BACKGROUND:
The City of Cathedral City has had a chamber of commerce since 1981. This City/chamber partnership has served and supported Cathedral City businesses through economic expansion and retractions over the last 42 years. In 2017, due to a history of financial and managerial struggles, Cathedral City’s standalone chamber of commerce merged with the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce ("GCVCC" or "Chamber"). This new partnership provided Cathedral City businesses with previously unavailable resources, a broader network of prospective customers and business partners, and a staff of experienced chamber professionals.
Founded in 2017, GCVCC has become the Coachella Valley's largest business advocacy, marketing, and networking organization. Since inception, GCVCC has won multiple awards from the Western United States Association of Chamber Executives.
Currently, six of the nine Coachella Valley cities contract with GCVCC to provide chamber services. In addition to advocacy, these services include networking events, achievement awards, art shows, car shows, Gem of the Desert magazine, educational classes, email and social media marketing, and basic business engagement.
Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and Palm Springs maintain stand-alone chambers of commerce. Each of these stand-alone chambers are staffed with either four (Palm Desert) or six (Rancho Mirage and Palm Springs) full-time chamber professionals. Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and Palm Springs chambers provide services similar to the services provided by GCVCC.
DISCUSSION:
Today’s study session will consist of a presentation from GCVCC CEO Brandon Marley.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This study session is for information only.
The Economic Development Department 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 fiscal year budgets have $73,436 per fiscal year allocated for GCVCC chamber services.
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN:
Utilization of GCVCC services assists the Economic Development Department in achieving:
GOAL C: FISCAL STABILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY
Objective: Cathedral City has economically prospered by facilitating the investment of private dollars in high quality development which benefits the community. We remain financially solvent by instituting prudent fiscal policies and transparent financial practices.
GOAL F: EMBRACING, INCLUSIVE CITY
Objective: Cathedral City is valued and respected as a community that welcomes and embraces diversity, has an abundance of high quality and affordable housing options, and vibrant businesses. Our neighborhoods are attractive and well-maintained and issues surrounding homelessness have been compassionately addressed with thoughtful, coordinated, and collaborative programs.
Action F-6 Promote additional community events and celebrations.
Action F-12 Continue to facilitate the attraction and promotion of community events which celebrate our diversity, builds a cohesive community, and supports local business.