Chamber at Work

The Greater Blytheville Area Chamber of Commerce works energetically to advance the community.  With over 500 members and the ability to unite all factions, the Chamber is a leader in economic growth efforts. While supporting current business growth, the Chamber also works to affect positive change in perceptions and community spirit.  Through its vibrant leadership, structured committees and task forces, delivers against a series of priorities established annually.

Vision
The Chamber of Commerce will be a unified and aggressive force in building the best possible business environment for the area, enhancing the appeal and attractiveness of our market to businesses who would affect our community positively.

Mission
The mission of the Greater Blytheville Area Chamber of Commerce is to improve the business climate and enhance the quality of life within the area.

Priority One
The Chamber of Commerce will publish a plan each January, and review its progress each December. In keeping with best business practices, the Chamber is committed to the long-term planning required to make any vision a reality.

Priority Two
The Chamber of Commerce will be a presence and influence in decisions and actions of other community development organizations. Progressive thinking and cohesive actions are pivotal factors for successful economic growth in the Blytheville area. Since the Chamber of Commerce is well positioned to serve as the hub for all community–driving organizations, Chamber leadership will be actively involved in the leadership of as many other community entities as possible.

Priority Three
The Chamber of Commerce will improve the visual appeal of the community. Resident and business decisions to relocate are significantly affected by community appearance, as is the self-confidence and pride of the current population. The Chamber aggressively will pursue programs that advance community-wide beautification and will give recognition to those businesses and industries that make special effort to enhance and upgrade their properties.

Priority Four
The Chamber of Commerce will seek new businesses to better meet the quality-of-life needs of the community. In addition to working in partnership with the Great River Economic Development Area to expand industry and provide job growth, the Chamber will identify unmet quality-of-life needs, and will seek out and pursue expansion of resident businesses or development of new businesses to provide those services.

Priority Five
The Chamber of Commerce will shape a favorable image of the Greater Blytheville Area as a place to visit and live. The Chamber will bolster positive perceptions of the community and cultivate community pride.  Since promoting the attributes of the Greater Blytheville Area is critical to business and residential growth, Chamber programs will target good business service, tourist opportunities, and the dissemination of optimistic information about the area.

Priority Six
The Chamber of Commerce will foster strong community leadership. Aware that strong leadership is the key to economic success, the Chamber will build community leadership through its programs and through its impact on other community and governmental groups.

Priority Seven
The Chamber of Commerce actively will be a persuasive stimulus in governmental affairs, especially at the local, county and state levels. The Chamber will be an influential voice in local and regional legislative issues directly affecting the business community,  particularly since during this phase of the community’s economic development, good regional decision-making is critical to achievement.

Priority Eight
The Chamber of Commerce will encourage the best in educational possibilities for children. Good educational offerings are essential to a thriving community. The Chamber will work to motivate students to achieve, to build their appreciation of community and to develop their work values.  The Chamber also will maximize its influence to bring about the most advantageous educational opportunities for area students.

Priority Nine
The Chamber of Commerce organization will continue to strengthen its credibility and viability as a chief driver of community growth in the area. The Chamber perpetually will work to expand membership and will focus on intensified involvement of current members. It will also represent the best in business standards, and will design programs and activities that enhance professionalism, increase business opportunity for members, and keep members informed on key issues pertaining to business and community.

Priority Ten
The Chamber of Commerce will strengthen its own leadership. With lofty goals for itself, the Chamber recognizes that good achievement relies solely on its own ability to lead. Programs and activities for the Board of Directors will center on strong leadership skills and enhanced community involvement at every level.