Chamber of Commerce
2011 - 2013
In 2011, the Wilmington-Clinton County Chamber of Commerce–a member based organization serving 180 Clinton County businesses and organizations–faced an uncertain future. Like many Chambers, the organization’s focus was built for the bright days of economic growth, and no longer met the needs of the business community as it focused on weather the recession and rebuilding in the context of a new normal. The Chamber board decided an innovative approach was required to rebuild the organization to fit the changing needs of its members, and hired Energize Clinton County to develop and implement a new strategy for the organization. Today, the Chamber actively assists in efforts to attract new businesses and raise the visibility of its members across the region. The Chamber also promotes opportunities for business leaders to make meaningful connections through its monthly Economic Network Alliance and supporting the formation of industry roundtables to promote the sharing of best practices and ideas for innovation among our members. ECC has also oversaw a completely redevelopment of the Chamber web site (http://www.wccchamber.com). The new site provides new tools for Chamber members to connect with customers, recruit employees, and engage more actively with the community. The new site is also home to the county’s comprehensive economic development web site developed by ECC in collaboration with the county Economic Development Working Group. Through it’s partnership with ECC, the Chamber reached financial sustainability and returned to a structure in which it hired and supported it’s own staff. ECC board member Dessie Rogers now serves as the Chamber's Executive Director. |