Our 10th interview in our 2020 ACCE Chamber of the Year Finalist Series is with Michael Jacobson from the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce in Texas. In the interview the main areas that we covered were the highlights of their synopsis that were submitted with their Chamber of the Year application, what makes the Greater Arlington Chamber stand out, their plans on how to lead through the recovery from COVID-19, and words of advice for other Chamber Champions to improve their own Chamber.
Michael covered two highlights from their Chamber of the Year synopsis. The first is their Partners in Education program that is a 3-tiered approach with business partnerships to reach out to the 62,000 students in their school district (74% of which are at risk). The 3 tiers include businesses 1) going to a school to interact with the students, 2) career exploration & mentoring students, and 3) internships/practicums. The second program that Michael covered has an entrepreneurial focus called “What’s Your Big Idea?”. This program encourages students to submit entries for their big idea. When this program was implemented in 2010, there were 272 entries. In 2020, there were 5,000 entries. The winners of this program are selected to attend a summer camp.
When Michael talked about what makes the Greater Arlington Chamber stand out, he said that their members are their primary focus. Revenue comes second to their members. They follow their Chamber’s mission without distractions.
The Greater Arlington Chamber plans to lead through the recovery from the economic impact of COVID-19 by becoming more virtual. They will be a role model of how to reopen. They have created a business recovery task force and they will continue to share information as it becomes available.
As Michael shared his piece of advice for the Chamber Champions listening, he suggested that Chambers should focus on impact and to not let revenue drive where you go.
If you would like to connect with Michael, he can be reached below:
Email: mjacobson@arlingtontx.com
Phone: 817-543-4280
FREE resources to help you better serve your Chamber members and your community.
As you focus on your Chamber’s mission and purpose, you will find that your publications say a lot about your organization. Community Matters, Inc. is an award-winning Chamber publisher that would like to help your Chamber with your next Chamber Directory, Guide, or Map. Community Matters has a turn-key program that is very simple. In the end, your Chamber has a great looking printed & digital publication that will represent your Chamber very well while providing a smooth source of non-dues revenue. Click here to learn more.
