Principles

The Chamber of Gettysburg & Adams County is the primary resource for networking, information and education for Adams County businesses, and provides a strong, valuable voice on behalf of the business community. The chamber is the connection between the success of the business community and our region. We achieve this by:

Focusing on our Members

Continually explore and provide value-added benefits for members.
Research and explore the revision of the membership investment structure from the current formula to tiered levels of investment that permit investors to bundle products and services that are appropriate for their business.
Grow the membership investment, through the recruitment of new members and the retention of current members, by a net increase of 100 members by December 2020.
Achieve and maintain a retention rate of 87% annually (in the top 10% of chambers in the country).

Being the Voice of Business

Re-establish the Governmental Affairs Committee as an active, meaningful committee that will be charged with responsibility of executing the objectives of this Area of Focus.
Develop the public policy agenda of the chamber and actively advocate for the passage of key issues.
Grow and nurture appropriate relationships to build trust and allow the Chamber to effectively serve as the Voice of Business throughout Adams County.
Serve as the clearinghouse for issues of importance to the business community and communicate with local governments, Pennsylvania legislature, and Congress.

Telling Our Story - Communications/Marketing

Develop and implement a comprehensive communications plan that will be executed to our members and our secondary audience including the media, governmental elected and appointed officials, and the general public.
Explore an internal Image Campaign for The Chamber, along with the boroughs and all of Adams County to make citizens more aware of the brand and positive accomplishments of the chamber and the community – past, present, and future.
Develop, maintain, and market a meaningful, user-friendly website.
Develop an excellent working relationship with area media to establish a “go to” or “top of mind” status for interviews and information on all business related issues.

Developing Businesses and Entrepreneurs

Create Business Councils that segment and provide unique value to our members and prospective members and to provide input about products and services.
Work with the Adams Economic Alliance to determine the Chamber’s appropriate role and establish efforts in the attraction of small business.
Work with governmental officials to make it easier and more streamlined to establish and operate a business in the area.
Create an environment for the growth of new businesses through entrepreneurial endeavors.
Develop and conduct a plan to educate our members and the general public about all aspects of economic and business development.
Design small group programs for our members to interact with other members to exchange ideas and best business practices.
Develop and offer a Youth Entrepreneurial program in collaboration with appropriate partners to include HACC and our various school systems.

Developing the Workforce and Leadership for the Future

Determine workplace issues in which the chamber can provide meaningful awareness and education for our members.
Survey and determine employer and employment skillsets needed.
Develop, promote, and deliver Leadership Adams and other ancillary leadership programs to the satisfaction of participants and their sponsors.
Promote the current workforce development programs in Adams County.
Offer a Nonprofit Leadership Academy so as to attract younger board members to our numerous nonprofit members, develop effective board governance and foster excellence for the important nonprofit service sector impacting Adams County’s quality of life.
Inventory and recruit board members from those who would qualify as young professionals.
Create and develop a model young professionals program in the state of Pennsylvania, offering professional development and social networking opportunities.