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Lisa Hermes is our guest this week from the McKinney Chamber of Commerce in McKinney, TX. Lisa visited with me about the efforts that the McKinney Chamber is doing to stay current as a 21st Century Chamber. Some of these efforts involved trying to include technology as well as ways to adapt to the needs of businesses in their community that are evolving, whether it is more of a global customer base or a new industry in their area, they are always looking for the best ways to conned and serve these businesses.
Lisa shared an example about how the McKinney Chamber used to have a monthly magazine and an entire publishing side of the Chamber that we a for profit organization. The magazine came about because of a need at one point to connect with the community and to get information out at a time when there were not many options for doing so. A few years ago, the McKinney Chamber noticed that there was not as much of a need for the printed monthly magazine so they shut down the publishing side. They did continue however to run a website that is separate from their Chamber website to connect businesses with the community while the Chamber website is focused more B2B. You can see what both of these websites look like as you consider if this is a move that your Chamber should look at. McKinneyChamber.com and McKinneyOnline.com.
Lisa did say that they still have printed publications, just not a monthly magazine. Their publications now are more niche now with target audiences like a Senior Resource Guide, a B2B Guide, a Membership Directory, and a Map.
We discussed the value in having a 3 year plan for your Chamber and how that allows for you to adapt as needed without being strapped to a longer term plan. A longer vision can be very helpful, but the plan for your Chamber should not be any longer than 3 years!
If you have any questions about this episode or if you would like to connect with Lisa, she can be reached at 972-542-0163 or by email at lhermes@mckinneychamber.com.
If you have a need for a publisher for your next Chamber Directory or Map, please consider Community Matters, Inc. as a partner with their turnkey system, award winning quality, and great reputation.
