"I live and breathe the strategic plan," said Chamber of Schenectady County President Chuck Steiner.

The Chamber of Schenectady County was a long-standing organization with a reputation for holding some well-known events but not being strong in other areas. After the board of directors hired a new president/executive director who had fresh energy and ideas, he and the board chair hired PeopleWork to guide a comprehensive strategic planning process.

PeopleWork developed and conducted a web-based member survey to assess members' levels of satisfaction with the organization and their priorities. The response rate was more than 50 percent, and we used the resulting data with the board and a strategic planning committee to develop a very exciting, progressive, ambitious new vision for the Chamber and a plan for implementing it. The Chamber has now increased staff and membership, has new communication tools, is leading tourism initiatives, and is a key participant in orchestrating downtown redevelopment. It is also considering a move to exciting new office space. The staff and board are monitoring progress carefully against the plan and have developed timelines and accountabilities to keep them on track.