Chamber seeks more members, participation

By Marla K. Kuhlman

ThisWeek Community Newspapers Wednesday January 18, 2012 5:04 PM

Boosting revenue, membership and event participation are among this year’s goals of the Gahanna Area Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber chairman Ron Wolfinger, representing LegalShield, outlined 2012 goals and past achievements during the Jan. 12 annual state-of-the-chamber and installation luncheon at Creekside.

He told about 90 guests that 2012 Specific Measurable Attainable Realistic Timely (SMART) goals include increasing membership by 20 by the end of June and by 40 before Dec. 31 and making up 2011’s net loss of $2,693 by the end of the year. Another initiative is to increase participation at each chamber event by 10 percent.

The chamber’s mission is “to enhance the success of our members and the business growth of our community,” Wolfinger said.

The chamber showed an income of $155,370 in 2011, but expenses were $158,064. Despite spending more than it took in, the chamber’s year-end balance was $6,016. The chamber also has investments of $34,210.

Chamber membership decreased for the third consecutive year, with 399 in 2011, compared to 432 in 2010.

The 2011 Taste of Gahanna, the chamber’s signature event, set a record attendance of 782, up by 100 from 2010, Wolfinger said. Taste of Gahanna allows local businesses to showcase their food and services, with proceeds earmarked to provide educational programming for chamber members.

The 15th annual Taste of Gahanna will be held Oct. 11, and the chamber’s 23rd annual golf outing is scheduled for May 14 at the Jefferson Country Club.

Achievements in 2011 included the launch of a new website, the good-energy electricity saving program, a member directory and business guide, website and social-media workshops and a DECA marketing survey.

Recognitions during the meeting were 2011 Large Business Award, AT&T; 2011 Small Business Award, Fourth Floor Interactive; and 2011 Referral Award, AT&T Ohio’s David Kandel.

A new award — Ambassador of the Year — went to Paula Megert, of Mid Ohio Strategic Technologies. She helped increase membership retention and involvement.

“She was completely surprised,” chamber president Leslee Blake said. “She received a proclamation from the state auditor.”

During the annual meeting, assistant city administrator Brandi Braun installed members of the board of directors. The directors are Betty Collins, Nipps, Brown, Collins & Associates; Leah Evans, Gahanna planning & development; Karen Eylon, Gahanna Convention & Visitors Bureau; Paul Hall, Mastery Marketing Group; Michelle Haslinger, PNC Bank; Bill Plesich, Renier Construction; and Kandace Watkins, C/Suites.

For more information about the Gahanna chamber, visit www.GahannaAreaChamber.com.

Posted in: Chamber in the News, Chamber News, Gahanna in the News, Members in the News |