Business Acumen for City Hall: How My Skills Will Benefit Wetumpka

Chris and his son Skyler en route to a customer site for dash camera installation.

As the best candidate for Wetumpka City Council District 1, I believe that effective governance requires more than just good intentions; it demands practical experience and proven skill sets. My career, running my own local business and managing operations for a major retailer, has equipped me with a unique skill set that I am eager to translate directly into assets for our city.

My commitment to Wetumpka is rooted in bringing a professional, results-oriented approach to City Hall, focusing on key areas where my business skills can make a tangible difference: Sales and Marketing, Team Building and People Management, Resource Management and Accountability, and Fiscal Responsibility, all underpinned by strong Leadership.

Sales and Marketing: Showcasing Wetumpka's Value

My experience in sales and marketing isn't just about selling products; it's about understanding value, identifying opportunities, and effectively communicating a vision. At Darden Communications Consultants Inc. (DCCI), I was tasked with developing a comprehensive marketing plan from the ground up. This involved building out our website, creating compelling door-to-door sales materials, and leveraging manufacturer resources to drive sales. The results speak for themselves: a 120% increase in revenue in the first year, with consistent growth of at least 15% annually thereafter, both in direct sales and recurring revenue.

For Wetumpka, this translates into a keen eye for how we market our city's incredible resources. We need to understand what truly makes Wetumpka attractive – our unique geological wonders, our natural beauty and outdoor adventures, our vibrant arts and culture, and our rich history and heritage. My skills will ensure we have the oversight to properly market our tourism, venues, and overall appeal. As I always say, 'How do we inspect what we expect if we don't know what we are looking for?' I will bring that strategic understanding to our city's promotional efforts.

Team Building & Managing People: Optimizing Our City's Workforce

Effective city operations rely on a cohesive and motivated workforce. My background in team building and managing people is about ensuring we have the right individuals in the right management positions, creating an environment where city personnel can excel.

In my professional life, I've faced the challenge of deploying solutions that weren't immediately popular, such as telematics and dash cams that many drivers initially resisted due to concerns about being tracked. My approach involved building relationships and conducting team-building activities to help them understand the benefits of these products. This process was crucial in gaining buy-in from supervisors and their teams, leading to successful implementation. I will apply this collaborative yet results-driven approach to city departments, ensuring our dedicated staff are empowered, supported, and working together efficiently for the citizens.

Managing Resources & Accountability: Maximizing Every Dollar

Managing resources effectively means utilizing everything available to us in a positive way, and only investing in new or additional resources once existing ones have been fully optimized. This principle is vital for city governance.

My experience has taught me the importance of scrutinizing how resources are used and ensuring accountability. This isn't about micromanaging; it's about setting clear expectations and ensuring that every department uses its budget for city use only, preventing waste and misuse. I will advocate for rigorous oversight and transparent processes to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and efficiently.

Leadership & Fiscal Responsibility: A Vision for Wetumpka's Future

Strong leadership makes all the difference in the world. A strong leader puts the right people in the right place, keeps a vigilant eye on projects, operations, and special events, and maintains a constant finger on the pulse of everything that goes on. My leadership style is defined by empowering individuals to do their jobs, while holding them accountable to predetermined, clearly outlined standards.

Fiscal responsibility, for me, means more than just balancing books; it means actively auditing monies spent by each department to ensure every dollar serves the city's best interest. It means strategically growing our city's revenue streams through smart marketing of our existing assets – our unique crater, the Coosa River, our arts, and our history – rather than resorting to tax increases.

I am committed to bringing this proven business acumen, grounded in real-world results and a deep understanding of effective operations, to the Wetumpka City Council. My goal is to ensure our city is managed with the same dedication to efficiency, growth, and accountability that drives successful businesses.

Chris Black for Wetumpka City Council District 1 – Business Acumen for a Better Wetumpka.