Committee Information
The following is a list of our chamber committees
Business Development Committee
General Function
The Business Development Committee participates and/or initiates business development opportunities through the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce. The goal of the Committee is to provide recognition and support for business and industry.
Responsibilities
Specific responsibilities of the Business Committee shall include the following:
- Prepare an annual plan of work.
- Develop a committee budget to be approved by the Board of Directors.
- Organize and sponsor, along with County Government and the Town of West Jefferson, the annual industry appreciation luncheon.
- Organize and sponsor (along with other interested entities) an annual Job Fair.
- Support entrepreneurial efforts or opportunities with the Ashe County Public Schools.
- Other projects/programs as determined in the annual plan of work.
Membership
The Business Committee shall consist of a Chairman, other Board members and interested citizens.
Staffing
The Executive Director and other staff will assist in meeting notification as requested.
Chair
Jeff Dreyer
Education Committee
General Function
The Education Committee participates and/or initiates educational opportunities for the Ashe County Public Schools through the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce. The goal of the Committee is to provide education and leadership opportunities.
Responsibilities
Specific responsibilities of the Education Committee shall include the following:
- Prepare an annual plan of work including participation with Imagination Library.
- Develop a committee budget to be approved by the Board of Directors.
- Develop, plan and direct, along with the public schools, the Dick Miller Youth Leadership Program for high school juniors.
- Participate with County Government in hosting twice-annual Civics Days for high school sophomores.
- Participate in the Choices program for 8th grade students at Ashe Middle School.
- Other projects/programs as determined in the annual plan of work.
Membership
The Education Committee shall consist of a Chairman, other Board members and interested citizens.
Staffing
The Executive Director and other staff will assist in meeting notification as requested.
Chair
Joallen Lowder
Finance Committee
General Function
The Finance Committee is responsible for monitoring the finance, accounting, and budgeting functions of the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce. The committee is further responsible for reporting to the Board of Directors on the financial status of the Chamber, recommending to the Board policies or changes to policy related to the finance or accounting functions of the Chamber, and developing a yearly operating budget for Board consideration. The primary goal of the committee is to oversee a proactive financial process that uses best practices of financial management and that complies with applicable state and Federal regulations.
Responsibilities
Specific responsibilities of the Finance Committee shall include the following:
- Review and revise Chamber’s accounting procedures periodically.
- Develop an annual operating budget for consideration by the full Board of Directors.
- Review and monitor the Chamber’s budget expenditures and report the results to the Board on a regular basis.
- Maintain regular communication with the Chamber Executive Director, staff, and external accountant to ensure compliance with established financial procedures.
- Periodically review the Chamber’s compliance with all Federal and state regulations.
- Take other such actions as may be requested by the Board.
Membership
The Finance Committee shall consist of the current Chamber Treasurer and at least four other members of the Board of Directors appointed by the Chamber President. The Chamber President shall serve as an ex-officio member of the committee.
Staffing
The Executive Director and other staff will assist in meeting notification as requested.
Chair
Chris Robinson
Personnel Committee
General Function
The Personnel Committee serves as the liaison between the Board of Directors and Chamber staff. The primary goal of the Committee is to be an advocate for the staff and to oversee personnel-related functions.
Responsibilities
Specific responsibilities of the Personnel Committee shall include the following:
- Monitor and ensure organizational compliance with state and federal regulations for human resources.
- Develop an annual budget relating to Chamber staff wages and benefits.
- Conduct the annual performance review of the Executive Director and ensure that the Executive Director conducts annual performance reviews of his/her staff.
- Monitor and update the Chamber’s Personnel policy as needed.
- In the event of open or newly-established positions, oversee the review/revision of job descriptions and the interview process.
- Maintain regular communication with the Chamber Executive Director and staff.
- Identify ways to show recognition of and appreciation for Chamber staff.
Membership
The Personnel Committee shall consist of the current Chamber President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and two at-large board members.
Staffing
The Executive Director and other staff will assist in meeting notification as requested.
Chair
Karen Powell
Tourism Development Committee
The Tourism Development Committee of Ashe County Chamber of Commerce creates opportunities for members to contribute to the growth and economic development of Ashe County by attracting visitors through the promotion of the County's natural resources, culture, heritage, businesses and adventures.
Objectives
- Actively promotes Ashe County as a travel destination locally, regionally and statewide.
- Enhance and maintain an effective, informative and user friendly website for the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce.
- Develop and implement the annual tourism development program in a manner consistent with Chamber policy.
- Strategically position Ashe County Chamber of Commerce to assume a leadership role in creating an Ashe County Tourist Development Authority (TDA).
Principle Activities
- Create, implement and manage the advertising and marketing program for Ashe County Chamber including website, print advertising, collateral material associated with tourism and travel, and branding that will most effectively and efficiency use the Chamber of Commerce’s resources to promote tourism and travel in Ashe County.
- Determine annual budget requirements and present recommendations to Chamber of Commerce Finance Committee and Board of Directors.
- Develop and implement print media campaign including design, placement and timing of all print advertising.
- Assist in the operation of the Chamber Visitor Center by providing the necessary collateral material for visitors to Ashe County.
- Monitor website activity on behalf of the entire Chamber membership, provide periodic review and updates to the Chamber Board of Directors and make necessary changes to maintain viability.
- Provide a clear, concise branding message and manage the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce brand.
- Explore, develop and maintain strategic alliances with local, regional and state entities to promote tourism and travel in Ashe County and the high country.
- Seek to create opportunities for all businesses and organizations in Ashe County to maximize the impact of the tourism and travel in our local economy.
- Maintain ongoing communications with Ashe County Commissioners, Chamber Board and Membership and other funding sources.
Chair
Brian (Doc) Adam
