Central Valley businesses looking ahead

BY NANCY KELLY

Kings County Register

The Central Annapolis Valley Chamber of Commerce (CAVCC) has a new strategic plan to become “the voice of the business community in the region.”

At a luncheon hosted by the CAVCC October 15 at the Aurora Inn, Kingston, chamber president Byron McDonald explained the need for redefining the organization’s mission to a crowd of 35.

“Seeing as the chamber’s strategic plan was two years old, the directors felt it was time to re-examine its direction and focus.”

In September, facilitated by Kings Community Economic Development Agency, the chamber held a planning session to redefine its mission, strategies, goals and action plans. At the session, representatives took stock of the organization’s internal strengths and weaknesses and external opportunities and threats.

McDonald said eight new “strategies for success” emerged. They include ensuring appropriate administrative resources for the chamber; establishing committees and increasing communication, marketing and networking efforts. He also pointed to the need for “systematic fundraising” as a key to the long-term health of the group.

Another key focus will be to double the chamber’s membership of 100 businesses.

“That shouldn’t be hard to do,” said McDonald. “It just means each existing member needs to recruit one new member.”

McDonald also encouraged all members to send any concerns or ideas to a newly-established advocacy committee.

“In the past, we have approached issues in an ad-hoc manner. This new committee will systematically review emerging issues for the purpose of creating policy statements.”

As an example, McDonald pointed to a concern brought to the chamber about a lack of banking facilities in Lawrencetown.

“It’s issues like this that have a real impact on the local business community that we want to hear about,” said McDonald. “The next step is to look at ways to remedy the situation.”