), Lee Minor, Lynn Murphey, Anise Ochs, Chuck Shaheen.

Purpose:  To enhance economic development in the Warner Robins area, to include new industries, existing industries, tourism and small businesses; to recognize and support the business community and its employees; to continually assist employment needs; and to preserve, through planned growth, the high quality of economic development which currently exists in the Warner Robins area.  Responsibilities include verbal and written reports on the division’s activities.

 Monitor proceedings and represent Chamber at key development meetings.

·         Houston County Development Authority Board meetings.

·         Warner Robins Downtown Development Authority

·         Centerville Downtown Development Authority meetings.

Business EXPO Chair – Pam Piper

  • Plan and conduct a sponsored Business Expo to showcase Chamber business members. 

Entrepreneur-Friendly Community Task Force – Chair Anise Ochs

  • Develop and implement a plan to achieve recognition as an Entrepreneur-Friendly Community

Small Business and Employee Recognition:  Chair – Chuck Shaheen

  • Identify, coordinate, prepare and submit nominations for member businesses to be recognized at the State and Federal levels.

Tourism Development: Chair – Terry Smith

  • The committee partners with the Warner Robins Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Museum of Aviation, and WRING to develop, support and exploit tourism opportunities for the benefit of Chamber and community businesses.  The Chamber and the CVB collaborate to produce a multi-purpose community guide and map. The committee participates in joint planning, coordination and execution of programs such as Bike Ride Across Georgia, Development of a Warner Robins Area Conference Center, Development of an Area Excursions Program, and Development of Visitor Information at selected I-75 gas stations in Houston County. 

  • Within resources, the Committee supports initiatives of Keep Warner Robins Beautiful and the Historic Heartland Travel Association.

Warner Robins Industry Now Group (WRING):  Chair – Kenny Kitchens

WRING is the Chamber’s business development, retention, expansion and diversification committee.  It provides a forum for community decision makers to network, share concerns, clarify objectives, formulate strategies, provide support to relevant causes, and affect community change. It operates in conformity with WRING Bylaws and the Warner Robins Area Chamber of Commerce Policies and Procedures.  WRING is concerned with protecting and preserving Robins Air Force Base/Warner Robins Air Logistic Center as the region’s major economic engine, as well as diversifying the region’s economic base to reduce its vulnerability to decisions affecting the base.  This is accomplished by the following:

·                    Mobilizing when community needs arise that affect economic growth and development

·                     Supporting diversification of the regional economic base

·                     Collaborating with Macon State College’s Center for Economic Analysis and Forecasting, as well as the Middle Georgia Regional Development Council

·                     Promoting zoning decisions and assists the Houston County Development Authority for industrial development and expansion as needed

·                     Collaborating with regional decision makers

Aerospace Industry Committee (AIC) Chair - Tim Callahan

AIC is the Chamber’s link between the civilian aerospace industry and the defense logistics community; developing and implementing its own program of work, subject to approval by the Chamber’s Board of Directors.  It operates in conformity with Warner Robins Area Chamber of Commerce Policies and Procedures.  AIC conducts monthly luncheon meetings featuring key leadership from RAFB and other agencies as guest speakers.  AIC plans, coordinates and conducts an annual gold tournament; part of the 6th annual WR Chamber/AIC & WR-ALC Requirements Symposium at the Miller-Murphy-Howard and Roquemore Conference Buildings at the Perry Agricultural Exposition Center, or an alternative location.  AIC coordinates its annual Program of Work with the Military Affairs Committee and Warner Robins Industry Now Group to insure unity of effort.  Chair attends Board of Directors Meetings as an Ex-Officio and reports on committee activities.

                                                   

EDUCATIONAL AFFAIRS DIVISION

Chair: Shaw Blackmon.  Members: Dudley Bluhm, Bill Gresham, Mike Hale, Kathy Hart, Mike Loden, Beth McLaughlin - All public, technical and higher education institutions are invited to send ex-officio representation to the division meetings.

Purpose: To plan, coordinate, and raise funds to promote selected educational activities and support capital construction in the community; and to encourage lifelong learning opportunities for our citizens. Responsibilities include verbal and written reports on the division’s activities.

 1. Youth Leadership Warner Robins: Chair – Dudley Bluhm

Identify sponsors for the Youth Leadership Warner Robins Program; which develops young community leaders from Warner Robins, Northside and Houston County High Schools. 24 selections made by the respective schools. Education Division selects 2 at-large applicants from private/home schools in Houston County.

 2. Educational Resources & Recognition: - Mike Loden/Kimiko Vance

Star Student/Teacher
L.V. Osigian Teacher of the Year Award:
Museum Education Fund
Educational Issues Brochure
MGTC Goals Program
 

Workforce Development: Kathy Hart & Beth  McLaughlin

 Interface with the Workforce Investment Board and other agencies to promote effective workforce training, upward mobility and development of community career ladders.

Support the Certified Literate Community (CLCP) efforts to advance the literacy level and integrate minorities in the Warner Robins area. This includes promoting GED training and testing, conversational Spanish classes for front line employees, English-as-a-Second-Language, and citizenship training for immigrants. Helps minority businesses identify and participate in developmental training, and encourages them to invest in training and certification programs for their employees. The division recommends minority business leaders to the Chair-Elect for appointment to 1-year Director terms.

 

INTERNAL AFFAIRS DIVISION

 

Chair - Kathy Balletto; Members – Brad Fink, Paul Hibbitts, Steve Holcomb, Jr., Dick McCoy, Michael McNeal, and Patsy Randall (Ambassador Chair)

Purpose:  To provide for the effective organization and structure of the Chamber; to include its membership, volunteer manpower, real property and equipment, and its paid staff.  Responsibilities include verbal and written reports on the division’s activities.  The Division reviews the composition of the Chamber Board, its organization and functions, the Chamber Bylaws, and updates the Chamber’s Long and Short-Range Plans.

Membership Recruitment, Development, and Retention Program:  Chair – Steve Holcomb

  • Develop an overall membership development program, utilizing existing programs, researching feasibility of new membership development programs.

  • Revamp the chamber’s new member orientation procedures.

  • Conduct a membership campaign in 2008 to increase Chamber membership.

  • Evaluate current membership benefits and possible expanded benefits.

  • Develop new strategies for membership retention. 

  • Conduct surveys to obtain feedback and better understand member priorities.

  • Continue and increase participation of chamber leadership in ribbon-cutting and ground-breaking ceremonies.

Communications & Public Relations Task Force: Chair, Dick McCoy

  • Develop a comprehensive membership communications program that will work in tandem with membership recruitment, development, and retention efforts, as well as other chamber committees.

Strategic Planning Task Force:  Chair – Paul Hibbitts

  • Evaluate, on an ongoing basis, the information and knowledge gleaned and acquired during the Chamber’s accreditation program.

  • Use the accreditation process as an ongoing guide to improve the chamber in all areas and work toward improvements that would help the chamber achieve an increased star level in future re-accreditation processes.

  • Oversee visioning and strategic planning for the Chamber; incorporate the perspectives of the Division Vice-Chairmen; coordinate with other planning efforts; and consider the priorities of the Chamber membership.

  • Produce a strategic plan that conforms to the Chamber norms outlined by the US Chamber of Commerce in its Accreditation Process.

 Ambassadors:   Chair –Patsy Randall; 1st Vice Chair – Mary Coon

The Ambassadors are the Chamber’s principal volunteer membership and community relations committee.  They meet bi-monthly, conduct ground-breaking and ribbon-cutting ceremonies, participate in all Chamber-sponsored events, assist in recruiting new members, aid in retention and visitation efforts, and represent the Chamber to its members and the community.   Selection to this committee confers special distinction upon those chosen and they are identified by special name badges.  Responsibilities include developing written policies & procedures for selecting and orienting new ambassadors; which will be included in the Chamber’s Policies & Procedures Manual. Develop procedures for selected Ambassadors to attend Chamber functions free in return for welcoming arrivals, introducing new members to the Chamber leadership, and encouraging participants to circulate and meet new people.  Chair attends Board of Directors Meetings as an Ex-Officio and reports on the committee’s activities. 

  • Ambassadors identify and enlist new members on a continuing basis throughout the year, and assist in identifying requirements and opportunities for membership development. 

  • Ambassadors plan and conduct the Chamber’s Annual Meeting/Banquet.  Retiring Directors and the Past Chairman are recognized.  Awards presented include Ambassador of the Year, Charles Shaheen Small Business of the Year, Sherrill Stafford Good Government Service, A.C. “Dick” Walden, III Chamber Person of the Year, and the Charles L. Jones Memorial Award. 

Branding & Marketing Task Force: Chair:  Brad Fink

  • Research and develop changes in the Chamber’s brand

  • Develop a regional branding concept, in conjunction with other regional entities, including chambers, economic development, and tourism development entities.  Coordinate this effort with the Tourism Development Committee of the Economic Affairs Division.

 

GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS DIVISION

Chair – John Howell.  Members – Pat Bartness, David Carr, Daryl Long, Larry Warnock, Bob Wilbanks, Janis Wiggins (WRMAC Chair)

Purpose:  To represent the Chamber membership; build and maintain productive relationships between the Chamber and local, state and federal governments and their various agencies;  promote communications and constructive dialogue; and speak in support of or in opposition to legislation, regulations and programs that affect the Chamber membership.  The division oversees the development of Legislative Issues for approval by the Chamber Board of Directors and integration into the Chamber’s Legislative Agenda.  Responsibilities include verbal and written reports on the division’s activities.

1.      Local Government Liaison:  Chair –  Daryl Long

  • Designate monitors to work with the Mayors and Councils of Warner Robins, Centerville, and Byron, as well as the Houston County Board of Commissioners, and the Warner Robins Area Transportation Tehnical Coordinating and Policy Committee, on all issues that affect the Chamber membership.  To further enhance communications with our local governments, these monitors represent the Chamber at each of their scheduled meetings and provide reports to the Government Affairs Division and Chamber Board.

2.      Federal and State Legislative Affairs:  Chair – Larry Warnock

  • Work with the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and state and federal legislators on issues affecting the Chamber’s membership.

  • Coordinate purchase of tables and participation in the GA Chamber of Commerce Eggs & Issues breakfast in Atlanta the GA Chamber’s Legislative Luncheon.

  • The Warner Robins and Perry Chambers co-sponsor a legislative luncheon in Atlanta for the Houston County delegation, state constitutional officers, and administrators on during the 2008 Session of the Georgia Legislature.  The Warner Robins Chamber takes the lead organizing this luncheon in even-number years, and the Perry Chamber in odd-number years. 

  • The Warner Robins and Perry Chambers co-sponsor a legislative appreciation reception at a date to be determined following the adjournment of the legislative session to thank the members of the delegation for their services.  The Warner Robins Chamber takes the lead in even-number years, and the Perry Chamber in odd-number years.

3.      Military Affairs Committee:  Chair – Janis Wiggins

  • The Warner Robins Military Affairs Committee (WRMAC) promotes, preserves and enhances the missions and functions of Robins Air Force Base (RAFB).  Independently, and in concert with the Middle Georgia Military Affairs Committee (MGMAC), it meets with military leaders, conducts orientation programs, plans and conducts events at RAFB and in the community.  Committee members wear red blazers with distinctive pocket badges.

  • The committee operates in conformity with WRMAC Policies and Procedures; which are part of the Warner Robins Area Chamber of Commerce Policies and Procedures.  Chair attends the Chamber Board of Directors Meetings as an Ex-Officio and reports on committee activities. 

  • The Chair participates in MGMAC meetings.  On behalf of the MGMAC and the WRMAC, the Chamber staff purchases gift coupons from Chamber-member video rental and restaurant businesses; then distributes them to military families thru the Family Services Office at RAFB.

  • The Chair participates as a collaborative partner in meetings and initiatives of the 21st Century Partnership. 

  • The committee coordinates its Program of Work with the Chamber’s Aerospace Industry Committee and Warner Robins Industry Now Group to insure unity of effort.  The committee identifies opportunities for the Chamber’s Governmental Affairs volunteers to form task forces and accomplish short-term projects not envisioned in the Program of Work.

  • The committee helps plan and identify funding for the RAFB Open House and Air Show held in alternating years; next scheduled for 2008. 

  • The committee helps plan and sell tables for the RAFB Military Ball held in years that there is no Air Show; next scheduled during 2009.

  • The committee formally recognizes units at RAFB with the Chamber’s annual Military Affairs Committee Community Service Award and issues individual awards to Airmen, Non-Commissioned Officers, and Junior Officers.

  • The committee hosts picnics on base and off-base outings for families of deployed service members, and joins families in welcoming their loved ones home from deployments.

  • The committee partners with the Warner Robins Convention & Visitors Bureau to staff an information table at the Robins Officers’ Spouses Club annual Special Activities Coffee at the Museum of Aviation.

  • The committee makes a Chamber presentation and distributes community information at the RAFB Newcomers Orientation; normally held on the 1st Wednesday of each month.

  • The committee promotes the Chamber’s Military Discount Program to Chamber Members and area businesses.  The committee provides all participating businesses with a distinctive decal to display at their businesses, and assists them in obtaining promotional recognition within the military community.  The committee promotes the prominent display of the acronym EDIMGIAFAD throughout the community.

4.      Eggs & Issues:  Chair – Pat Bartness

 Conduct a quarterly breakfast for members and community leaders to receive update briefings and ask questions of key officials.  The programs and schedule are:

February 21,  2008            Houston County

April 19, 2008                   Cities of Warner Robins and Centerville

August 21,  2008              Houston County Board of Education

October 16, 2008              Houston Healthcare

December 16, 2008           Houston County’s State Legislators

Study and prepare recommendations on the feasibility of opening these events to the public, creating a separate fee structure, enhancing pre-publicity, and digitally recording sessions for posting on the website.