Financial strength and stability are essential for all successful non-profit organizations.
Our Chamber of Commerce possesses a legacy of financial strength and proper stewardship. Our sustainability can be attributed to membership retention and the participation of our members in our activities, advertising and sponsorship programs.
As I mentioned in my previous blog post, our Board of Directors possess three strong traits:

1. They’re engaged in all facets of our Chamber’s operations
2. They analyze our results and outcomes
3. They’re biased toward action

During our Board of Director’s annual retreat in October, they rated their financial expectations in a survey. The result was an expectation of an annual budget surplus of approximately 5 to 10 percent.
The Board then requested a market analysis of the annual budgets, membership fees and other cost structures of similar Chambers in our region. The research revealed our Chamber membership fees are far below the average of approximately 12 neighboring Chambers in the region.
As they reviewed historical financial performance, they noted 2018 will be the third straight year of deficit spending. (However, the 2018 deficit was planned to cover the cost of an executive transition.)  If deficit spending continues, the Chamber would exhaust its reserves and cease to exist in a few years.
For the first time since 2015, the Board unanimously voted to restructure and increase membership fees, effective Jan. 1, 2019.  The number of employee-tiered classifications will be reduced from nine to five.  Partnership fees also will increase.
Even with the increase, three levels of membership fees will be below the market average and two will be at the average price.
After the Board unanimously approved the membership fee increase, it enabled them to unanimously pass a budget for 2019 with a 1-percent surplus.
No member services will be eliminated or reduced next year, nor will there be any staff reductions or salary increases. However, funds were approved for creating an employee retirement savings program.
When our members renew their membership with our Chamber—or a new business joins—the membership fee contributes to the fulfillment of our mission: promoting and supporting businesses throughout our region. Our member retention rate of greater than 85 percent shows our businesses value the Chamber’s mission and achievements.
Our staff and the Board of Directors pledge to continuously improve all aspects of our membership services and benefits. We hope you will continue to be a part of our organization as we serve businesses in our community and region.

​Our Board of Directors possesses three strong traits:

1. They’re engaged in all facets of our Chamber’s operations
2. They analyze our results and outcomes
3. They’re biased toward action

Each year, our Board dedicates half a day for a retreat to review our performance and plan for the future. One area where there was unanimous agreement was the value of Maritz’s many contributions to our Chamber and the community.
As we reviewed our financial performance during the last few years and our membership growth during the past decade, it became clear that Maritz’s contribution of office space enabled measurable gains in membership and increases in the quality and quantity of various services to our business community in Fenton and the region.
In late August, our offices relocated to the north side of the Maritz campus. Mark Alspaw, the Vice President of Real Estate and Property Services at Maritz, and his team of associates helped us avoid almost all interruptions to our operations and customer services. They also provided additional signage.
As part of the Board’s ongoing review, they analyzed our new operating environment, our ability to serve our members, customers and the general public, and the Chamber’s ability to serve people throughout the region. This review led to formation of a steering committee to focus on finding an optimal location for our offices.
The steering committee requested our members be informed of our needs and solicited their assistance in this process.  We will be searching for office space that meets the following specifications:

• Walk-in and easy access for people coming into the office space to do business
• Highly visible from roadway
• Approximately 3,000 square feet, three offices, a copier/production room, and a conference room
• Adequate parking for at least 20 automobiles
• Within Chamber budget

As with any process—but especially for a nonprofit organization of our size—the complexity and scope of this project will dictate our timeline.
If you would like to suggest an office or a location, please contact Joe Mueller, Executive Director, at exdir@fentonmochamber.com or (636) 717-0200.