2012 Chamber Task Force Committees
Economic Development & Marketing Task Force
Josh Torres, Chairman
Matt Padgett, Co-Chairman
Maridee Curry
Chris Ruby
Tom Schwartz
The Chamber’s Economic Development task force was formed to retain and nurture existing businesses, capture more local dollars, attract targeted industries, draw more outside money into the region, promote the concept of economic development, and enhance the quality of life in the Village of Whitehouse. This task force will work closely with the Village of Whitehouse Economic Development Coordinator and the Community Development Coordinator, the Village of Whitehouse Economic Development committee and the elected officials to ensure collaborative efforts are managed with a strong emphasis on the involvement of building owners and business owners. This task force is also responsible for the Chamber’s involvement with the CDBG Downtown Revitalization Grant Program through the Ohio Department of Development as an in-kind services sponsor for volunteer time towards the grant application process through the Village of Whitehouse. The task force is responsible for advocacy of our business owners that is relative to the economic conditions and climate of our area and will be responsible for the direct promotion and branding of the business community.
Ambassadors Task Force
Matt Padgett, Chairman
Carole Conner, Co-Chairman
Chris Ruby, Co-Chairman
The Ambassador Task force is responsible for building a better Chamber through volunteer leadership, increasing the retention rate of existing members by being responsive to members’ needs, reinforcing the benefits of Chamber membership, and strengthening our Chamber by recruiting new members. This task force is responsible for welcoming all new businesses to the area through ribbon cuttings, After Hours Events, and creating and identifying leads through networking.
The Downtown Community Partnership
Jyamme Torres, Chairman
Dave Rice, Co-Chairman Frank Colbry, Co-Chairman
Cindy Gusky Maridee Curry Tracy Hayes Deb Colbry Bud Bauman Pat Stark
Danielle Thober Mindy Curry Jason Repass Darrel Limes Cindy Hinojosa Bob Keogh
The Downtown Community Partnership, formerly known as the Cherry Fest committee is responsible for planning and execution of the events throughout the Village of Whitehouse and community that are sponsored and or funded by The Whitehouse Area Chamber of Commerce. The DCP consists of members who are made up of business owners, residents, and elected officials. Through our financial strength and strong volunteer resources we are committed to the same beliefs and motivation for our great community and are working on developing and launching additional events that the residents and businesses will be able to enjoy and benefit from.
The DCP’s job is not simply to raise money. Instead, the group is responsible for overseeing the Chamber’s overall fundraising and, its responsibilities are:
• To work with staff to establish a fundraising plan that incorporates a series of appropriate vehicles, such as special events, direct mail, product sales, etc
• To work with fundraising staff in their efforts to raise money
• To take the lead in certain types of outreach efforts, such as chairing a dinner / dance task force or hosting fundraising parties, etc.
• To be responsible for involvement of all Board members in fundraising, such as having Board members make telephone calls to ask for support, and to monitor fundraising efforts to be sure that ethical practices are in place, that donors are acknowledged appropriately, and that fundraising efforts are cost-effective.
The DCP members are often comprised of Chamber Board members who are most familiar with the approaches and operations of the organization’s programs. The responsibilities also include:
• To oversee new program development
• To monitor and assess existing programs
• To initiate and guide program evaluations
• To facilitate discussions about program priorities
The DCP’s job is not simply to raise money. Instead, the group is responsible for overseeing the Chamber’s overall fundraising and, its responsibilities are:
• To work with staff to establish a fundraising plan that incorporates a series of appropriate vehicles, such as special events, direct mail, product sales, etc
• To work with fundraising staff in their efforts to raise money
• To take the lead in certain types of outreach efforts, such as chairing a dinner / dance task force or hosting fundraising parties, etc.
• To be responsible for involvement of all Board members in fundraising, such as having Board members make telephone calls to ask for support, and to monitor fundraising efforts to be sure that ethical practices are in place, that donors are acknowledged appropriately, and that fundraising efforts are cost-effective.
The DCP members are often comprised of Chamber Board members who are most familiar with the approaches and operations of the organization’s programs. The responsibilities also include:
• To oversee new program development
• To monitor and assess existing programs
• To initiate and guide program evaluations
• To facilitate discussions about program priorities
Governmental Affairs Task Force
Josh Torres, Chairman
Jason Repass, Co-Chairman
The Government Affairs task force considers issues of political interest to the business community. The purpose of the Government Affairs Task Force is to study, analyze, formulate, record, and advocate for positions and issues of interest to the Whitehouse area business community. It is also to establish necessary relationships with the Village of Whitehouse, Lucas County, the state of Ohio and federal elected officials to support or oppose issues impacting the Whitehouse business community. This task force also plans and executes Candidates Forums during an election year and does not offer endorsement of a particular candidate or party affiliation. The Board of Directors reserves the right to endorse or remain neutral on issues that play a critical role in the business community of Whitehouse. This task force will work closely with the Whitehouse Village Council as a Whole.
Personnel & Special Issues Task Force
Joe Urenovitch, Chairman
The functions of the Personnel / Special Issue Task force include drafting and/or revising personnel policies for Board approval, reviewing job descriptions, establishing a salary structure, annually reviewing staff salaries, and reviewing the benefits package. The Personnel / Special Issue Task force also acts as a grievance board for employee complaints. Because difficulties can arise if many less serious complaints are brought directly to the Board rather than to the staff person’s supervisor, it is preferable for the Personnel / Special Issue Task force to act only on formal written grievances against the Executive Director or when an employee formally appeals a decision by the Executive Director to the Board.
This Task force is also responsible for investigating an unusual problem or opportunity, such as negative publicity in the newspaper, deep staff resentment against the Executive Director, an unusual grant opportunity or a possible joint project with another organization, and research situations and reporting back to the Board with adequate information.
This Task force is also responsible for investigating an unusual problem or opportunity, such as negative publicity in the newspaper, deep staff resentment against the Executive Director, an unusual grant opportunity or a possible joint project with another organization, and research situations and reporting back to the Board with adequate information.
Member Services Task Force
Darrel Limes, Chairman
The Member Services task force has been successful in negotiating and offering signature benefits for our members and will continue to research and develop additional benefits for our members.
Health & Wellness Task Force
Deb Colbry, Chairman
Darrel Alt, Co-Chairman
Doug Munson
John Penn
Bob Spain
Fit Whitehouse is a 100 Day Wellness Challenge that is a fun, easy, and affordable way to engage the community in healthy behaviors. This program is designed to promote positive changes leading to a healthier lifestyle.