Position Opening
PRESIDENT & CEO
 
The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries, the 2017 ACCE Category 1 Chamber of the Year, is currently accepting resumes for its next President & CEO.
 
EXPERIENCE: Interested parties should have at least 5 years’ experience in Senior Management, with preference to those with experience in Chamber Senior Management. Salary will be commensurate with experience.
 
TO APPLY: Please submit your resume and cover letter, including current salary, to [email protected] or by mail to OCCI Executive Search, 4101-C Mexico Road, St. Peters, MO 63376 before August 15, 2018.
 
POSITION: President/CEO

REPORTS TO: Chamber Chair of the Board, Executive Committee & Board of Directors
 
NATURE OF POSITION: Full-time. Exempt from overtime pay.
 
SUMMARY: The President & CEO is the chief executive officer and administrative officer for the Chamber. He/she is expected to provide visionary leadership for the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries and is responsible to the Board of Directors for the full range of activities needed to ensure the Chamber’s success in meeting its objectives in business and community development, external relations, membership and member services, communications, workforce development programs, government affairs and special programs. He/she is responsible for strategic planning, interpretation of policy, organization structure, budget and finances, volunteer development and membership growth, the employment, development and supervision of staff and the maintenance of the Chamber’s headquarters.
 
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: The President & CEO is responsible for the following essential functions:

• Strategic & Operational Planning – In conjunction with the Board of Directors, Strategic Planning Committee and staff, develops and implements a strategic, long-range plan to advance the Chamber’s mission and works with the Board on an annual basis to set the appropriate goals to advance that plan. Works with Chamber committees to identify issues and needs and develops plans to address them. Evaluates effectiveness and measures progress towards attainment.
• Board Relations – Builds and maintains strong relationships and communications with the Chair of the Board, Executive Committee and Board of Directors. Provides leadership necessary to garner maximum engagement of Board members. In conjunction with the Board Chair, plans and organizes Executive Committee and Board meetings.
• Community Relations – Builds and maintains strong relationships with community partners in order to promote the mission of the O’Fallon Chamber and its priorities. He/she should also maintain strong relationships with other Chamber professionals in St. Charles County, around Missouri, and nationally in order to learn and provide best practices.
• Policy Development, Implementation & Interpretation – Assists the Board in the development of policy, as needed, and is responsible for the execution of policies adopted by the Board. Responsible for the proper order of business as established in the Chamber’s bylaws.
• Organization Structure & Procedures – Continuously evaluates the Chamber’s organizational structure, policies and procedures to ensure their effectiveness in identifying and addressing Chamber and community needs and issues. Recommends changes in structure, procedures and policies as needed.
• Advocacy & Public Policy – Collaborates with the Board to identify and manage the Chamber’s relationships with and advocacy efforts before local, state and federal government bodies to achieve desired outcomes. Develops and communicates legislative and public affairs positions, as approved by the Board of Directors. Serves as the chief spokesperson on policy matters for the Chamber.
• Membership Relations, Development & Retention – Assists with recruiting and retaining new and existing members of the Chamber and is responsible for maintaining the membership at a level needed to ensure the income needed to support the annual program of action. Provides leadership in membership services to ensure there is a compelling value proposition for current and prospective members. With others, analyzes and interprets the needs of members and recommends revisions to increase membership value, engagement and financial support.
• Program & Services Development – Provides staff and committees with the tools, guidance and resources needed to develop new, creative, value-added programs, benefits and services for the membership. Reviews and evaluates program and benefit proposals to help ensure their effectiveness.
• Budget & Finances – Develops annual budget in conjunction with priorities determined by the Board of Directors. Manages revenues and expenses in accordance with established budget and ensures the preparation of accurate and timely financial statements.
• Staff Administration – Builds and maintains a staff consistent with program needs and financial resources. Is responsible for the employment of all staff members, the assignment of their responsibilities and duties, the supervision of their work and the establishment – within the framework of the approved budget – of the terms of their employment.
• Committee Responsibilities – Provides staff support, including the preparation of agendas, minutes and performance of duties specifically related to the following governing bodies and committees:
• Board of Directors
• Executive Committee
• Nominating Committee
• Finance Committee
• Manufacturing Day Committee
• Public Policy & Lunch and Legislators
• Other committees as assigned
• Other Duties as Assigned – Performs various other assignments as directed by the Board of Directors, Board Chair and other appropriate members that are congruent with the Chamber’s mission and bylaws.

 
POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• The President & CEO must be a visionary leader and possess strong interpersonal skills, strong verbal and written communication skills, strong technology skills, financial management and analytical abilities, strong interpersonal and management skills and the ability to motivate volunteers and staff.
• 5 or more years’ experience in Senior Management is required with preference to those with experience in Chamber Senior Management. 
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Availability for regular early morning and occasional evening meetings required. Some overnight travel is required.
• Must be able to regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.

ST. CHARLES COUNTY, MO – Welders are in great demand in the region and across the nation! Learn about exciting opportunities at the Welding Career & Training Expo from 3 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 1, at the Missouri Job Center of St. Charles County.

Organized by the St. Charles County Department of Workforce & Business Development and St. Charles Community College, the expo will include stations for attendees to try a virtual welder, meet with instructors and employers, and learn about training opportunities and scholarships. Attendees also can win prizes and enjoy light refreshments.
“The American Welding Society estimates there will be a shortage of nearly 300,000 welders in the U.S. by 2020,” says Scott J. Drachnik, Director of the County’s Workforce & Business Development Department. “Currently there are companies throughout St. Charles County and the St. Louis region eager to hire experienced welders or ready to train new welders. Expo attendees can find out about all the opportunities available and gain a better understanding of what it’s like to work in this field.”

To register or for more information about the Welding Career & Training Expo, contact Fay Aubuchon at 636-922-8546 or [email protected].
​
Additionally, the Missouri Job Center of St. Charles County and St. Charles Community College provide the following related opportunities:

• The Missouri Job Center of St. Charles County offers a manufacturing apprenticeship program that helps pay for training costs and wage reimbursements for people interested in starting or advancing in a welding career. For more information, visit sccmo.org/Apprenticeship or contact Vicki Swartzenberg at 636-255-6060, ext. 5250, or [email protected].
• Welding classes at St. Charles Community College start in August and are certified by the American Welding Society. A Basic Welding Certificate can be earned in 16 weeks or an associate’s degree in Advanced Welding after four semesters. For more information, visit stchas.edu or contact Fay Aubuchon at 636-922-8546 or [email protected].

MEDIA CONTACT: Mary Enger, Director of Communications, 636-949-7900, ext. 1856, [email protected]


About St. Charles County:
Founded in 1812, St. Charles County is one of the fastest growing counties in Missouri, and the state’s third largest county in both population and economic share. St. Charles County consistently ranks one of the healthiest places to live in Missouri in the County Health Rankings report published by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. It is home to 12 scenic county parks encompassing more than 2,800 acres with additional land under development and more in reserve for future development.
                                           
With a population of 385,840, St Charles County is home to large employers including General Motors, Citi, MasterCard Worldwide and Boeing. It is ranked among the top 25 counties in the nation in high-tech job growth by the Progressive Policy Institute and consistently has the lowest unemployment rate in the Metropolitan St. Louis area.
 
St. Charles County Government employs nearly 1,100 in more than 30 departments and offices, who work to make the county an excellent place to live, work and shop. For more information, please visit sccmo.org.

Mayor Bill Hennessy and the City Council of O’Fallon, Missouri, approved the appointment of David Strahl as O’Fallon’s new City Administrator during tonight’s O’Fallon City Council meeting. The appointment of Strahl concludes a national search that began in May of this year. He will officially begin his tenure with O’Fallon on October 2, 2017.

Strahl comes to O’Fallon from Illinois, where he served in numerous roles in city management, most recently serving nearly 23 years as the Assistant Village Manager and Acting Village Manager for Mount Prospect, Illinois. Altogether, he brings more than 30 years of experience in city management and public administration to O’Fallon.

Strahl was selected after a lengthy interview process that included candidates from around the country. The process was led by Mayor Bill Hennessy, the entire City Council and members of City staff. 

“As we went through this process, we looked at some extremely talented applicants from throughout the country,” said Hennessy. “We wanted a candidate who has proven experience in strategic planning, sound financial management, economic development and employee relations. Dave’s experience, knowledge and personality are an excellent fit for O’Fallon. Dave will be a tremendous asset to our residents and businesses as we move forward.”

Strahl said he was drawn to O’Fallon by the talented City staff and O’Fallon’s reputation as a great place to live and work.

“As someone who has spent his entire career in the Midwest, I was very aware of O’Fallon’s numerous national recognitions, including as one of America’s safest cities and one of the country’s best places to live, work and raise a family,” said Strahl. “As I went through the interview process, I got to know Mayor Hennessy, the City Council and many of the extremely impressive directors and staff leaders. I am grateful for the opportunity to join this talented team and work together to implement the vision of our elected officials.

“I am humbled to be invited to become a part of the O’Fallon community and I am ready to immerse myself fully into all that the region has to offer,” said Strahl. “I already was very excited about the opportunity to come to O’Fallon, but after spending some additional time with the City’s excellent Management Team, I am even more eager to start working with this tremendous group.”
​
Strahl has a Masters of Public Administration, Urban Management from Northern Illinois University and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Manchester College. He is a member of the International City/County Management Association and the National Public Employee Labor Relations Association. 

O’FALLON, MO - In celebration of the 6th annual Manufacturing Day, St. Charles Community College will open their doors on October 3, 2017, to the public in an effort to change people’s perceptions about today’s manufacturing environment and draw attention to the outstanding opportunities a career in manufacturing can provide.
 
More than 500 students will be on hand to explore what modern manufacturing is all about through engaging speakers and hands on demonstrations, including a mobile CNC machine, virtual welder, tool and dye processes, and much much more! Student field trips are funded by the local sponsors who believe in the mission of manufacturing day. Students will first attend presentations and demonstrations at St. Charles Community College before they are taken to a St. Charles County manufacturing facility to see firsthand what a career in manufacturing looks like.
 
Manufacturing Day is an annual national event held on the first Friday of October.  At the local level, it is supported by thousands of manufacturers as they host students, teachers, parents, job-seekers, and community members at open houses, plant tours, and presentations designed to showcase modern manufacturing technology and careers.
 
“There will be an unprecedented shortage of skilled workers as the current manufacturing workforce nears retirement age.” said Erin Williams, President/CEO of the O’Fallon Chamber. “Between now and 2020 there will be an increasing demand for skilled professionals in the manufacturing sector who can design, program, and operate technology.  Getting youth excited about these opportunities will help to fill these roles.”
 
More information on Manufacturing Day St. Charles County is available at www.GrowManufacturing.org or by contacting Erin Williams at 636-240-1818 or [email protected].

 
O’FALLON, MO (July 20, 2017) — The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries has been named the 2017 Chamber of the Year by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), an Alexandria, Va.-based association of more than 7,500 chamber of commerce professionals, and 1,300 chambers of commerce, around the world.

Chamber of the Year is the nation’s only award recognizing the leadership role chambers have in their communities. Those honored with the Chamber of the Year designation have demonstrated organizational strength and made an impact on key community priorities, such as education, transportation, business development and quality of life.
 
O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries’ President and CEO, Erin Williams along with the organization’s Director of Member Engagement, Nina DeAngelo and Chairwoman of the Board, Brenda Lowder, accepted the award July 18 at ACCE’s Annual Convention in Nashville, Tennessee.
 
“Being recognized as the Chamber of the Year by ACCE is an incredible honor and accomplishment! This award is the highest honor that we could receive. The members of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries deserve to feel incredibly proud of what we have been able to accomplish together. Through their ideas, hard work and collaborative mindset, our organization offers strong, relevant programming which strengthens our businesses and community. Personally, to say I am honored to be part of this organization is a huge understatement,” said Erin Williams, O’Fallon Chamber President and CEO.

Chambers of commerce competing for the award first must qualify by participating in a vigorous multi-stage process. Organizations entering the Chamber of the Year competition must meet minimum thresholds in at least three of five key performance areas, including net revenue, net assets, membership account retention and membership dollar retention.
 
Qualifying for Chamber of the Year is a rigorous process. Chambers compete based on meeting key performance criteria on the ACCE Annual Operations Survey. Qualifying chambers enter the competition with a written application addressing all aspects of organizational operation and programmatic work. Applications are scored by peer chamber executives to determine finalists. The winner is selected from among the top three finalists based on an in-person interview before a panel of experienced chamber professionals.
 
This year's competition drew numerous entries from chambers throughout the United States and Canada. To ensure the fairest competition, applicants are grouped into five categories based on: annual revenue, membership, area population, and several other factors.
 
OCCI Board Chairwoman, Brenda Lowder wants everyone to know that “It took all of us to bring this trophy home and reflecting upon our great membership, we are collaborative, resolvers, leaders, connectors and advocates. The structure of our Chamber brings out the best in all of us.”

The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries has been named a finalist for the prestigious 2017 Chamber of the Year award, presented by Alexandria, Va.-based Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), and sponsored by Indianapolis-based WebLink International. Finalists for the award ¾ of which there are three in the same category ¾ will be celebrated at a special event Tuesday, July 18 in Nashville, Tenn. where the winner will also be announced.
 
Chamber of the Year is the nation’s only award recognizing the leadership role chambers have in their communities. Those honored with the Chamber of the Year designation have demonstrated organizational strength and made an impact on key community priorities, such as education, transportation, business development and quality of life.
 
“Being named as a finalist is a huge honor and serves as tangible evidence of the hard work and dedication of our board of directors, staff, and members as a whole. Through their innovative ideas, collaborative spirit, and dedication to the businesses and community, the O’Fallon Chamber is able to thrive,” said Erin Williams, President & CEO of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries. “We are proud to be able to represent our membership and the O’Fallon community at the national level and are so honored to be in the same company as great organizations like the Des Moines Downtown Chamber and the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce,” Williams said.


Chambers of commerce interested in competing for the award first must qualify by participating in a vigorous multi-stage process. Organizations entering the Chamber of the Year competition must meet minimum thresholds in at least three of five key performance areas, including net revenue, net assets, membership account retention, and membership dollar retention.
 
Qualifying for Chamber of the Year is a rigorous process. Chambers compete based on meeting key performance criteria on the ACCE Annual Operations Survey. Qualifying chambers enter the competition with a written application addressing all aspects of organizational operation and programmatic work. Applications are scored by peer chamber executives to determine finalists. Winners are selected from among finalists based on an in-person interview before a panel of experienced chamber professionals.
 
This year's competition drew numerous entries from chambers throughout the United States and Canada. To ensure the fairest competition, applicants are grouped into five categories based on: annual revenue, membership, area population, and several other factors.

 
About the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives
The Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), founded in 1914, uniquely serves nearly 8,000 individuals who manage chambers of commerce. The mission of the Alexandria, Va.-based organization is to support and develop chamber professionals to lead businesses and their communities. Learn more about us by visiting www.ACCE.org.
 
About our sponsor, WebLink International, Inc.
Weblink International, sponsor of the 2017 Chamber of the Year award, is an industry-leading provider of integrated association management software. Forty percent of the top 50 metro chambers and 60 percent of ACCE Chamber of the Year Finalists have chosen WebLink as their technology provider. Learn more at weblinkinternational.com.