Chamber Asks Your Opinion!

In order to continuously gain feedback from our membership, the Wilsonville Chamber of Commerce has begun a monthly survey program. We have had an amazing response from our first two surveys and look forward to increasing the response rate monthly. Each survey has 3-6 questions and only takes a couple minutes of your time to fill out. Each month, in the Chamber Catalyst, we will provide a short summary of the results of the previous month’s survey along with how the Chamber will be using the results to increase our benefits package, improve our events, and learn how to better serve you! So the next time you see an email asking you to complete one of our quick surveys - please do so!

NOVEMBER’S SURVEY RESULTS
1. How many Wilsonville Chamber events have you attended in 2009?
37% - 1-3 events
24% - 7-10 events
21% - 4-6 events
17% - 11 or more events

2. What events have been the most beneficial for members to attend (ranked from most beneficial to least)?
AM Eye-Openers
Holiday Party & Auction
Fall Food Fest
Small Business Showcase
Chamber 101
Wilsonville Open Golf Tournament

3. What percentage of survey respondents are interested in attending the following events:
67% - Business After Hours
64% - Small Business University
60% - Annual Awards Gala
53% - Speed Networking

4. What is your preferred method of receiving information about Chamber events?
93% - Weekly Email Update
34% - The Catalyst monthly newsletter
14% - Announcements at other Chamber events
11% - www.WilsonvilleChamber.com
2% - other methods

CHAMBER’S RESPONSE
In response to the November survey, as well as comments received from members throughout the past year, the Chamber will be adding a number of new elements in 2010. First, “The Last Call” Business After Hours will become a monthly event (on the 4th Tuesday of each month), providing valuable networking in a fun and relaxing after work atmosphere. Please join us at Parker Johnstone’s Wilsonville Honda on Tuesday, January 26th for the first Business After Hours of the Year.

The Chamber will also be adding a free brown bag luncheon series, titled Small Business University, and brought to you by Sterling Savings Bank. This educational opportunity will showcase local Chamber members, who are experts in their fields, and allow members to learn from each other. Small Business University classes will be from Noon – 1:00 pm on the 3rd Wednesday of each month in the Chamber’s Conference Room, with the first being January 20th and featuring Bill Lovato of OMAC Advertising.

Since the Chamber Weekly Email Update is the #1 method that members are using learn about our upcoming events, we have updated the design and content of this weekly correspondence. The new format will be easier to read and more interactive with our online event calendar and sponsors websites. To submit items for the weekly email, please contact Brandi Hereford, Membership & Events Director at Brandi@WilsonvilleChamber.com or 503-682-0411.

December Survey Results

1. How well do you read the Catalyst Chamber Newsletter?
36% - I read it pretty thoroughly every month
34% - Read as much of it as I can
30% - I only scan the headlines

2. How many people in your business/organization is the Catalyst read by?
64% - only the person it is sent to
30% - 2-3 people
5% - 7+ people
2% - 4-6 people

3. What sections do you feel are most important to include in the monthly newsletter (ranked from most important to least).
Chamber Calendar of Events
Information about Chamber Sponsored Activities
Community Calendar of Events
Member News
New Member Spotlights
Chamber Contact Information
Committee Updates
Government Affairs
President/CEO Column
Business Education Articles

Chamber’s Response
The Chamber will encourage member businesses and organizations to forward the newsletter and weekly email updates on to fellow employees so that more readerships happen. We will also focus on updating our monthly newsletter with new sections and articles, as well as with a more appealing appearance. Watch for the new format in early spring!