Increase the membership retention rate by improving the member experience, in part through a member satisfaction survey to help us create benchmarks and develop a stronger understanding of what our members want and need.
Explore, assess and maximize membership benefits for regular and mint club members
Provide website banner ad opportunities for members
Explore a Groupon campaign that drives business with both a tourism and local component
Provide an opportunity for feedback through one-on-one contacts and a member outreach program
Attract new members through improved communications and community outreach.
Enhance the monthly Chamber News piece in The Dahlonega Nugget
Host an Open House/Community Block Party in conjunction with the Chamber sponsored Business After Hours
Host a North Georgia College Student Welcome Event
Attract agri-business members through local promotions, talking to legislators, and working with organizations and farmers
Provide educational opportunities for our members through quarterly Chamber 101 orientations, monthly Nuts & Bolts workshops, and business association meetings.
Enhance Nuts & Bolts Workshops by offering classes based on member feedback
Develop leaders in our community through leadership programs, committee involvement, and volunteer opportunities.
Continue to promote and sponsor Leadership Lumpkin County, Women in Lumpkin Leadership, and the Chamber Ambassador program
Establish a Young Professionals Group
Develop a Youth Leadership Program
Attracting Visitors to Our Community…
Embrace a regional approach and promote Dahlonega and Lumpkin County as the “hub” for tourist visits to the “Heart of the North Georgia Mountains”.
Develop and market packages and itineraries to promote different market segments and ease visitor planning
Market to metro Atlanta as the primary target market; Florida and Tennessee as secondary markets.
Participate in Hospitality Highway program to drive traffic up the 400 corridor
Promote Dahlonega and Lumpkin County in metro Atlanta-based and -targeted publications
Conduct a radio campaign in metro Atlanta
Recruit niche group travel
Manage the balance between paper-based media and emerging technologies to maximize Dahlonega and Lumpkin County’s exposure.
Create Arts and History guides
Create comprehensive marketing program using expert public relations firm
Continue to enhance and optimize website
Promote and perfect .mobi website
Hire freelance writers to promote Dahlonega on theme websites and publications
Strengthen Dahlonega and Lumpkin County’s attractions, events, and tourism assets.
Continue to participate with partnering agencies on plan to restore Captain McDonald House and Chestatee River Diving Bell
Provide opportunity to create Wine Tour Package
Create an MP3 audio tour of the historic downtown Square
Work with governmental and partnering agencies to potentially create Gateway entry signage
Promote events, such as the Arts Tour
Pursue promotions of historical relevance
Produce an awareness event for Appalachian Trail Community Designation
Purchase bike racks for the Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center
Growing the Economy...
Continue to build strong partnerships with state, regional, and local partners to improve the local economic climate.
Continue work on the Georgia WorkReady program
Facilitate getting retail consultants to communicate to retailers on how to succeed in difficult times
Work with partnering agencies to educate members on the impact of the North Georgia Network on their businesses for technology-focused planning
Develop campaigns to encourage residents to buy locally and support Dahlonega and Lumpkin County businesses.
Work with the Dahlonega Downtown Development Authority and the Dahlonega Merchants Association on producing an ongoing “Discover Your Dahlonega” Buy Local campaign
Partner with community agents on a Buy Local campaign with prize incentives
Explore creation of a community discount card / “Passport to Dahlonega”
Explore interest in producing a Business Expo
Serve as the cultural, economic, and community change organization by having the capability and capacity to improve upon the lives of those in Dahlonega and Lumpkin County.
Research future visioning process
Serving as a Voice for Business…
Consistently monitor and advocate at all levels of government on issues that affect the cost and ease of doing business and the quality of life in Dahlonega and Lumpkin County.
Enhance communication on environmental and recycling community issues
Maintain memberships with the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Communicate and advocate with our regional state representatives through visits to the capital, letters, and emails
Revitalize the Chamber Legislative Committee
Host sessions for members and citizens to communicate with county, city, state, and other elected officials.
Produce a Town Hall Meeting / Candidate Forum
Host an Eggs & Issues Breakfast
Solicit members on a regular basis to get feedback on their views relating to critical local and state issues.
Continue to email members for feedback
Running the Chamber Effectively…
Ensure strong fiscal and operational management of the Chamber.
Apply to become a US accredited chamber in order to begin application in 2011
Continue to enhance the Six Gap Century Bike Ride
Produce a golf tournament fundraiser
Enhance the retail store in the Visitors Center and expand the branded line of merchandise to sell
Create an online store on www.dahlonega.org to sell branded line of merchandise
Ensure adequate staffing of the Chamber and CVB
Improve facilities for staff, members, and visitors through building repairs, renovation, and technology upgrades to protect the City of Dahlonega and Lumpkin County’s investment.
Renovate the Visitors Center, public restrooms, and Chamber offices
Review technology and workspace requirements and complete upgrades as necessary
Ensure professional, well-trained, and responsive staff.
Encourage professional development of staff through training and industry conferences
About the Chamber 
