A monthly online digital publication, The Business Review targets business leaders from the Rogue Valley and beyond. This means that your published articles and advertising message are being seen, read and remembered by those who are seeking your products or services in and around Jackson County and within more than 55 Oregon communities.
2022-2O23 ANNUAL REPORT
THE CHAMBER OF MEDFORD & JACKSON COUNTY
DEAR PARTNERS,
Since our founding, The Chamber of Medford & Jackson County has connected the business community to grow our economy, and aim for our core mission of Helping Business Succeed . The 2022-23 fiscal year was about growth, expansion and tightening threads with our members and partners. Business industries from around the county have strengthened after recent hardships, and the tourism industry followed suit with another record-setting year in overall revenue for Travel Medford. While the country has changed since The Chamber was established over a century ago, our foundational belief has not. This report highlights our organization’s achievements from the past fiscal year. At the forefront of our accomplishments is our membership benefits, which include our many programs and events. We altered our marketing strategy with fresh designs, and bolstered our overall offerings with new, diverse events to engage the business community. Our advertising effectiveness has since performed above industry standards, setting the tone for the future. Our team strengthened our position in the community by managing over 100 events this year, providing members and non-members the opportunity to network and deepen their connections to each other. We were also able to manage several campaigns to positively impact the small business community, reinforcing the importance to shop small and encouraging support for local business. The Chamber additionally represented business issues via lobbying. This included facilitating several action teams, conducting monthly conferences with the Southern Oregon legislative delegation during the legislative session, and taking active positions on legislation and policies under consideration. The progress from a record year gives our Chamber and Travel Medford teams the ability to improve the way we promote the community, strengthen our local economy, and help business succeed however we can. Thank you for your partnership and support in this endeavor as we build on this momentum for a prosperous 2023-24.
Sincerely,
Eli Matthews President & CEO The Chamber of Medford & Jackson County
THE CHAMBER OF MEDFORD & JACKSON COUNTY
2022-2O23 ANNUAL REPORT 1
INTRODUCTION: CHAMBER STAFF & BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CHAMBER EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Gary Walters - Vice Chair, Promoting the Community Helix Incorporated
Jeff Kapple - Chair of the Board Civic Member
Tim Jackle - Chair Elect Foster Denman
David Dorner - Vice Chair, Creating a Strong Local Economy Dorner Enterprises Incorporated
Travis Snyder - Immediate Past Chair Precision Electric
Eli Matthews President & CEO
Nick Card - Vice Chair, Providing Networking Opportunities Combined Transport
Stephen Gambee - Secretary Sellwood Ventures, LLC
Jason Stranberg - Vice Chair, Representing Business Issues Adroit Construction
David Wright - Treasurer CPM Real Estate Services
Chad Day RoxyAnn Winery CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chris Peyton Chick-fil-A Matt Stephenson Rogue Credit Union
Niki Campbell Homebridge Financial Services
Leslie Lundin LBG Realty Advisors
Heather Stafford Rogue Workforce Partnership
Travis Snyder Precision Electric
Curt Burrill Burrill Real Estate
Chris Pizzi Providence Medford Medical Center
Scott Kelly Asante
Ned Ford Harry & David
Scott Sherborne Payne West Insurance
Patsy Smullin KOBI-5
Joe Rossi BBSI
Jessica Gomez Rogue Valley Microdevices
Sarah Lynch Pacific Retirement Services
Michael Savage CSA Planning, Ltd.
CHAMBER STAFF
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2022-2O23 ANNUAL REPORT
THE CHAMBER OF MEDFORD & JACKSON COUNTY
ABOUT
MISSION
At The Chamber of Medford & Jackson County, living locally is more than just a lifestyle choice — it’s a mantra. The Chamber’s mission is, "Helping Business Succeed," and its purpose is to both inspire and develop growth in the economy of Medford and Jackson County. The Chamber seeks to be the catalyst for business growth, a convener of community and business leaders, and champion of the region it calls home. STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES PROMOTE. Encourage visitors to stay in Medford by promoting Medford as the Heart of the Rogue™ via our Destination Marketing Organization, Travel Medford. CREATE. Create opportunities for businesses to speak with one voice whether it be at a local, state or federal level. Work with partners to foster a positive and responsible climate for economic development. CONNECT. Provide networking opportunities to members for their improved visibility, involvement and representation in the community. The Chamber hosts a variety of diverse, signature events, including Forum, Greeters, Young Professionals Network, the Excellence in Business Awards, ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings, open houses and more.
REPRESENT. Represent business issues through lobbying. This includes our 25-member Legislative Action Team (LAT), Chamber Day at the Capital and more. We have a full-time lobbyist tracking 4,000 - 6,000 bills that take place over the course of a legislative session. Additionally, The Chamber conducts a monthly video conference with the Southern Oregon legislative delegation, at Legislative Hotline, where your business can leverage the relationships built with our delegation to help ensure policies that support our business community. 2022-23 CHAMBER GOALS Better communication on Chamber-endorsed candidates and issues. Creation of a pro-business slate. Emphasizing The Chamber as a collaborator for the community. The homeless issue. Housing, workforce and business engagement.
THE CHAMBER OF MEDFORD & JACKSON COUNTY
2022-2O23 ANNUAL REPORT 3
PROMOTING THE COMMUNITY: TRAVEL MEDFORD & REGIONAL COLLABORATION
TRAVEL MEDFORD TOURISM IMPACT
Travel Medford is the largest Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) in Southern Oregon and promotes Medford and the Rogue Valley as a premier west coast destination. The organization's mission is to increase lodging occupancy, enhance the visitor experience, and educate locals and tourists alike on regional amenities thereby strengthening the local economy.
KEY TEAM ACHIEVEMENTS
Hired 5W PR, a New York City based public relations firm to greater amplify messaging.
Grew Know Your Role™ reach to 6 total licensees, reaching 2.2 million members.
Directed the inaugural Heart of the Rogue™ Festival & brought 20 community organizations together, winning Best Small Festival of the Year by the Oregon Festival & Events Association.
Expanded visitor engagement programs by creating the Rogue Valley Wine Passport & hosting 20+ Taste of the Rogue wine tastings at the Medford Airport.
Solidified Medford as a sports & recreation hub on the West Coast by launching new Your Sportground™ commercials and bringing in a national tournament for the American Cornhole Organization.
Grew email marketing base by 25% by conducting lead generation campaigns for a Holiday Giveaway and Wine Weekend Getaway.
REGIONAL INVOLVEMENT
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THE CHAMBER OF MEDFORD & JACKSON COUNTY
CREATING A STRONG ECONOMY: ACTION TEAMS & COMMITTEES
ACTION TEAMS & COMMITTEES
The Chamber Creates a Strong Economy through a variety of action teams, committees and volunteer opportunities. Our members populate a wide range of these teams, furthering our mission of Helping Business Succeed. Professional development is a key goal of the organization. Our staff is actively engaged in further developing their knowledge and industry specific skills.
ACTION TEAMS 6
COMMITTEES 4 3
TOURISIM COUNCIL
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
AIRPORT VISITOR CENTER
STAFF ATTENDED EVENTS
CONFERENCES 15
TRADESHOWS 12
SUPPORTED / PRESENT 252 *OUTSIDE OF THE ORGANIZATION
ROGUE VALLEY FOUNDATION This Foundation is the 501 (c) (3) non-profit arm of The Chamber. The foundation is structured as a pass-through for organizations, to receive donations while waiting to develop their own 501c3 designations.
THE CHAMBER OF MEDFORD & JACKSON COUNTY
2022-2O23 ANNUAL REPORT 5
PROVIDING NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES: PROGRAMS & EVENTS
PROGRAMS & EVENTS One of The Chamber's main strategic objectives is to connect the business community. We accomplish this by hosting a variety of networking programs, and allowing our members to promote their events through our calendar of events. From informational luncheons to empowering young professionals around the region - The Chamber has consistently grown its programs to best suit and benefit our membership base. A LOOK AT THE NUMBERS
TOP BUSINESS INDUSTRIES
*Data sourced from MC Trade, a part of our membership experience.
TOURISM
MANUFACTURING
HEALTHCARE
AGRICULTURE
Of our 1200+ membership base, over 800 businesses have under 10 employees. From self-start- ups to some of the largest businesses in southern Oregon, The Chamber's mission remains the same: Helping Business Succeed. SERVING SMALL BUSINESSES
70% MEMBERS WITH 1-9 EMPLOYEES
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THE CHAMBER OF MEDFORD & JACKSON COUNTY
PROVIDING NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES: CAMPAIGN SNAPSHOT
The Chamber deploys multiple campaigns per year with various goals in mind. The campaigns below are examples of leveraging our media and reaching out to impact the community. The Full Circle Benefits, or "Pi Day" Campaign was a membership campaign with the goal of increasing membership. The Small Business Season Campaign was a designed to call attention to the importance of small business and the impact it has on the quality of life in Southern Oregon. CAMPAIGNS SNAPSHOT
FULL CIRCLE BENEFITS CAMPAIGN ("PI DAY")
TOTAL MEMBERSHIP GAIN: 37 Campaign run time: March 14 - April 6, 2023
SMALL BUSINESS SEASON CAMPAIGN
We couldn't be more appreciative of The Chamber of Medford's ongoing support and promotion. Thank you! Skyler Tannehill
Owner, Solid Ground Coffee & Tea
THE CHAMBER OF MEDFORD & JACKSON COUNTY
2022-2O23 ANNUAL REPORT 7
PROVIDING NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES: WEBSITE ANALYTICS
WEBSITE ANALYTICS The Chamber website is the official landing site for Medford and Jackson County businesses. It is one of The Chamber's most valuable tools to speak to not only our membership base, but also interested prospects around the region. From showcasing our exclusive benefits to highlighting signature events and programs - The Chamber's website is a one-stop- shop for information. KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs)
EXECUTIVE REFERRAL SUMMARY
TOTAL WEB TRAFFIC REFERRALS FROM THE BUSINESS DIRECTORY 22,047
DAILY AVERAGE REFERRALS 61
TOTAL SESSIONS ON THE WEBSITE 10,836
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2021-2O22 ANNUAL REPORT THE CHAMBER OF MEDFORD & JACKSON COUNTY
PROVIDING NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES: SOCIAL ANALYTICS
ORGANIC
+309% ‘22-’23: 5,217 ‘21-’22: 1,274
+50%
+205% ‘22-’23: 175,333 ‘21-’22: 57,343
+180% ‘22-’23: 6,820 ‘21-’22: 2,436
‘22-’23: 151,593 ‘21-’22: 101,062
*INDUSTRY AVG 2.9K
*INDUSTRY AVG 2.2K
+10,610% ‘22-’23: 38,771 ‘21-’22: 362
AUDIENCE DEMOGRAPHICS
AGE
0-24
MEDFORD CONNECTED
37%
25-34
The majority of users reside or work in Medford
Female 66.1%
Male 33.9%
35-44
85% The majority of our members own a small business SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS
45-54
55-64
GENERATION
51%
Baby Boomers & Millennials make up half our Facebook users
65+
THE CHAMBER OF MEDFORD & JACKSON COUNTY
2022-2O23 ANNUAL REPORT 9
PROVIDING NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES: SOCIAL ANALYTICS
FOLLOWERS +237%
‘22-’23: 967 ‘21-’22: 287
IMPRESSIONS +208%
‘22-’23: 111,835 ‘21-’22: 36,281
AVERAGE AGE RANGE 25-44
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THE CHAMBER OF MEDFORD & JACKSON COUNTY
REPRESENTING BUSINESS ISSUES: PUBLICATIONS
TOTAL EMAIL LIST 5,760
TOTAL DELIVERIES 276,480 CLICK THRU RATE 4.43% *INDUSTRY AVG 1.24%
OPEN RATE 28%
THE CHAMBER OF MEDFORD & JACKSON COUNTY
2022-2O23 ANNUAL REPORT 11
IN CONCLUSION: PRESS & EARNED MEDIA
PRESS & MEDIA COVERAGE From promoting the community via Travel Medford to connecting businesses throughout the region, The Chamber has garnered organic, earned media throughout this past fiscal year. Here is a look at some of the top stories and mentions.
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2022-2O23 ANNUAL REPORT
THE CHAMBER OF MEDFORD & JACKSON COUNTY
IN CONCLUSION: AWARDS EARNED
AWARDS EARNED
FIRST PLACE VIDEO - W.A.C.E. The Chamber was honored to attend the Western Association of Chamber Executives (or, W.A.C.E.) Annual Conference. During this conference, The Chamber received first place in the Video Category for their storytelling of the community and showcasing the value in membership. COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD - ELI MATTHEWS FROM B.A.S.O. Eli Matthews was presented a Community Service Award for his exceptional service from the Builders Association of Southern Oregon. SALVATION ARMY BOARD - KIRA ZAVALA Kira Zavala was honored with being a part of the Salvation Army's Advisory Board. FESTIVAL OF THE YEAR - OVATION! AWARDS The Heart of the Rogue Festival™ was named the Best Small Festival of the Year by the Oregon Events + Festivals Association in its inaugural year. PLATINUM, GOLD, HONORABLE MENTIONS - HERMES AWARDS Our Travel Medford team was presented six Hermes Creative Awards. Platinum for the Annual Report and Visitor Guide, Gold for the Know Your Role Game Plan and Video, and Honorable Mentions for their website and regional map. One of The Chamber's main strategic objectives is promoting the community, and we are proud our tourism team was able to achieve these awards.
THE CHAMBER OF MEDFORD & JACKSON COUNTY
2022-2O23 ANNUAL REPORT 13
IN CONCLUSION: PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE
IN CONCLUSION
LOOKING AHEAD
In the past four years, our business industries went from experiencing their lowest point during the pandemic to recovering and flourishing. As the outgoing Chair of the The Chamber Board, I am so proud of the strong position The Chamber of Medford is in, not only elevating partners within the community but being a leading organization for business promotion in Jackson County. It has been an honor to serve as the Chair, and I am excited about where the organization, as well as the advisory council, is headed as I pass off my responsibility to Tim Jackle.
I'm honored to be able to serve as Chair of the Board for the next year. This is an exciting time to serve in that role. Momentum is strong, and we have assembled a strong team to lead the charge for promoting business expansion and success in the Rogue Valley. The collaboration among The Chamber of Medford & Jackson County and other community organizations is increasing, and together we can continue to create a strong business community that our members can be proud of, and non-members want to join.
Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Jeff Kapple Civic Member 2022-23 Board Chair
Tim Jackle Partner at Foster Denman LLP 2023-24 Board Chair
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2022-2O23 ANNUAL REPORT
THE CHAMBER OF MEDFORD & JACKSON COUNTY
IN CONCLUSION: PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE
NEXT STEPS
A new year brings new opportunities for The Chamber of Medford & Jackson County. We plan to strengthen our ties with the local community by elevating our partners from the pillars of our strategic objectives. Finding new, diverse avenues to reach and promote our members will continue to be our main focus of Helping Business Succeed. The Executive Board recently voted on their top priorities for The Chamber to focus on in the coming year, and we are grateful for their support and insight towards our signature programs and offerings. Honing in on these goals, we created a one-year strategic plan, and assigned separate team members to lead each charge from the board. We plan to expand our programs, and refresh our existing ones to ensure they continue to bring excellent value to our sponsors, members and the overall business community. We have also begun to track and report more efficiently, providing future insights to what our data is telling us about our target audience. Our Travel Medford team is growing as well. Our third Visitor Information Center (VIC) is estimated to be open in January of 2024 at the Rogue Credit Union Community Complex ("Rogue X", for short). Travel Medford also expanded their staff, hiring Brad King as the new Sports Development Director and Celeste Moreno as the new Graphic Designer. A full staff and new strategic plan will ensure The Chamber’s focus on remaining intentional. We are investing in research and resources for data-driven decisions and determining the best return on investment to stretch our budget and maximize membership benefits for our business members across Jackson County. The Chamber of Medford & Jackson County invites you to join us in this endeavor as we work to lift the entire region through connecting the community, representing business issues, creating opportunities for expansion and promoting businesses with our platforms in the new fiscal year.
THE CHAMBER OF MEDFORD & JACKSON COUNTY
2022-2O23 ANNUAL REPORT 15
HELPING
BUSINESS
SUCCEED
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2022-2O23 ANNUAL REPORT
THE CHAMBER OF MEDFORD & JACKSON COUNTY
CATALYST
CONVENER
CHAMPION
THE CHAMBER OF MEDFORD & JACKSON COUNTY
2022-2O23 ANNUAL REPORT 17
The Chamber of Medford & Jackson County 101 East 8th Street Medford, Oregon 97501 www.medfordchamber.com | @medford_chamber
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