At an evening award ceremony held at the American Chamber of Commerce Executives annual convention in Los Angeles, the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce was awarded the most prestigious national award presented to chambers of commerce - Chamber of the Year. The award recognizes the top chambers in the nation for organizational excellence including finances, member services, communications, engagement of volunteers, and by making an impact on key community priorities. The Knoxville Chamber of Commerce uses VolunteerSpot's free online signup sheets to schedule their volunteers.
Today, our VolunteerSpotlight shines on Lisa Coulter, Manager of Member Services and Lynsey Wilson, Events Coordinator for the Chamber.
Please tell us about the Chamber of Commerce and your volunteer needs.
The Knoxville Chamber of Commerce’s overall goals are to unite business, industry, service and professionals in the pursuit of economic success. The formal mission of the Chamber is Driving Regional Economic Prosperity. Some ways we carry out our mission are:
- Public Policy & Advocacy
- Small Business Programs/Services
- Mentor Program
- Small Business AnalysisTool
- Economic Development
- Innovation Valley is the region's ED program
- Workforce Development
- Business recruitment & expansion
- Provide Opportunities For Members To Connect
- Networking Events
- Legislative Events
- Educational Seminars
Being a membership organization, our volunteer needs range from serving on the Board of Directors, participation in the Ambassador Program, or joining one of our committees.
How many volunteers does the Chamber need to run smoothly?
The Knoxville Chamber has always relied on volunteer participation from our members. Over 100 volunteers from our membership serve in different capacities.
What’s one piece of advice you have for volunteers and their leaders out there?
For volunteer leaders: To recognize and appreciate your volunteers! Volunteers do not get paid monetarily, so sincere, consistent praise and recognition goes a long way. Keep in touch with your volunteers and communicate vital information with them. Also, give them direction and purpose and allow them some flexibility to lead and guide the process.
For volunteers: Speak up if you have ideas or feedback to give the organization you are helping. Sometimes your ideas are the best!
Why did you decide to use VolunteerSpot?
VolunteerSpot provides an easy, accessible place for the Knoxville Chamber to post events and for Ambassadors to sign up to help at events. Before we used VolunteerSpot, signing up volunteers for events took more staff time than it should have.
Anything else you’d like our readers to know about the Chamber of Commerce?
We would not be nearly as successful without the help of an engaged volunteer force. Without the support of our volunteers, many of our members’ needs would go unmet.
To learn more, visit http://www.knoxvillechamber.com.
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We salute Lisa and Lynsey and all the other volunteer leaders out there making a difference in our communities. If you're using VolunteerSpot, write and tell us about what you're doing and give us a chance to shine our Volunteer Spotlight on you!! Just email us at [email protected].