The Billings Chamber/CVB is an organization that directs its strengths toward the positive health and promotion of the Billings’ community. These 2009-2010 strategic priority issues will become the focus of thousands of employee hours during the Billings Chamber/CVB's Fiscal Year. The organization has pride in its membership and the community.  The Billings Chamber/CVB Board and staff believe working hard to provide opportunities to live, work and play is crucial to the future of Billings:  Montana's Trailhead.


Billings Chamber/CVB 2009-2010 Priority Issues:
Taking Care Of What We Cherish: A Year of Gratitude 



Trails
Develop our trail system for the economic and healthy community benefits that result from active transportation (to work and school and for leisure). Communicate the quality of life and economic benefits to the business community and general public. Bring trail support groups and stakeholders together to find solutions to connect our trails and keep them clean and safe. Seek federal support through transportation and appropriations bills.

East End TIF District
Support revitalization to the area east of downtown to MetraPark through reviewing and taking action on: the master plan; annexation of county land to the City; and federal appropriations. Encourage walking and biking paths. Provide information to our membership.

Bring it to Billings
Increase non-resident meetings, conventions and events in Billings through working with local representatives from those groups. Those local representatives will open the door for the Chamber/CVB to “Bring it to Billings.” Recognizing travel as a vital segment of the Billings economy we will develop a comprehensive local awareness campaign to generate leads and create an understanding of the value of travel to Billings. Individuals who assist in recruiting groups will become recognized. The key measurable objective will be booked business.

K-12 Education
Connect business to education to assist the school district in areas that improve the quality of education and educational facilities. We will work with the school district and the community to: develop a facilities plan; participate in the Budgeting for Results Committee; and review bond and mill levy requests to determine the Chamber/CVB’s support. Communicate with community on funding complexities. Support Partners in Education and Junior Achievement. Assist in recruitment of board members with business experience.

Air Service
Quality air service in Billings affects all sectors of the business community. Billings is one of the best served small markets in the country. Our goal is to maintain direct air service to the nine destinations we currently enjoy. We will work with airport officials and community leaders to increase direct flights where needed and as opportunities arise. Assist with marketing to promote new destination service. Support the airport’s needs assessment research.

Unparalleled Service
The Chamber/CVB staff will continue our quality membership care and find ways to improve upon the reasons that encouraged you to join in the first place. A thorough review of all offerings will allow us to phase out certain programs while adding value to others. You are the reason we exist and we are here to help you succeed regardless of the economic environment. You have told us you value networking, Leadership Billings, engagement in meaningful volunteer work and marketing opportunities.

Community Prioritization
Develop a list of community priority projects that all key strategic partners can agree on by taking the research from past projects and engaging residents. The priority projects will further “Montana’s Trailhead” brand. The projects will be diligently moved forward through completion. Common appropriations requests; state legislative funding requests, and a visit to a like-city will be part of the strategy for development.