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“Wagons Forward” is the Owen County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development’s Strategic Plan. This plan is designed to affirm the Chambers mission to represent the business community, provide quality tools for the advancement of economic growth, connect and support our members, and improve and preserve our quality of life.
This plan is based on the successful strategy, used by pioneers, to navigate the difficult trails that led to westward expansion. Embarking on the journey to move out West was a difficult and daunting one to say the least; not unlike a small business navigating through the challenges of the business industry.
Choosing to be a business owner takes fortitude, passion, courage, and a myriad of other characteristics that greatly resemble the qualities of early pioneers. Being a successful business owner takes the same strength, perseverance, and grit that helped develop the West.
The “Wagon Train” concept (working together for the benefit of one another and achievement of common goals) still produces the same result it did years ago: achieving your goals by way of pooling shared resources, networking to gather information, learning from experiences, and working collectively as a community.
The Owen County Chamber of Commerce is unique in that it partners directly with Economic Development to give its members the benefit of having three wagon masters, or three individuals that help them navigate their specific trail. The Executive Director, the Administrative Assistant, and the Economic Development Coordinator.
Economic Development focuses more on the “Map” or what is referred to as the long road. Knowing what is five, ten or fifteen years down the road helps businesses to plan accordingly. Economic development offers tools like tax abatements, is a liaison between the business owners and local government, and creates an achievable strategic plan for the county and its citizens.
The Chamber of Commerce acts more like the tool box attached to each wagon train. The Chamber has tools that focus more on the present situation and the “Day’s Journey”. Advertising, networking, promotion, marketing campaigns, and community events are just a few of the ways the chamber helps each “wagon” to advance through its day’s journey and meet the demand in their industry head on. Offering an array of resources as well as providing leadership skills help to equip each wagon with the tools they need to be a successful business.
