The TwinWest Chamber of Commerce has a proud legacy of strategic planning and visioning. In April 2007, this legacy continued on a larger scale as we embarked on a long-range strategic planning process. We began by surveying the membership at large, asking a series of questions to help us get a solid grasp on members’ current and future needs. Simultaneously, an energized task force of 16 members (including past Board chairs, current Board

directors, members of the TwinWest Emerging Leaders group, and staff) conducted personal interviews with individuals representing a variety of company sizes and industries in our membership. With this breadth of perspective under its belt, the task force spent the next two months – over 200 hours collectively – drafting a three-year strategic plan.

The plan delineates five overarching strategies that will drive our work into 2011, and numerous goals, objectives, and action steps under each strategy. The plan is designed to sustain our popular programs and services, incorporate new demands from an ever-changing business climate, and be flexible enough to serve its purpose in the hands of new Chamber leaders and volunteers.

Without a doubt, this exciting journey over the next three years will be as rewarding as the destination.

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce
Strategic Plan through 2011

Strategy 1:

Be a formidable force in the creation and implementation of public policy that allows business to thrive and Minnesota’s economy to continue to prosper and grow.

Goal 1:	Improve members’ access to local, state and federal officials.
Goal 2:	Advocate, at all levels of government, policies that reflect the needs of the business community.
Goal 3:	Enable all businesses to play an active role in public policy.

Strategy 2:

Increase the substantial, measurable value and relevance of the Chamber for all members.

Goal 1:	Increase and retain the Chamber membership.
Goal 2:	Enhance the value and significance of Chamber membership.

Strategy 3:

Significantly improve the region’s current and future workforce.

Goal 1:	Empower businesses to place a greater emphasis on developing the next generation of business/workforce leaders.
Goal 2:	Engage students within the TwinWest region in real-world business experiences.
Goal 3:	Dedicate more Chamber resources to strengthening the TwinWest Emerging Leaders program.
Goal 4:	Become the region’s preeminent workforce development resource conduit.

Strategy 4:

Leverage the TwinWest network.

Goal 1:	Create meaningful connections among member businesses.
Goal 2:	Upgrade and broaden opportunities for members to expand their networks.
Goal 3:	Broaden the diversity of the TwinWest membership.

Strategy 5:

Advance economic development within the TwinWest region to increase sustainable business retention and job growth.

Goal 1:	Attract new businesses to the TwinWest region.
Goal 2:	Retain and grow existing businesses in the TwinWest region.
Goal 3:	Become the region’s preeminent source of economic development information.
Goal 4:	Develop stronger partnerships between the private and public sectors that support technology and infrastructure development essential to a growing economy.