What is the Chamber of Commerce?

The Chamber is not a department of any governmental or social service agency, charitable institution, private advertising, publicity or public relations agency.

Who are its members?
Any business or individual with an interest in improving both the local business environment and the community is eligible to become a member. Membership is paid according to number of employees. All opportunities of membership are available to all employees of every member business.

Chamber membership consists of small and large businesses, professionals, organizations and individuals who pool their resources and talents for the advancement of the community. The Chamber enables people to accomplish collectively what none could do individually. The strength of the Chamber lies in its members.

Who runs the Chamber?
Chamber members, through an elected Board of Directors, direct the Chamber. The 15-member Board of Directors is the policy-making body. Its members are volunteers who represent the business and professional leadership of the community. A paid, professional staff, directed by the Executive Director, handles the day-to-day operations, programs, activities and events.

An Executive Committee consists of the Chamber President, President-Elect, Secretary and Treasurer. It exercises the powers of the Board in emergency situations between Board meetings.
Who pays for its operation?
The Oconomowoc Area Chamber of Commerce is financed through membership investments (dues) that are tax-deductible as a legitimate business expense. Membership is strictly voluntary and is an investment in the present and future of Oconomowoc. 

What is the Member Pledge?
Membership of the Oconomowoc Area Chamber of Commerce shall attempt at all times to conduct business as members of the community in an honest, professional and ethical manner, and support the principles of customer service.

What is the Chamber’s Vision?
“The Oconomowoc Area Chamber of Commerce will be the primary resource for a prosperous, unified and committed membership, and the community it serves”
(approved 10/20/06)

What is the Chamber’s Mission?
“Partner in the growth, development and success of the Oconomowoc area business community”
(approved 10/2006)

What are the Chamber’s Objectives?
After surveying its membership, four goals were developed by the Chamber Board during its recent Strategic Planning session. These include:

Membership: over the next 5 years, we will achieve a healthy, growing and involved membership.

Financial Stability: over the next 5 years, we will increase our revenue stream to secure and maintain a 3-month operating reserve.

Community Relations: over the next 5 years, we will serve as the primary resource for business, community and government interaction.

Leadership: over the next 5 years, we will have the leadership in place to accomplish our goals.

How will Chamber objectives be achieved?
Strategies are in place to make sure that the Chamber objectives are carried out. These include the development of five (5) Action Teams:

Administration: addresses finance, marketing,
Web development, membership and personnel

Business Outreach: addresses programs, networking events, workshop/seminars, sponsorships, business and consumer events

Community Events: addresses events that the Chamber produces for the community, i.e., street dances, Gallery Nights, Cooney Cruise, parades

Economic Development/Government Relations: Addresses economic development projects, communication with City leaders, legislation that affects businesses

Member Services: addresses health insurance, gift certificates, member discounts, ribbon cuttings, Ambassador Club, special services

Are their Committees?
A committee system is the most effective means of accomplishing the Chamber’s Program of Work. Committees are responsible to the Board of Directors and report to the Executive Director.

Committee involvement provides an opportunity to network, establish business contacts, expand knowledge of other Chamber businesses, and gain valuable experience in event and program planning.  Committee members develop strong business referral services among themselves – often becoming their own business support group.

What else does the Chamber do?
The Chamber is the “front door” of the community. It has access to lists of realtors, financial institutions, healthcare facilities, restaurants, shopping and lodging accommodations. It also has information about the community’s history, economic profiles, population statistics and local government.

The Chamber provides information to hundreds of people on a monthly basis by phone, email, and visits to the Chamber office. It has visitor attractions brochures and maps of the region, and a local calendar of events.

What is available to Chamber Members?
The Chamber offers various opportunities for members to receive the benefits from their membership. These include:

• Website Promotion
• Networking Opportunities
• Referral Service
• Professional/Personal Development Workshops
• Member Healthcare Options
• Publications
• Publicity and Exposure
• Membership Lists
• Business Advocacy
• Discounts & Benefits
• Gift Certificate Program
• Business & Visitor Resource Center
• Chamber Community Events