BCMC TRAINING PROGRAM

MODULE 3: Strategic Planning and Future-Ready Chamber Strategy

STUDENT INFORMATION

Student Name

PART 1: Strategic Planning Framework

Read the material about Strategic Planning. Then complete the tasks below in your own words. Be clear, thoughtful, and concise.

Activity 1: The Importance of Planning

List three (3) reasons a chamber needs a strategic plan.

Activity 2: SWOT Reflection

Why is SWOT important before creating strategic objectives?

PART 2: Future-Ready Chamber Thinking

Read the material about The Future is Now. Then complete the tasks below in your own words. Be clear, thoughtful, and concise.

Activity 3: Future Thinking

What is one old chamber habit or assumption that may no longer work well today?

VOCABULARY BUILDER

Activity 4: Define the Terms

Write a simple meaning for each.

Strategic Plan
Fiduciary
Visioning
SWOT
Strategic Objective
Facilitator
ROI
Marketing Funnel
Business Model
Goodwill

KNOWLEDGE CHECK

Activity 5: Short Answer

Write a brief answer for each.

Why is strategic planning important for chamber leadership?
How does planning help staff and budgeting?
Why does Frank Kenny recommend a facilitator for the planning process?
Why is SWOT important in strategic planning?
What makes a strong strategic objective?
Why does Frank say many chambers are frustrated with digital marketing?
What does it mean that the old funnel is dying?
Why should chambers stay connected to nonmembers and former members?

REFLECTION ACTIVITY

Complete the tasks below in your own words. Be clear, thoughtful, and concise.

Activity 6: Personal Reflection

Answer in your own words:

Which part of the planning process is most important to you? Why?
Why do you think some chambers avoid strategic planning even when they know it matters?
What did Frank Kenny say that challenged the way you think about chamber communication or membership?
In your opinion, what is the biggest future challenge chambers must prepare for now?
How can a chamber balance service to paying members with goodwill toward the wider business community?

APPLICATION EXERCISES

Complete the tasks below in your own words. Be clear, thoughtful, and concise.

Activity 7: Situational Analysis

Answer each situation clearly.

Problem 1: A chamber has no strategic plan and spends most of the year reacting to whatever issue comes up next.
Using Frank Kenny’s framework, explain why this is risky and what the chamber should do first.
Problem 2: A chamber board wants a new budget, but there is no agreement on priorities or direction.
Why is this a problem, and what should happen before the budget is finalized?
Problem 3: A chamber tries many digital tactics but has no clear goals, no baseline, and no way to judge success.
How would Frank Kenny describe this problem, and what should the chamber change?
Problem 4: A chamber immediately stops communicating with businesses that do not join.
Why would Frank Kenny likely disagree with this approach?
Problem 5: A board is strong on finances but weak on future thinking, member shifts, and outside threats.
How can strategic planning help the board become more future-ready?

PERSONAL COMMITMENT

Complete the tasks below in your own words. Be clear, thoughtful, and concise.

Activity 8

Complete the sentence.

“After finishing Module 3, I will remember that a strong chamber needs…”

QUOTE REFLECTION

Complete the tasks below in your own words. Be clear, thoughtful, and concise.

Activity 9

Choose ONE quote and explain.

Write your interpretation in 2–3 sentences.
“Planning is indispensable.” or “The meat grinder must be destroyed!”

VISIT COFACC.ORG FOR MORE INFO

The Coalition of Filipino American Chambers of Commerce (COFACC) was established in 2018 to serve as a central national hub to provide collaboration, best practices, and coordination channels for the various Fil Am Chambers of Commerce nationwide.