The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give blood. How to Build a Successful Chamber of Commerce Blood Drive Alicia Doherty American Red Cross

The need is constant.The gratification is instant.Give blood.

How to Build a Successful Chamber of Commerce Blood Drive

Alicia DohertyAmerican Red CrossSouthern Blood Services RegionDonor Recruitment Representative

The need is constant.The gratification is instant.Give blood. TM

“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress;

working together is a success.” – Henry Ford


Douglas County Chamber of Commerce Blood Drive Results

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100

2000 2001 2002 2010

Averageblood drivesize


•Functions to promote, support, and attract business for the advancement of the community•Provides networking opportunities, educational programs and leadership development

Douglas County Chamber of Commerce


•Approximately 600 members•Douglas County population – 293,521•Located 17 miles west of downtown Atlanta



“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

– Helen Keller


Involvement + Relationships = Success

•Strategic Involvement in the Chamber of Commerce•Establish personal relationships with community leaders

Two key factors:


How to strategically get involved

•Diplomats•Young Professionals•Networking events•Leadership Program


Become a Diplomat

•25 volunteer leaders who represent their member businesses•Help promote a positive community image•Assist in welcoming new Chamber members through ribbon cuttings•Provide leadership for Chamber events and retention efforts


Ribbon Cutting


Become involved with the Young Professionals

•Mission – to provide opportunities for young professionals to connect with their peers, connect with their community, and connect with their future•Vision - to create an inclusive and collaborative network of resources that empowers talented individuals to achieve their goals for professional growth and success; provide employers with an engaged and competitive workforce; and propels Douglasville/Douglas County forward.


Young Professionals Pancakes & Politics Event


Attend Networking Events•Events held each month held at various locations in the community•Morning, lunch and early evening opportunities


Leadership Douglas

•A structured program that enhances leadership skills and community involvement for the betterment of all citizens, businesses, organizations and governments in Douglas County•Through presentations, discussions and work sessions, the program seeks to inspire those who are willing to get involved•Participants are given the opportunity to meet and interact with current community and business leaders throughout the program


Leadership Douglas

Two ways to get involved:1. Apply to the program and go

through the class as a participant.2. Host a class:

• The American Red Cross Southern Region hosted the 2010 Leadership Douglas class for the Social Services day.

• Agenda – Overview and education of the American Red Cross and services provided, testimonial speaker, tour of the lab, Q & A session.


How to plan for your blood drive

•Establish a diverse recruitment committee (include Diplomats, Young Professionals, Leadership Class)•Partner with the City and County•Get the Chamber Board of Directors involved•Obtain coverage from your local newspaper and TV station•Testimonial speaker at various Chamber meetings


Helpful Tips-Utilize the Young Professionals as

your volunteers

-Solicit Chamber members to donate food for an enhanced canteen

-Take a picture of the CEO/President donating for the marketing of future blood drives



•2010 – collected 87 pints in one blood drive•414% increase from the last blood drive•Largest Chamber drive in the state•Largest Chamber drive in the Southeast Division ( AL, GA, NC, SC) since 2003


•Douglas County Courthouse

• FY 11• 13 drives• YTD – 494 pints• YTD APO – 49.4• Projected collections –

642 pints

•Douglas County Courthouse

• FY 09• 8 drives• 358 pints• APO – 44.75

Other benefits of Chamber involvement

Growth at existing accounts


Other benefits of Chamber involvement

•Loyalty from existing accounts• Increased rotations• High Schools – no longer split blood drives with

other blood banks

•Increased awareness of the Red Cross• Public speaking

• Kiwanis Club• Rotary


WIIFM

•Leadership skills•Professional development•Public speaking•Contacts/Networking•Growth in territory


Conclusion

•Involvement in the Chamber helps you become a real member of the community and establish strong/loyal relationships.•The American Red Cross Blood Services was awarded the Large Business of the Year by the Douglas County Chamber in 2010.


Questions & Comments

Documents

The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give blood. How to Build a Successful Chamber of Commerce Blood Drive Alicia Doherty American Red Cross