E241: Strong Chambers for the Future Bob Thomas, IOM, CAE, CMP Michigan Chamber of Commerce

Eight Influences Shaping the Next Decade for Chambers of Commerce Nature of Belonging and Gathering Communications and Technology Scarcity and Abundance Global Impacts Population Shift Political and Social Fragmentation Resource Alignment Catalytic Leadership

Nature of Belonging and Gathering 2025 Redefine member and customer Segmenting microgroups and relational marketing Offering high value, action engagement

Nature of Belonging and Gathering Action Items: Segment membership by motivation Adjust programming to meet the styles of next generation members and customers Articulate value outside of attendance Analyze service area demographics for trends

Communications and Technology 2025 Mass customization with microgroups Reliance on trusted sources Speed will double or triple Security becomes even more difficult to achieve

Communications and Technology Action Items: Begin customizing messages based on demographic or motivation Evaluate needs of audience first and invest in supporting technology Review and tweak regularly for maximum impact

Scarcity and Abundance 2025 Workforce development and talent matching are large concerns in many communities Millennials will dominate the workplace Entitlement programs create scarcity and abundance Municipalities are bankrupt

Scarcity and Abundance Action Items Develop a crisis plan to be the lead in your community Make sure your chamber is insulated for rainy days or has the resources to make a difference quickly Build organizations that can be nimble in staffing Be a lead in workforce and economic development discussions to be on the front line of potential change

Global Impacts 2025 International tourism and import trade increase Small business goes global Immigration triples and creates new workforce opportunities

Global Impacts Action Items Begin developing programs and services to expose members to global trade Create strategies to be more welcoming to outside cultures Embrace diversity and talk about differences Stay up to date with international news

Population Shift 2025 Non-white voters increase and gain on white majority Education shifts still can’t fill skills gap Immigration becomes increasingly important

Population Shift Action Items Engage in workforce development conversations at the community level Find ways to be more inclusive in the workplace and marketplace; lead by example Integrate programs for YPs and other populations; resist sideline groups

Political and Social Fragmentation 2025 Political dogma is challenged as parties become more diverse Chambers will be conveners to diverse viewpoints and drive consensus on business issues Lawmakers will look for associations to synthesize opposing viewpoints for what to do

Political and Social Fragmentation Action Items Be an advocate– for your diverse business membership Get involved in state and local policy and stay above the politics Hold forums for different sides to talk it out and help voters find the common ground

Resource Alignment 2025 Chambers will need to be place-making focused vs. direct benefit Fundraising will be a larger part of the budget A broader volunteer base that supports the mission is essential Staffing needs will require for-profit skill sets and contract project workers

Resource Alignment Action Items Begin asking for investment above the dues level to support the greater mission Develop a volunteer base that supports the mission and will ask for money Review staffing mix to align with products and services Review resource mix regularly and adjust pricing models to stay competitive and solvent

Catalytic Leadership 2025 Chambers will need to be leading, or at least convening, change agents to move organizations forward Competitive edge will be in who can affect change most effectively and command resources behind it

Catalytic Leadership Action Items: Invest in leadership development on staff and in volunteers Convene an innovation task force to vet new ideas Help make boards more comfortable with becoming innovative by starting small and celebrating wins Engage with other chambers or organizations that are involved in leading change and borrow their success

Resources for Creating Your Future ACCE Horizon Initiative Task Force Census Data Zogby International Gallup Polls Your own chamber’s data