Chamber Plan of Work

Community leaders first determined five economic priorities for this community at a planning retreat held in June 2004. At subsequent planning retreats, in 2006 and 2008, community leaders reaffirmed those five economic priorities. This Program of Work is in keeping with their desires.

Subsequent to that first retreat, the community completed a comprehensive economic development plan called Operation Economic Transformation. The plan was predicated on several national and global trends that have continued to strengthen their impact on economic development in ensuing months. These trends must be given constant consideration as this community works toward achieving its economic development priorities.

• First, the country is on the verge of significant labor shortages. These shortages will be created as the baby boom generation transitions into retirement.
• Second, the economy of this country has been influenced by information technology, trade agreements and the global market. Our economy has shifted from one based on manufacturing to one based on innovation and creation. The number of manufacturing jobs is declining. The number of service jobs is increasing.

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