The Value of Membership
The services offered to full MODE members through a partnership with the Columbus Chamber include business attraction and retention services, and prospect management services.
Business Attraction Services — The Chamber oversees a marketing program and team named "Market Columbus" in conjunction with the public sector and other investors. The marketing program establishes business contacts seeking relocation or expansion, and communicates the benefits and opportunities of the region; coordinate marketing activities with economic development agencies; and advance an image to increase awareness nationally and internationally of the region. The marketing program will be implemented in selected geographic areas with the highest concentration of target opportunities, including major domestic markets, Europe and Asia.
The marketing strategy for the region will include market research surveys of CEOs and other development-related professionals across the U.S.; ca focused brand framework and positioning for the region, and developing a regional marketing strategy with detailed tactical plans for implementation.
MODE members also benefit from the Chamber's redesigned and enhanced web site. It is anticipated that the web site will provide regional information (demographics, real estate and community information); serve as a portal to the lead management system; and establish a platform to implement a regional business retention and expansion program. Through leads, the Chamber also will contact targeted companies and present business opportunities.
It is anticipated that the proactive marketing tactics will include up to three industry-related tradeshows or conferences and at least one international business development mission; up to two corporate calling missions; and a relationship marketing campaign focused on site selection consultants and corporate real estate executives. It is anticipated that public sector MODE member designees could participate in the mission with fees covered by the Chamber. The determination of participants will be at the discretion of MODE and the Chamber, and consideration will be given to members that would most significantly contribute to the mission.
Prospect Management Services — The Chamber will serve as the contact point for regional inquiries from site selection consultants and company officials considering locating operations in the region, and will coordinate site selection programs and services that avoid duplication and assigns roles and tasks to be performed in a mutually supportive manner.
It is anticipated that site location services will include a "leads/prospects management system" which will distribute leads/prospects to public sector MODE members and Chamber's investors. The system, administered by the Chamber, also will allow for creation and management of self-generated leads.
Business Retention Services — The Chamber and Compete Columbus, with support from MODE, will lead the development and implementation of a regional Business Retention and Expansion program. The engagement of local economic development professionals will provide a mechanism and foundation for communication and collaboration to foster continued regional growth. The program will (1) establish a regional business survey (Executive Pulse) to provide local and aggregate data; (2) Train on the business survey system to enable all eligible partners to participate in its usage; (3) Create economic development tools and engagement systems for local economic development organizations to provide up-to-date, time sensitive information that will service retention and expansion efforts; (4) Establish procedural protocols among public sector MODE members, the Chamber and Compete Columbus; (5) Develop a structured system that offers economic development services beyond those currently provided to accomplish program objectives and benefits.
Involvement, Networking and Resources
As a member, you can make a significant impact within the central Ohio region. MODE offers the opportunity to create partnerships with other regional organizations and creates an environment for constant networking.
MODE conducts monthly member luncheon meetings with speakers discussing issues relating to development, in addition to hosting an annual yearend meeting. The organization also tracks legislation affecting regional development, and offers local government officials' briefings. Through relationships MODE can link you with peer advice and service referrals throughout the region.
