I have had the privilege of working with many top notch organizations and executives over the years, but 2011 was especially rewarding as I worked with my friends Eddie McBride, Lubbock, TX, Chamber of Commerce, and Kelly Hall, Longview, TX, Chamber of Commerce. Both of these chambers are five star accredited through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and highly repected in the industry. The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce was ACCE's Chamber of the Year in 2008, and the Longview Chamber of Commerce was a finalist this year. These organizations have something else in common... they understand the importance of the strategic planning process to make certain that they are meeting the needs of their customers!
I asked both of these outstanding executives their thoughts on the importance of planning. Kelly Hall says that planning does not occur once a year during a board planning retreat. Kelly feels "it must be an ongoing process of understanding our market and customer expectations; engaging our key leadership, evaluating our existing programs, programs, products, and services; measuring staff and volunteer performance; establishing benchmarks; and most importantly dreaming about what can be!" Kelly understands fully, however, that dreams without goals & objectives, timelines and measurements are nothing more than daydreams and wishes. She is working hard to make certain that the dreams become a reality.
Eddie McBride says that as a 5-Star Accredited Chamber, "we use strategic planning to maintain our operational focus as well as bring positive change to our organization." Eddie says that the board actively participates because they understand the importance of establishing goals and standards for the organization. "Our board is extremely comfortable with identifying policy issues and tasks for our highly capable staff to accomplish", states McBride. "If used properly, strategic planning provides an outstanding tool for organizational success and excellence."
These two 5-Star accredited chambers in the Lone Star State understand that there is power in planning! The Ewart Group is now in the process of working with the Texas Chamber of Comerce Executives Association to develop their strategic plan. My friends, Texas gets it! I hope that you will take the positive steps in 2012 to move your organization forward through a well designed planning process. Let us know how we can help you!
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