Chamber of Commerce Programs

Keith Woods serves as Senior Advisor on Chamber Trends for the California Chamber of Commerce.

His extensive background in Chamber work includes 32 years in chief executive and staff positions at the San Jose, San Francisco and San Antonio (TX) Chambers of Commerce. He was the President/CEO of the Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce for 13 years.

Keith has spoken to over 700 Chamber groups in 40 states over the past two decades, focusing on innovative new ideas and success stories in membership sales and retention, generating non-dues income, effective governmental relations programs, communications, staff/volunteer team building, and more.

His most popular programs, all laced with wit and humor, include:

"The Next Generation Chamber: Are You Ready"

There is a new breed of Chambers being created that are adjusting to the dramatic changes taking place in the business community and communities at large. This program offers a detailed 5-step strategy for success that focuses on membership and marketing techniques, program development, effective communications, how to build financial strength, and the different roles that volunteers and staff play in great Chambers. 2-3 hours

"Trends in Chambers Across America: What’s Hot, What’s Not"

Through his studies of small to large Chambers in the U.S. and Canada over the past 20 years, Keith has identified the 10 most significant trends affecting local Chambers of Commerce. In this fast-paced program, he reviews these trends and explains the impact they are having on a Chamber’s ability to stay relevant and meaningful to its members. 1-2 hours

"Putting ‘Commerce’ Back in Your Chamber of Commerce: How to Run Your Organization More Like a Business"

If a Chamber is going to claim to represent business, then it ought to look and act like one itself. In this program, Keith outlines the specific steps a Chamber needs to avoid being viewed as just another non-profit agency. The emphasis is on effective hiring and management of employees, creating financial stability, developing strong marketing and sales programs, offering “demand-driven” programs, and creating an aggressive business plan … just like your members! 1-2 hours

"If Not for the Chamber …"

This is the perfect Annual Banquet speech. In just 30 minutes, Keith will inspire your Chamber members to appreciate how vital a Chamber is to the quality of life and the economic well-being in a community. He highlights the success stories in your local Chamber and builds the audience’s respect for the important role a Chamber plays in a community’s development. 30 minutes

"The Ten Traits of Great Chamber Execs and Staff"

What does it take to excel in Chamber work? Keith has interviewed the nation’s top Chamber executives--as well as hundreds of volunteers--to learn what characteristics they believe are found in the best managers and staff people in the business. In this interactive session, the audience gets an opportunity to grade themselves and identify ways to improve. 1-2 hours

"How to Create a Great Strategic Plan on a Shoestring Budget"

So your Chamber wants a long-range plan but doesn’t want to spend a lot of money creating one? No problem. In this program, the specific steps necessary to build a Strategic Plan are outlined, along with creative tips on how to get volunteers and staff people involved in the process. Keith’s first tip: a 3-year Plan is far more realistic than a 5-year Plan. 1-2 hours