Executive Director: Lake Wales Area Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development Council

The Executive Director will:

• Provide leadership and vision for the Lake Wales Area Chamber and its Economic Development Council (EDC).
• Oversee the operations of the Chamber and the EDC.
• Work with the EDC to direct economic development activities within the Lake Wales area.
• Sustain the vitality and involvement of the Board, the membership at large and the EDC.
• Act as principal advocate and, when appropriate, a key spokesperson for the Chamber.
• Represent Lake Wales area business interests in local, regional and state issues.
• Provide information, counsel, and advice to the Board and the EDC regarding policy and programs.
• Oversee and actively develop the performance and professional growth of all Chamber and EDC employees.
• Work closely with a wide range of constituencies in both the public and private sector.
• Build support and coalitions consistent with the chamber’s overall mission.
• Drive membership growth, non-dues revenue growth, and fiscal well-being of the Chamber and the EDC.
• Coordinate the program of work, organizational structure and procedures.
• Motivate volunteers.
• Oversee income and expenditures, maintenance and growth of membership, employment, training and supervision of staff; interpret policy, maintain quarters and lead long-range planning efforts.
• Report progress regularly to the Chamber and EDC boards and the City Commission.

Setting Strategy and Long-Range Planning:

• Under the direction of a constantly evolving Board of Directors and annually changing roster of officers, the Executive Director will maintain continuity and consistency in planning and programming.
• Based on proper research of community needs, will anticipate emerging and long range problems and recommend Chamber and community programs to maximize opportunities and minimize risk.
• Working with the members of the EDC, will review and update the Economic Development Strategic Plan (EDSP), defining specific strategies, setting timelines and determining accountability for accomplishing goals, and submit for Board approval and City Commission information.

Membership:

• Recognize that the Lake Wales Area Chamber of Commerce is first and foremost a member-driven organization.
• Strengthen and effectively articulate the “value proposition” the Chamber offers its members.
• Actively and continually drive membership growth as well as develop retention strategies for maintaining existing membership.

Diversity:

• Understand the dynamics of leading a Chamber or similar membership organization.
• Demonstrate ability to provide vision and generate respect, confidence and support from a diverse community.

Optimizing Key Business & Community Leadership:

• Provide strategic leadership that attracts new and retains existing business leader involvement in the work of the Chamber and the EDC.
• Build strong relationships with Lake Wales area business leaders and work with them to develop new business leads and assist in expansion plans.
• Build strong relationships with members of the Lake Wales City Commission, City Manager and City department heads.
• Secure committed EDC Board members from within the Lake Wales area business community, who are willing to invest in its economic development efforts.

 Attracting Strategically Appropriate Businesses:

• As a key player in the economic development initiatives of the community, lead efforts to attract new and diverse businesses to the Lake Wales area.
• Retain existing businesses, which not only will provide long-term economic stability to the community, but enrich the quality of existing businesses.

Board Relationships:

•  Maximize and leverage strong board relationships.
• Provide the strategic leadership necessary to compel the Chamber and the EDC Boards’ full participation.
• Maintain regular contact and work with the President and other volunteer leaders responsible for committee and event activity.

Develops & Enhances Government and Community Partnerships:

• Work with appropriate governmental entities and chambers of commerce to build coalitions in support of the City,
• the Chamber and the EDC’s mission.

Budgetary:

• With the cooperation of the President, the Treasurer, and Vice-Presidents, prepare an annual operating budget, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors, covering all Chamber and EDC activities.