Chambers of commerce across the country come in a variety of forms. Some are tourist-oriented focusing on attracting visitors who travel to a destination city to shop, stay and play. Other chambers support community causes such as scholarships and fund-raisers through golf tournaments and chili cook-offs.
The Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce is an economic development-driven organization with a mission to “provide vision, leadership and support business and community leaders to create economic prosperity.”
In other words, we are more than just a sticker. The previous Chamber model had a one-size-fits-all structure where members “joined” based on the fair share system. Flat-rate membership dues were modified for businesses with more employees, but most everyone received the same benefits across the board no matter the amount of their dues.
The shift in the Chamber world has been toward a trend to redefine their role based on their community’s unique qualities. This is important because as technology has transformed industries across the globe, it has also transformed how we do business and how Chambers can effectively meet the needs of members.
Like any business, Chambers must be willing to evolve in the marketplace in order to remain relevant. We want to expand beyond that at the Greater Killeen Chamber with a determined program of work developed with a keen awareness of what our investors require to grow and prosper.
Creating value through programs, connections and councils, a volunteer-powered Chamber of Commerce provides synergy and purpose for members of all sizes and genres.
The Chamber board identified Military Relations, Public Policy, Community Development and Economic Development as the four key areas where investors can engage with each other and the community at large:
Community Development
When we think regionally and act locally, we collaboratively create a place where people want to live.
Military Relations
When we promote the importance of Fort Hood, we can take advantage of opportunities to expand its footprint.
Economic Development
When we attract new retail and conduct aggressive business recruitment and expansion programs, we develop a future that is primed for business.
Public Policy
When we nurture relationships with elected officials and develop legislative agendas advantageous to our community, we have a more powerful voice before lawmakers.
That’s the distinctive benefit of investing time and resources in an economic-driven Chamber. By design, our investor-leaders have developed councils where these focus points can constantly be at the forefront of our Plan of Work.
The Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce Leadership Councils bring leaders together to address the issues that impact the community. The Lead and Killeen 2.0 investment structure opens the door for investors to have a seat at the table and be part of the conversation.
These higher-level efforts are what we mean we say this Chamber is “More than just a sticker!” We are future-focused and forward-thinking. We embrace change and project what we can do to be effective now and in the coming years.
Leadership Councils
Military Relations Council
Collaborate with others to ensure that Fort Hood is fully utilized. Chair: Mark Chockran
Non-Profit Council
Shared knowledge, training and access for more effective non-profits. Chair: TaNeika Driver-Moultrie, City of Killeen
Public Education Council
Cause business to collaborate with Killeen Independent School District, Central Texas College and Texas A&M University-Central Texas to improve the student product and support schools. Chair: Becky Holcomb, First Texas Bank
Retail Council
Network and share ideas among similar businesses. Chair: Jay Early, Owner, Chick-fil-A (Killeen)
Public Policy Council
Become the voice of business and cultivate legislative support for the successful implementation of each of our priorities. Dr. Marc Nigliazzo, Texas A&M University-Central Texas
Welcome Council
Facilitate the transition of new members into active participants in the Chamber and business community. Chair: Tanida Mullen, Killeen Civic & Conference Center
IT Council
Provide unique value to investors with technology components to their business and position the Chamber as regional leader in technology. Chair: Greg Burress, First Community Services
Who’s Who at the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce
John Crutchfield III, President and CEO Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce
Serves as the chief of staff for the Killeen Economic Development Corporation and the Killeen Industrial Foundation.
Phyllis Gogue, Vice President Economic Development
Heather Nusbaum, CMA, Vice President Finance and Administration
Military Relations Council
Public Policy Council
Public Education Council
Rebekah Moon, Vice President Investor Services
IT Council
Welcome Council
Retail Council
Non-Profit Council
Nichole Anderson, Membership Relations Manager
Memberships
Sponsorships
Advertising
Jennifer Hetzel, Director of Strategic Communications
Advertising/Publicity
Annual Membership Banquet
Greater Killeen Young Professionals
Marty Janczak, Business Resource Center Business Counselor
Alysia Perkins, Business Resource Center Business Counselor
Daniel Han, Accounting Assistant
Katherine Rutecki, Project Manager
Greater Killeen Young Professionals
Social Media
Shashawnah Smith, Program Manager
Military Relations Council
Public Policy Council
Public Education Council
Written by Lesly Rascoe, Former Vice President Investor Services, Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce
Published in the Greater Killeen Business Quarterly 2016 Newcomers Guide