PROGRAM COUNCILS

The Montcross Area Chamber of Commerce is structured to follow the Council/Task Force Structure which we believe allows our members the best choices and opportunities to serve depending on the time they wish to devote.

A member can choose to be a part of a specific Council and attend periodic updates or they can choose to work on a year-round committee, or a Task Force with a start and end date, depending on the goal. We make every attempt to select Task Force and Committee members from the pool of volunteers who select the particular Council depending on their interests.

Program Councils are composed of invested members, organizations, and the leadership of our partnering cities and towns. We call on the experience and expertise of these leaders to address the purpose and activities of the respective Program Council to achieve the stated goals. Each Program Council is led by a member of our Board of Directors, selected by our Board Chairman in consultation with the Executive Committee, other board members and professional staff associates. Each Program Council Chair becomes a member of the Executive Committee.

At least annually or upon joining the Chamber, Chamber members are given the opportunity to select at least one Program Council to serve and then determine their level of participation.

Program Councils:

Education/Workforce - To develop initiatives that strengthen and grow partnerships between the business community and our educational community, which serve to advance education and workforce development at all levels.

Small Business/Entrepreneurism - To build relationships which support and promote small business as the growth engine that propels our local economy. Identify, fund, and initiate programs which support and grow small businesses and assist entrepreneurs.

Membership Development - To provide programs and services which help retain and grow a dynamic and diverse chamber membership throughout the Montcross Region, Gaston County, and Metro Charlotte. Sustain and grow the inclusive vibrant culture which separates our Chamber from other business membership organizations.

Legislation/Advocacy - To advocate on behalf of our business members and the communities we serve positions which enhance and protect our pro business climate, at the local, state, and federal levels. In partnership with business associations at the local, state and federal levels, develop policy declarations as part of our annual Legislative Agendas, for adoption by the Chamber’s Board, to share with our respective elected leadership and follow at the appropriate level.

Community/Business Development - Serve as the voice for progressive growth and development to help assure positive economic growth while maintaining and protecting our enviable quality of place.