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OUR PURPOSE
Why
are we in business?
The Chamber exists to promote
business success by fostering a supportive business environment in the
community.
A supportive business
environment is one where the following conditions are present:
A diversity of economic
opportunity exists in the community.
The interdependence of all
sectors of the local economy is recognized.
Community support for and
loyalty to local businesses is evident.
Business networks exist and
are supported by local businesses.
The physical appearance of
business facilities and surroundings reflects pride and caring.
The attitude of local business
people toward the local community is generally upbeat and positive.
The business community is an
effective participant in community decision making.
The business community
promotes involvement in community activities.
The business community’s
input in the public decision making process is sought and valued.
OUR SHARED VALUES/PRINCIPLES
How
we go about our business.
Involvement and
Participation
We believe the best decisions
are made when people who are affected by an outcome have the opportunity to
participate in a clearly defined and open decision making process. As a
voluntary membership organization, we recognize the importance of involving
our members in shaping and carrying out the Chamber’s agenda.
We also expect that adequate
opportunities will be provided for the business community to participate in
discussions during the earliest possible stages of community decision making
and government actions which impact the business environment of Princeton and
Mercer
County
.
Key Questions:
Is this an issue that directly
affects the business environment of Princeton and
Mercer
County?
What level of involvement does
it require from our membership?
How do we most effectively
participate in the decision making process?
Service
The Chamber is driven by a
need to satisfy the common interests of our key stakeholders - the members of
our association - as those interests relate to fostering a supportive business
environment.
Key Questions:
Are our actions serving the
common interests of a broad cross section of our membership?
Can we justify to our members
that time spent on this issue is contributing to a more supportive business
environment?
Leadership
Consistent with our purpose
and values, the Chamber proactively pursues a Board-approved agenda to foster
a supportive business environment. We exercise the leadership necessary to
build community support for that agenda.
Key Questions:
On this issue, should we be
leading or following?
On what issues should we be
leading/following?
Are we spending our time
leading on our issues, or following the agenda of others?
Livability
Princeton/Mercer County
currently enjoys a quality of life that is an essential weave in the fabric of
a supportive business environment. We seek to maintain and enhance the
livability of our community and its assets - the people, physical facilities,
natural resources and institutions.
Key Questions:
Is what we are considering not
only good for business but good for the community as well?
CURRENT PROJECTS OF THE
PRINCETON/MERCER
COUNTY
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Social/Recreational
Activities
Annual Chamber sporting events
such as the Golf Tournament, coupled with the always-popular Shrimp Feast,
Princeton Autumnfest, Women's Expo, Christmas Parade and Annual Dinner offer members a full range of
recreational and social activities.
Legislative/Governmental
Affairs
The Chamber provides
leadership through direct action and education. When necessary, the Chamber
organizes lobbying efforts on critical issues. We go to
Charleston
several times throughout the legislative session. We also cosponsor, with the
Bluefield Chamber, Mercer County Day in
Charleston
. Special meetings with our legislators and key department heads in government
take place during that time. Important legislative issues are provided to our
membership electronically and by regular mail.
Cultural/Education
Activities
Through annual events such as
Business Before Hours & Business After Hours,
Get A Life and our Annual Dinner, the Chamber works hand in hand with the
community to provide opportunities for education and entertainment to
students, members, local residents and visitors.
Economic and Business
Development
The Chamber in conjunction with MCTEC sponsors a Business Before Hours that provides economic and business
development. These seminars are offered at no charge to members. We are very
active in the Mercer County Development Authority and the Mercer County
Convention & Visitors Bureau. Both of these organizations deal with
economic development and tourism. The Chamber is also very supportive of the
City of
Princeton
and all of the communities that make up
Mercer
County
.
On a daily basis, travelers on
I-77 and US 460 are encouraged to visit Princeton and
Mercer
County
when stopping by the
Visitor
Information
Center
at Exit 9, a facility opened due in large part to the efforts of the Chamber.
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