Chamber manifesto May 2017

Lobbying

To continue to lobby MCC Estates to sell the non-hotel part of the Portal Road site to a developer for a use, which will be the benefit of the businesses of the town.
To lobby MCC to find a solution to the lack of coach parking in the town.
To continue to engage with the WG and other towns on the issue of business rates, meet with ministers and make representations on the new SBRR consultation in August/ September 2017.
To lobby MCC to resurface key roads such as Dixton Road, Monnow Street and the Portal Road.

Facilitating

To review objectively the new Dixton Roundabout retail development plans and, if possible, develop a joint approach with the Gateway Wales opposition group.
To engage with landlords and estate agents handling empty shops and ascertain the reasons behind the premises not being used and act to progress matters and/or put up window displays.
To meet with other Chambers and MCC quarterly
To meet with MCC Estates and planning office quarterly.
To engage with developers on projects that will be beneficial for the town

Communicating

To engage with MCC officers to progress with the installation of new bike parking in the town.
To engage with new councillors and ensure that they are clear on the objectives of the Chamber

Membership

To set a goal of 100 paid up members by 1st September 2017.
It is important for Chamber members to become more proactive in shaping the future of Monmouth Chamber and not just see it as a Club to fees are paid and all the work is left to a small committee in order to increase vocal support and proven representation. The burden of resolving important business concerns should be shared by a greater number of people. It was generally felt that further discussion on this matter should be ongoing.
To ensure that all existing members are paid up by the date of the AGM.

Promoting

Working with Jason Cooper create a new official website for the town.
To continue to put out positive messages about the town and its businesses on social media.
To provide the lead in destination marketing for the town
Ensure the Chamber has a high profile on social media

Chamber Offers

Look into creating our own online ‘shop watch’ with the possibility of CCTV offers to compliment it.
Offer the use of the Chamber logo strictly to show you’re a member only (and for no other use) for paid up members only

Website