2009 Annual Report – Communications

Communications | Public Policy | Organization Advancement | Smart Community | Economic Development

Chamber communiqués were designed to promote the positive aspects of the organization by increasing business and community awareness of Chamber initiative, events and services.

World Wide Chamber
With LakelandChamber.com, Blog.LakelandChamber.com and the Forum 2.0 e-Newsletter, the Chamber continued a strong Web presence in 2009. Not just a funnel for information, the Web site and blog are vehicle for member engagement, encouraging business owners and community members to comment and share with each post or entry. Additionally, the Chamber launched a Facebook fan page in 2009, continuing on the Web 2.0/Social Media trends it began in 2008 with LinkedIn.com and Twitter.com.

Buy Local, Support Lakeland

The Chamber’s “Buy Lakeland” campaign continued strong in 2009. Using varied vehicles for communicating the “Buy Lakeland. It makes good cents.” message, the Chamber connected members and community stakeholders to the truth that dollars spent locally directly impact the strength of local economy.

  • Window Clings
  • Automobile Clings
  • Multimedia Messaging

Staying Connected in Print
January 2009 saw a new, full-color re-design of the Forum for Business Monthly, the Chamber’s newsletter. With 58,000 newsletters printed and distributed during the year, this publication continues to be one of the most effective communiqués in the Chamber’s cache. Content includes member news, pro-business information and event updates, making it an essential tool for connecting members.

In 2009, the Chamber also produced the 2009 Business Plan, 2008 Annual Report and the 2009 Buyer’s Guide. Each of these annual publications provides a snapshot of Lakeland and the Chamber’s program of work. The 2009 Buyer’s Guide outlines pertinent quality of life information for residents and visitors alike. Included in the piece is a comprehensive membership directory, encouraging those who use it to seek out goods and services from Chamber member businesses.

The Link to New Business
With the help of Mayor Buddy Fletcher and the City Commissioners, the Chamber facilitated 65 ribbon cuttings, grand openings, expansions or remodels in 2009.