Case Studies - Org Comm Leadership

Organizational and Community Leadership Case Study

Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce

Challenge:

The Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce’s leadership was looking to refresh its image, evolve its service offerings. increase and improve membership value, and revamp its programming to increase sponsorships and attendance. However, they were lacking a plan and the resources to achieve these goals.

Description:

Client sought an experienced and skilled leaders in marketing and communications to lead the organization in developing a plan and gaining internal and external support.

Scope of Services:

Developed a 3-year strategic marketing communications plan and gained buy-in from leadership, staff and board members.
Led the evolution of the Chamber website to include an Economic Development component.
Set the strategy and themes for all events and programs.
Led the planning and execution of signature events (annual meeting, women’s conference, first-responders breakfast, and legislative forum) that attracted 350 to 1,000 attendees.
Led pivot-strategy to online events during COVID-19 pandemic.
Conceived and launched CEO C-suite Conversations Series that brought together the Chamber CEO with leaders from across the Triangle.
Conceived and launched Business Insight and Key Investor newsletters to highlight businesses that moved to Durham and provide early preview to upcoming news, respectively.
Reformed programming to provide more opportunities for member engagement and sponsorships.
Represented the organization at various member and community events.
Served as POC for media and wrote and distributed press releases, media advisories, and community stories for multiple publications.

Results

Elevated the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce as the leading development entity for Durham County.
Elevated events reimagined the format, which has led neighboring chambers to follow suit. For example, 2022 and 2023 Annual Meetings were produced as talk shows, with the CEO being the host.
Achieved extensive coverage and visibility by local media.
Published over 15 articles on small business members.
Increase followers and engagement on social platforms by 30%.
Increased newsletter readership by 22%.
Received multiple accolades for Chamber events from community, members, and Board of Directors.