2019-2020 Recap RESILIENT
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2019-2020 Recap RESILIENT The 2019-2020 year has not turned out like any of us would have expected. At the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, we began this fiscal year celebrating being named #1 Chamber in the country by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. The recognition honored the work we have done with partners throughout the community - work that we planned to build on throughout the 2019-2020 fiscal year. As you’ll see later in this book, we have accomplished much of what we set out to do. But this year has thrown all of us some curve balls. Pivot and flexibility have become keywords not only for the Chamber but for many businesses. For us, though, the word that rises to the top as defining the 2019-2020 year is “resilient.” Our staff has worked tirelessly to be responsive to the changing times, to keep businesses informed and to provide programming that supports businesses’ changing needs. We have been heartened by the outpouring of volunteerism, by businesses adapting to trying times and innovating to meet needs, and by those showing leadership on many fronts. This community truly is resilient. As we strive to overcome challenges and to affect change in the coming year, that resilience will serve us well. Building a Annual Meeting Presenting Sponsors stronger community. We’re working together to build a brighter future for all of us. Each year, the Duke Energy Foundation funds more than $30 million in charitable grants. We fund science, engineering and career training programs to help prepare tomorrow’s workforce. And, most importantly, we give our time and energy, volunteering here in the communities we call home. DUKE-ENERGY.COM/COMMUNITY Leadership Awards Small Business Leader of the Year PRESENTED BY HOMETRUST BANK The Small Business Leader of the Year Awards program recognizes two individuals who clearly reflect quality and dedication in the operation of business in the Asheville area and illustrate accomplishments in leadership including innovation, initiative and civic responsiveness. Family Business of the Year PRESENTED BY UNC ASHEVILLE FAMILY BUSINESS FORUM HomeTrust is proud to honor The Family Business of the Year Award recognizes a family-owned the 2020 Small Business business for their contributions to the community and success as a family-owned enterprise. of the Year winner and all the small businesses that make Asheville home. President’s Award PRESENTED BY ROBERTS & STEVENS The President’s Award recognizes Chamber members who have given their time and talents beyond the call of duty in volunteer efforts with the Chamber. Excellence in Public Service PRESENTED BY FIRST BANK The Excellence in Public Service Award recognizes an individual for his or her outstanding contribution to the community through involvement, VISIT: HTBForBusiness.com service or motivation to improving the quality of life for the citizens of 200601-619598750 Buncombe County. ACCOMPLISHED As we close out the 2019-2020 fiscal year, we want to thank all of our members and partners. Your support and engagement throughout the year has enabled us to accomplish more: to create more WE KNOW opportunities through economic development, to have more impact on policy; to provide more value for our members. Here are some of THE ROPES the highlights from this year’s accomplishments... Remained committed to excellence. Won 2019 Chamber of the Year from the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. BE GREATER Completed AVL Greater, a strategic foresight process, resulting in a community vision that informed our economic development strategic plan. Achieved significant membership goals,including revenue increasing $53,988 over last year with support of expanded membership development team. For over 60 years, JPS has been helping our business clients scale Received an unmodified opinion in annual audit of Fiscal Year 2019 financial to new heights. From translating complex financial information to statements. providing sound guidance, our expert team excels at helping our clients succeed – no matter what challenges lie ahead. Served as the fiscal agent for vital community organizations, including WNC Diversity Engagement Coalition, Young Professionals of Asheville and Folk Heritage Committee. Implemented digital invoicing and online payment options for improved convenience. During Stay at Home Stay Safe, provided guidance for our members through more than two dozen Virtual Town Halls and webinars, maintained a comprehensive www.jpspa.com Coronavirus Resource Page on our website, created comprehensive Smart Restart Toolkits for Buncombe County as well as the WNC region, kept in constant contact ASHEVILLE | 828.254.2374 with local elected officials to provide a voice for business during the shutdown, BOONE | 828.262.0997 influenced state legislation on behalf of local area businesses and worked in | MARION 828.652.7044 collaboration with strategic partners to help raise over $1.3 million dollars for small business bridge loans and laid off workers through the One Buncombe Fund. Founded Policy On Tap, a quarterly event series to bring together business leaders, community members and policy makers on local issues. Community Engagement Joined the Buncombe County Complete Count Committee and led Business and Education subcommittee to ensure our community earns the most federal resources possible through a complete 2020 Census count. Joined the Community Remembrance Project Steering Committee and led its Research Workgroup to improve community awareness of the history of racial ADVOCACY & POLICY terror lynchings in our area. Began an effort to reconnect leaders in government and business from Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Madison and Transylvania Counties around issues of growth Fostered business connections with elected officials. and opportunity. Elected Officials Reception: 20+ local, state and federal elected officials; 175 members attending. Legislative Wrap-Up & Virtual Legislative Luncheon: Featuring regional NC General Assembly members discussing business issues; 280+ attendees. Responded to pandemic. Developed, distributed and analyzed data from two COVID-19 Business Surveys to get real-time information about ways COVID-19 has affected local businesses and ways government can help. Findings influenced our 2020 Legislative Agenda and were shared with elected officials at state and local levels, including members of the NC General Assembly, the Governor’s Office and leaders within City of Asheville and Buncombe County governments. Advocated for expanded state and federal relief to help businesses and communities weather the crisis, including more PPP and Golden Leaf Emergency funding. Moderated multiple town halls, divided by industry sector, to inform our business owners and managers on State and County Phased Orders and on proper public health protocols moving forward. Kept members informed on policy issues. Founded The Summit, a weekly policy newsletter independently researched and written by the policy team to make the issues more accessible to members and leaders across our region. Developed Action Alerts, an email tool that lets members take action on the issues in just a few clicks. Launched quarterly opportunity for Innovation Partner members and above to have informal, quality conversation with each other and with Chamber leadership. Crafted 24 Asheville Spotlights, profiling member businesses on our website, newsletter and social media. Generated nearly 390,000 online impressions for Featured Members on our website. MARKETING Hosted family-oriented member appreciation event with free food, music, and activities & SPONSORSHIP for member employees and families. Maintained commitment to providing member benefits through events and engagement Enabled businesses to leverage their membership to increase by pivoting to virtual events and increasing personal contact with members during exposure for their business. COVID-19. Welcomed more than 187 new members and served 1,683 member businesses. Developed Ask a Professional benefit for new members to have access to free consultation with other members in key industry categories. Customized two new membership tiers tailored to specific industry: Marketplace members who are vendors for the Asheville Shop and Manufacturing Partners. Adapted dues payment schedule to support members struggling financially during COVID-19. Increased visits to our website ashevillechamber.org by 17%. Evaluated and revised Retention Plan to create or improve meaningful touches Provided marketing opportunities to 300+ businesses through Total Resource throughout the first two years of membership, including implementing personalized Campaign, engaging 23 community volunteers and generating $117,050 in new communications from Board members to new members. support. Supported small businesses with the Business Expo: 70+ exhibitors; in collaboration Celebrated local business accomplishments. with 4 regional chambers showcasing local solutions to business issues. Conducted 31 ribbon cuttings to celebrate grand openings and business milestones. Supported 35 participating restaurants during Asheville Restaurant Week. Recognized the efforts of growing businesses with the Sky High Growth Awards; 25 Created the People’s Community and Inclusion program to provide membership for businesses honored. businesses owned by people of color and established a committee of community leaders to guide the Chamber’s commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion. Highlighted 10 individuals who lead the business community