2008
The Hutchinson/Reno County
Chamber of Commerce is the catalyst for a prosperous
business climate that enhances the community's quality
of life.
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ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
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* Economic Development – The Chamber reaffirms its commitment to “Community Economic Development” as the top priority for 2008. The Chamber will continue to focus on retaining and expanding
businesses and on the recruitment of new businesses.
The Chamber Board is aware that at the start of 2008 employers are working to fill more than 350 new, full time jobs and that some employers are finding some difficulty in hiring good workers. The Chamber will work with employers to develop strategies to bring more potential employees into the community.
The Chamber will work for the coordination of efforts of all Reno County community and economic development entities for greater effectiveness. It will promote evaluating all spending on community and economic development based upon results.
Lively Downtown - The Chamber joins the Hutchinson City Council and the Downtown Hutchinson Revitalization Partnership, Inc. in supporting downtown Hutchinson as the traditional "Main Street" of the region and will help in efforts to develop its shopping, cultural, entertainment and residential areas.
Retail Revitalization—The Chamber believes Hutchinson must strengthen its traditional role as a regional shopping destination. The Chamber will work with available partners to develop plans to take advantage of the strengthening rural economic prospects to restore Hutchinson’s retail prominence.
Health Care - The Chamber understands the vital importance of the health care community and will continue to support and assist in the expansion of quality healthcare in Hutchinson and Reno County.
Community Marketing - The Chamber and its partners - the City, the County, CVB, Market Hutchinson, Spirit of Success, and Growth, Inc. - annually invest in programs to showcase Hutchinson and Reno County through a variety of venues that market our area on a national and regional basis. In 2008, the Chamber will support evaluating the marketing dollars spent for Reno County on an “outcomes” basis and work to generate greater effectiveness.
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COMMUNITY
BETTERMENT
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| * Leadership Development – The vitality of the community depends upon quality leadership. The Chamber will continue to sponsor Leadership Reno County to develop and encourage leaders who will be willing and able to successfully guide community organizations and activities. The Chamber will be a leading organizer and sponsor for bringing leadership training to middle and high schools in Reno County. It will investigate the potential for leadership training at all levels of community companies and organizations. In addition, the Chamber will support and assist the Young Professionals of Reno County organization in their efforts to attract, retain and involve young professionals in the community.
Quality Education System – A successful education system is essential and can be the deciding factor in favorably differentiating our community from competing communities. The Chamber actively supports Reno County schools, the Vocational Academy, Hutchinson Community College and the Workforce Development Center. The Chamber will support and assist USD 308's pursuit of the Malcolm Baldrige Quality Award.
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MEMBERSHIP
SERVICES
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* Communication – The Chamber is committed to communicating effectively with its membership and the community at large. The Chamber will seek new avenues to inform members and the public about business
developments, programs and services and will invest in a new, high-quality, user-friendly web site.
Programs and Events – The Chamber will provide high-value networking events; sponsorship and advertising opportunities; forums for the exchange of ideas; and educational programs that will enhance members’ business contacts and success.
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TOURISM
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Marketing - Under the auspices of the Greater Hutchinson Convention/Visitors Bureau (CVB), The Chamber will collaborate with local attractions and events to market the community aggressively. Each year, the attractions, events and conventions bring approximately 2 million visitors to Reno County, generating millions of dollars of economic impact annually.
Events- The CVB will actively participate in marketing the Kansas Underground Salt Museum, the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center, and other key attractions in the community in an effort to attract events and visitors.
The CVB will also aggressively market the community’s world-class sports venues, the convention center and the Kansas State Fairgrounds to establish Hutchinson as a regional and national convention and event site.
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ADVOCACY
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| The Chamber is the community’s business advocate and serves as the strong voice of Reno County businesses at local, state and federal government levels. The Chamber will monitor governmental activity and advocate for initiatives vital to a prosperous business climate. This will include the following:
* Transportation – The Chamber’s well-established and successful support for quality streets and highways will be continued with special attention given to ensuring state funding for the long planned improvements to K-61 and the newly announced KDOT intention to make major improvements to K-96 between Hutchinson and Rice County.
* Renewal of 1/4 Cent Sales Tax—The Chamber believes the community has enjoyed substantial benefits from the 1/4 cent sales tax dedicated to City Street improvement, property tax reduction and the Cosmosphere. It therefore supports renewal of the tax.
Streamlining Local Government – The Chamber will work with other interested parties during the 2008 Legislative Session to support passage of “Gateway Legislation” that will remove the impediments to voluntary local efforts to streamline local forms of governance. Locally, it will support efforts to find ways local governments can streamline or unify essential governmental tasks.
Health Care / Health Insurance – Health care and health insurance represent large and rapidly growing costs of doing business in the Nation, including Kansas. The Chamber will support efforts to develop strategies to contain those costs.
Business Taxation - The Chamber will continue to advocate for a favorable corporate income tax structure and a stable and fair property tax.
Unemployment Compensation – The Chamber opposes legislation that diverts unemployment compensation funds for other programs and supports a reduction in unemployment taxes.
Workers’ Compensation Reform – The Chamber advocates for clarification of pre-existing conditions and strengthening the tests for work disability compensation for employees who are forced to leave employment for other than economic-related reasons.
* Denotes Top Priorities
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