Our Mission - Half Moon Bay Coastside Chamber

The Half Moon Bay Coastside Chamber of Commerce and Visitors' Bureau is a partnership of business professionals working together to strengthen a sustainable socio-economic climate in our unique Coastside community. This membership organization provides networking opportunities and represents the interests of business with government.

2010 Business Plan

Ambassadors

Coastside Young Professionals

Hotel Business Improvement District (BID)

Education

Legislative/Governmental Affairs

Ecotourism

CEAP - Coastside Emergency Action Plan

Median Project

Marketing the Chamber

Marketing the Coastside

Community Relations

Membership Communications

Financial

Membership Benefits

AMBASSADORS
Creating a strong local economy. * Providing networking opportunities.

Mission: The Ambassadors are a select group of volunteers who serve as the goodwill arm of the Chamber. Responsibilities include promoting the Chamber membership, attending monthly Network@Nights, events, and forums. Ambassadors serve as an extension to the Chamber staff and on occasion as a liaison. Chair: Shahrzad Pantera

Goals and Timeline:

I. Continue to Elevate the Ambassadors to the honored and valued level they deserve.
On-going

II. Continue a calendar of responsibilities for Ambassadors to be involved in.
On-going

III. New member welcoming committee at Network@Night.
On-going

IV. Feature an Ambassador a month in the Newsletter.
On-going

V. Each Ambassador to co-Chair an event.
On-going

VI. Encourage Ambassadors to share member difficulties or at risk members with the staff and committee.
On-going

VII. Ambassadors to become virtual Ambassadors and help with promoting events on Facebook, Twitter, etc.

COASTSIDE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
Creating a strong local economy. * Providing networking opportunities.

Mission: The Coastside Young Professionals (CYP) group brings together youthful business owners, fresh management talent and up and coming company supervisors between the ages of 21-39, who are interested in making a difference in our community and growing their business through networking opportunities on the San Mateo County Coastside. The goal of the CYP group is to build and grow their businesses while creating long lasting relationships with business partners in the area. Chair: Kelly Davis

Goals and Timeline:

I. Continue to grow the young professionals network on the Coastside.
On-going

II. Introduce young professionals to the Chamber and the Chamber benefits.
On-going

III. Hold bi-monthly social events in conjunction with larger quarterly events, in the hopes of partnering with other peninsula young professional groups.
2009

IV. Hold public forums to educate the young business community on important legislature or community issues.
On-going

HOTEL BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (BID)
Creating a strong local economy. * Promoting the community.

Mission: The assessment levied by the Business Improvement District shall be used to promote lodging within the district and administer marketing programs that increase overnight lodging. Chair: Rick Ellis

Goals and Timeline:

I. Carry out the wishes of the Board of the BID.
On-going

II. Work with the BID PR person to coordinate information with writers etc.
On-going

III. Continue to run commercials and present advertising opportunities as they arise.
On-going

IV. Coordinate advertising.
On-going

V. Continue renewing contracts and bringing more Coastside County hotels into BID on voluntary basis.
On-going

EDUCATION
Creating a strong local economy.

Mission: The Education Committee is committed to identifying and building collaborative relationships between the education, non profit, and business communities. Co-Chairs: Len Erickson & Howard Montgomery

Goals and Timeline:

I. To oversee contributions and distribution of Chamber scholarship funds through Half Moon Bay Coastside Community Foundation to graduating high school seniors and Continuing Education Awardees.
On-going

II. Promote and assist with local programs assisting our schools (Cabrillo Education Foundation, HMBHS Business/School Wish List, etc). Also encourage Principals to attend committee meetings.
On-going

III. To help coordinate Principal for a Day programs in Coastside schools.
On-going

IV. Continue the inclusion of the Robotics into the curriculum of all Coastside schools and after care facilities.
2010/11

V. Support education fund raising events throughout the community.
On-going

VI. Continue business/education round tables.
On-going

VII. Explore additional funding for the Half Moon Bay Coastside Community Foundation to be used for educational programs initiated by the committee.
On-going

VIII. Develop a business/high school mentoring program.
2010

IX. Work with Rotary's vocational Education Committee on creating a class that will teach Juniors and Seniors support material to get them ready for college and the work place: ie. Balancing a check book, writing a resume, job interviews, computer skills, etc.
2010

X. Market our premier education programs.
2011

XI. Education Committee to oversee elementary art contest for the directory.
On-going

LEGISLATIVE/GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
Creating a strong local economy. * Representing the interests of business with government.

Mission: To study and analyze issues of interest to the Coastside and its business community, evaluate them with the Board, and decide on the action, if any, to be taken by the Chamber and communicate our viewpoint clearly and strongly to our membership and community. Chair: Chris Mickelsen

Goals and Timeline:

I. Represent the business community on local, regional, state, and federal issues.
On-going

II. Contact legislators with letters, faxes, or phone calls regarding the Chamber’s position on issues affecting Coastside business through the Governmental Affairs Committee and support of the Board of Directors.
On-going

III. Maintain a presence with the city and county legislatures.
On-going

IV. Continue to send representation to the San Mateo County Progress Seminar.
On-going

V. Continue to encourage legislative representative attendance and reporting at each meeting.
On-going

VI. Continue the monthly Legislative Report.
On-going

VII. Hold informational forums for the public and Candidates Forums on City Council election years.
On-going

VIII. Legislative Issue of the Week in some Broadcast E-mails and Newsletter.
On-going

IX. Host an annual Meet Your Legislators & Candidates Network@Night.
On-going

ECOTOURISM
Creating a strong local economy.* Promoting the community. * Providing networking opportunities * Encouraging a sustainable future.

Definition: Responsible travel to natural areas and directly related cultural resources that conserves the environment provides extensive opportunities to learn and sustains the well being of local people. Chair: Chris Manchester

I. Increase awareness of what Ecotourism is and that the Coastside has a program.
On-going

II. Partner with other California communities that offer ecotourism.
On-going

III. Update the ecotourism map as needed.
On-going

IV. Assist businesses with obtaining information about the Green Business Program.
On-going

V. Research possibility of obtaining a Federal Grant for Ecotourism program.
2010

VI. Continue to work with CTTC and CalTia to further recognize sustainable tourism.
On-going

CEAP – COASTSIDE EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN
Creating a strong local economy. * Representing the interests of business with government.

Mission: Preparing the Coast in the event of a disaster and how the Chamber can assist government in organizing the non-profits and businesses. Chair: Charise McHugh

Goals and Timeline:

I. Continue to organize and coordinate quarterly meetings.
On-going

II. In the event of a natural or man-made disaster, assist government in coordinating the non-profits to help in any areas possible and use Chamber as headquarters.
On-going

III. Communicate with businesses and assist them in any way possible as well.
On-going

IV. Work with city and county disaster plans.
On-going

MEDIAN PROJECT
Creating a strong local economy. * Promoting the community.

Mission: To create awareness and pride in the Coastside and to encourage the beautification and cleanliness of businesses, roadways, sidewalks, and medians.

Goals and Timeline:

I. Plant the Highway One medians.
On-going

          A. Continue to coordinate the permitting process with the City of Half
          Moon Bay and CalTrans.

          B. Continue to coordinate with Kikuchi and Associates to develop and
          complete the landscape plans.

          C. Continue to promote the project within the community to raise
          awareness.

MARKETING THE CHAMBER
Creating a strong local economy. * Promoting the community. Providing networking opportunities. * Encouraging a sustainable future.

Mission: To maximize the awareness of the chamber and the importance of the chamber within the community and the businesses.

Goals and Timeline:

I. Do a better job of telling our story and conveying to the membership all that the Chamber does.
On-going

II. New column in NL monthly “What Has Your Chamber Done Lately”
On-going

III. Schedule monthly 12@12 luncheons for new members with CEO and Chair.
On-going

IV. Continue the vigorous "touching New Members" campaign.
On-going

MARKETING THE COASTSIDE
Creating a strong local economy. * Promoting the community.

Mission: To maximize awareness and visitation of the Coastside.

Goals and Timeline:

I. Continue to produce an annual Visitors’ Guide.
On-going

II. To maintain visitor centers and display racks throughout the city.
On-going

III. Continue a section for Pescadero and the Harbor in the Visitor Guide.
On-going

IV. Continue to expand the use of the web as a membership support and informational tool.
On-going

V. Continue to promote the Coastside via San Mateo County Convention and Visitors’ Bureau.
On-going

VI. Continue developing and implementing the Coastside Ecotourism program, including visitors and tourism groups throughout the US.
On-going

VII. Continue to work with CTTC and their rural tourism program.
On-going

VIII. Continue to staff a weekend Visitor Information Kiosk at Mac Dutra Park.
On-going

IX. Continue the sale of the historical blanket to be sold by Chamber, Chamber retailers and non-profits.
On-going

X. Continue to assist the Downtown Merchant Committee made up of Chamber members and non-members to promote downtown shopping and coordinate holiday events.
On-going

XI. Continue to expand our website and the advertising possibilities.
On-going

XII. Continue sending press releases for all events to Northern California.
On-going

XIII. Continue to work with travel, garden, and cuisine magazines for Coastal coverage.
On-going

XIV. Continue to refer to the San Mateo County Film Commission for filming sites.
On-going

XV. Coordinate marketing activities with BID to achieve maximum effectiveness.
On-going

XVI. Continue to work with Kelly Chamberlin in assisting with writer tours and fam tours.
On-going

XVII. Continue our partnership with localgetaways.com promoting the Coast via website advertising and newspapers travel sections.

COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Creating a strong local economy. * Promoting the community. * Providing networking opportunities. * Encouraging a sustainable future.

Mission: To maintain a high profile and participate with other community leaders, service organizations, the city, and the county to create a spirit of cooperation for the resolution of future community challenges.

Goals and Timeline:

I. Continue “Network@Night” open to the public, but do a better job of advertising them.
On-going

II. Continue to work with and support the Coastside Collaborative.
On-going

III. Continue distribution of Coastside Blanket to promote community pride and awareness.
On-going

IV. Take advantage of upcoming community situations for the Chamber to take the role of catalyst in achieving a common goal.
On-going

V. Hold public forums to educate the community on important legislature or community programs.
On-going

VI. Continue the Chamber’s involvement in Nights of Light.
On-going

VII. Work with CJ Media to product the Coastside Directory "phone book".
On-going

VIII. Continue to support the Coastside Shuttle.
On-going

IX. Continue to pursue the planting of the medians.
On-going

X. Continue to put on the annual Rock the Block Party.
On-going

MEMBERSHIP COMMUNICATIONS
Creating a strong local economy. * Promoting the community. * Providing networking opportunities.

Mission: To increase membership through strong retention and recruitment programs and to communicate with members and the public Chamber programs, objectives, events and activities.

Goals and Timeline:

I. Update all membership letters to make them less wordy with bullet points.
On-going

II. Service the individual needs of the membership.
On-going

III. Conduct meetings to serve as educational and informational forums on current issues affecting the community.
On-going

IV. Provide networking and promotional opportunities to members.
On-going

V. Keep the membership well informed through letters, business directory, phone calls, newspaper articles, web site, broadcast e-mails and our Chamber electronic newsletter.
On-going

VI. Continue with both Visitors’ Guides.
On-going

VII. Advertise and send press releases on all Chamber events.
On-going

VIII. Continue to expand the use of the web as a membership support and informational tool.
On-going

IX. Send a 6 month member renewal survey to all members.
On-going

X. Continue with Weekly Chamber Update emails informing members of upcoming events and important business information.
On-going

XI. Continue monthly "What has your Chamber done for you lately?" update.
On-going

XII. Send a quarterly print Newsletter to members.
On-going

XIII. Continue ambitious "touch the member" campaign during their first year of membership.
On-going

XIV. Calls to renewing members three months out.
On-going

FINANCIAL
Creating a strong local economy.

Goals and Timeline:

I. To maintain a healthy budget and financial solvency.
On-going

II. To save 3 months worth of operating expenses, approximately $90,000.
2014

III. Continue to operate with the appropriate checks and balances.
On-going

IV. Continue to properly insure the Chamber facilities, staff, and board members, and events.
On-going

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

Referrals from the chambers’ web site, publications, and staff
Marketing opportunities with 20 events annually and 9 committees
Annual Pass to network@night After Hours Mixers
Discounted Business Seminars taught by top professionals
One business, category and address listing in the Visitor Guide (for visitor serving businesses)
Complimentary enhanced bold listing in the Half Moon Bay Coastside Community Directory
Additional listing in the Half Moon Bay Coastside Community Directory under the “Chamber Members” section
Complimentary Subscription to the monthly It’s Your Connection newsletter and Weekly Chamber Update emails
Membership Plaque
Discounted advertising opportunities in Chamber publications
Business category and address listing online with hyperlink to your web site
Complimentary monthly Legislative report
Listing in Chamber Referral Database
Free Marketing Consultation to give your business maximum exposure
Complimentary business display in Chamber lobby
Free membership to San Mateo Credit Union
Savings of 15% to 25% annually on more than 150 most commonly used office products and savings on most items purchased through Office Depot Business Services Division
Labor Law compliance products available to members at a discounted rate
Up to 50% savings on postage with use of Chamber bulk mail permit
24 Hour information and referrals
Display Racks
Use of the Chamber Board Room by reservation
Substantial advertising discounts in the Half Moon Bay Coastside Community Directory phone book
Ben-e-lect Insurance program

© Copyright 2001 - 2010 by Half Moon Bay Coastside Chamber of Commerce & Visitors’ Bureau. All rights reserved.

Half Moon Bay Coastside Chamber of Commerce & Visitors’ Bureau [SITE MAP]
235 Main Street Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Phone: (650) 726-8380 Fax: (650) 726-8389 Email: info@hmbchamber.com