Definition:

Ambassador:            

• an official representative of an organization or movement
• a diplomatic official of the highest rank sent out as a long-term representative to another,

Mission Statement:

To create a positive image of the Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce  by promoting the value of chamber membership

GOALS:        

To be a positive and visible image of the Chamber of Commerce

To provide hospitality and connectedness to all members

To reach existing members through networking and activities

To promote active Chamber membership through member recognition

To actively seek prospects and promote chamber membership

To be the “feet on the street” for the chamber, assisting the board and staff with identifying opportunities and challenges

Support Chamber functions and activities

AMBASSADOR CRITERIA

• Chamber member and individual in good standing
• Enthusiastic supporter of the Chamber, understanding the mission of the organization
• All Ambassadors are required annually to sign a Chamber Ambassador Commitment Form.

AMBASSADOR EXPECTATIONS

• Each Ambassador is expected to conduct themselves in a manner befitting the Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce when representing the Chamber.
• Membership in the Faribault Chamber Ambassadors shall be considered a privilege, and shall be limited to 25 Ambassadors.  Ambassador openings will be filled by the current group, selecting from submitted applications.
• Ambassador participation is a volunteer position, confirmed application and approval by the current club.  Ambassadors are expected to attend the monthly meetings which are held the second Monday of each month at noon.
• Active participation in the special assignments is expected. Lack of participation will be cause for review
• Ambassadors are expected to call or e-mail the chamber office or the Ambassador Chairperson if they are unable to attend a monthly meeting. After three unexcused absences your Ambassadorship will be reviewed.
• Ambassadors will be expected to wear their name tag and jacket to chamber events.
• Jackets will be purchased by the chamber. Ambassadors will pay $75.00 deposit returned to them when the jacket is returned in good condition following their service as an Ambassador.
• Ambassadors pay individual dues of $12.00 per year. These funds are used for Ambassador related expenses including replacement name tags, awards, and other minor expenses.
• Ambassadors will select a member to serve as the treasurer.  All finances are run through the chamber bookkeeping department.

THE CHAMBER STAFF WILL PROVIDE

• An orientation for Ambassador prospects prior to their induction as an Ambassador
• An organizational outline for each Ambassador
• Organizational assistance for any assignment
• Official contact center for phone, e-mails and website
• Monthly agenda, treasurer’s report and support material for Ambassadors
• Monthly report to Ambassadors on Chamber initiatives

Ambassador Assignments

1.  Business Before Hours                                                

This assignment involves providing the welcome at Business Before Hours including:

Greet people at the door

Introduce new members

Conduct networking “Shout Out”

Bring Prospective members

2.   Business After Hours                                                   

This assignment involves providing the welcome at Business After Hours including:

Greet People at the door

Introduce host

Plan networking activity (If host desires)

Conduct the drawing

Bring prospective members

3.   Buddy System                                                                

Ambassadors are assigned as buddies to new or at risk members.  Buddy connections are made based on the suggestion in the buddy sheet with an expectation of four direct contacts within the one year assignment.  This Ambassador assignment is to make the buddy connections, track progress, remind Ambassadors of their buddy responsibility and conclude buddy matches.

4.    NetWorking 101                                                          

This Ambassador makes sure that there is a NetWorking 101 presenter at six Business After Hour events and six Business Before Hours events.  The brief presentation is designed to help people feel more comfortable and equipped to make the most of their contacts at there events.  This Ambassador also assigns the PPP’s for the monthly meetings.

5.    RECOGNITION                                                             

The Ambassador assigned to Recognition will be responsible for Ambassador’s participation in these activities that recognize members.

Ribbon Cuttings

Ground Breakings

Milestone Accomplishments 

Big anniversaries

Significant awards

Expansions etc

Work with Chamber staff to schedule photo opps and Ambassador Visit

6.    RETENTION                                                                 

The Ambassador assigned to Retention will lead the Ambassadors and other chamber members in retention activities.  Some of the projects will be:

Operation Thank You

            Worth a Mint or similar activity

            Retention call – on membership anniversary

            Red Flag calls and visits

Other ideas may include

            Member to member referrals

            Member Rewards Program

            Shop Local – Shift Local

7.     MEMBERSHIP                                                         

Ambassadors are expected to promote chamber membership to prospective members.  At each meeting Ambassadors will report on leads or prospects for staff to follow up on.

The Ambassador assigned to Membership will query the Ambassadors each month about their efforts, track the leads and submit the list to chamber staff for follow through.

8.    ACTIVITIES                                                        

The assignment is to engage Ambassadors in other chamber events.  This Ambassador will serve as a liaison to the planning committees for chamber activities and determine how the Ambassadors can help with that event.

            GALA

            EXPO

            Business Awards Luncheon

            Golf Outing