By Mark Blackney
President/CEO
The Clovis Chamber has enjoyed a reputation as supporting its members, community and schools as well as not shying away from controversial stands on issues. We have never been afraid to break the mold and try new approaches.
And we’re continuing to do just that.
I am excited to tell you about all the new uses of technology and communication that we’ll be rolling out over the next two months that complement the major changes we started three years ago.
In 2012, we realized that we needed to freshen our mission and our message. We started focusing attention on younger business owners and build our presence on social media platforms.
We also knew it was time for a more modern logo. For years, the Chamber had been identified by its galloping horse logo in recognition of Clovis’ heritage. But it was becoming more of a reflection of the past, not the future, and not a good image for our emphasis on the upcoming business generation.
Working with Michael Shively of Alphagraphics, we created the new, vibrant logo that signifies progress and success from its colors, shades of green, to its shape, leaning forward.
It quickly branded us as a modern, dynamic organization. It was time to eliminate our tired website with one that would complement our new logo. In stepped Rod Silver of ARTCO who designed our new and improved site that includes videos from Ad-Venture Video Productions. In a collaborative effort with the Chamber, Rod updates content and finds creative ways to enhance the customer experience. Our site is considered a high page ranking site and has quickly become the “go to” place for all things Clovis.
Every year, we produce a membership directory that highlights Chamber activities and the local area. Thousands of copies are distributed throughout the Valley and mailed in relocation packets. This year, we have dramatically upgraded the quality and content to create the 2015 Clovis Lifestyle & Resource Guide. Working with Mark Waligorski of Town Square Publications, a division of the Daily Herald Media Group, professional writing and photography fills the pages to showcase the values and character of our high quality city. The magazine will be available in December.
Our social media efforts were adequate enough to land us as the 43rd out of 100 chambers for its effectiveness but we knew we could do more. With our new Membership Director, Diana Hunnicutt, concentrating on retention and new members, we needed a social media “guru” to take us to the next level. When Chris and Shel Moore of Moore than SEO came into our office, we knew we had found the team to reach our goals.
One look at our Facebook and Twitter activity and you’ll see why our traffic has significantly increased. Daily postings with vibrant graphics of our events, new members and information are bringing visitors to our sites in droves. During ClovisFest, the Moores invited the vendors to participate in our wide range of social media networks from Facebook to Twitter and Pinterest to Instagram. Dozens joined in by sharing their experiences, photos and comments.
When the new ratings come out on social media effectiveness, we expect the Clovis Chamber to be high on the list.
Our next step is to expand our communications through a mobile app. Once again, Chris and Shel Moore have come through designing the new Clovis Chamber APP that is supported on all Mobile and tablet devices. Users will enjoy live feeds and links from all Clovis Chamber Facebook pages, have website access, receive Push notifications of all chamber events, and have access to the Member Directory among other features. It is available through the Apple App Store, Google Play and Amazon.
We are offering yet another way for our members to advertise their businesses on our website. Created and designed by Magic Marketing, Inc, the enhanced Member Business Profile directory will allow members to create their own onsite profiles that can be updated and customized. When this is fully implemented, our members will be able to access the power of our web site and our high page ranking.
In January, Magic Marketing, Inc. will be rolling out iCan University that will offer online seminars to Clovis Chamber members.
Even though these projects are up and running and already benefiting our members, we’re not going to stop there. We are constantly working on ways to further enhance the value of a Clovis Chamber membership.
