Governing body of the
Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce

The Board of Directors of the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce is comprised of 15 elected members who represent retail, service/professional and industrial sectors of the membership. Five members are placed from each membership category. In addition, two ex-officio positions exist. One is the chair of the Promotive Corp. and the second is the chair of the Main Street Program Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors of the Chamber is charged with overseeing the total operation of the Chamber. Its work can be defined in three areas of concentration: Financial responsibilities, Community and Chamber Mission accountabilities and Ongoing Leadership Development. Their work is broken down as follows:

Financial Responsibilities

1. *Oversee and protect the well-being and assets of the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce. (Monitor Chamber operating and reserve funds, insurance and other fiscal responsibilities, policies and liabilities.)
*Approve the annual operating budget of the chamber.

2. *Develop, guide and participate in Chamber events and programs. (Donate to, oversee and support special events and programs or any other sanctioned fund raising effort on behalf of the Chamber and the businesses it serves.)

3. *Help to develop prospects and assist with membership retention for the chamber.

Community and Chamber Mission Accountabilities

1. Ensure the Chamber achieves its stated mission in the community. (See that all programs and services truly reflect the Chamber mission as well as the needs of the community.)

2. See that all actions of the Chamber meet the legal, ethical and quality standards of the Chamber and the community.

3. Ensure effective planning and policy formulation. (Help develop, monitor and periodically evaluate strategic plans and operating policies of the Chamber.)

4. Be able to interpret the Chamber to the community and the community to the Chamber. (Enhance the Chamber's image in the community. Be knowledgeable of and committed to Chamber services and goals. Build key alliances with other community organizations. Consider serving as board liaison to a Chamber committee/event.)

Ongoing Leadership Development

1. Employ, evaluate and support Executive Director of the Chamber. (Have an established process to select and employ Executive Director; Monitor and evaluate the Exec. dir. Performance, per the job description.)

2. Organize, evaluate and renew ongoing top leadership of the Board of Directors. (When needed, recommend new leadership for the board and committee to help manage the Chamber and pursue the Chamber's mission and goals; Assess leadership periodically to meet current needs.

See Marks of a Successful Chamber Board for tips and pointers.

Service Information

Time Frames:

Term: Members of the Watertown Board of Directors are elected to three year terms. They may seek one renewal. After two terms the director must stand down for one year before seeking re-election. Those appointed to fill uncompleted terms of board members may seek two re-elections.

Meetings: The board meets at 7:30 A.M. on the third Thursday of each month, at the Chamber office. The meeting may last until 9 A.M. but usually is completed in one hour. Board members serve as liaison to various chamber groups or community organizations and may serve additional meeting time in that capacity. Service on subcommittees or special projects will naturally incur more meeting time.

Board members are expected to participate in as many chamber social functions as possible. This includes the annual dinner, golf outing, community luncheon, business after hours and the Riverfest booth.