2014 Men of the Year Honoree: Brent McCoy

If you want something done, consider inviting Brent McCoy along.

“Each day I make things happen,” he says. “I am not one to sit idle and watch the world go by.”

It’s an appropriate attitude for the vice president of membership at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, where McCoy is tasked with growing the organization.

“I have an extensive background in chamber and association management, and my career goal has been to serve my members to the best of my ability,” he says. “Each morning I ask myself, ‘How can I help my members become more successful?’ Having that question top of mind every morning ensures that I will take action each day toward that goal.”

McCoy brought to the chamber a background in operations and sales and marketing. He also has experience in membership development from his role as chief association officer for the nearly 10,000-member, Springfield-based American College of Forensic Examiners International, where McCoy led the initiative to develop comprehensive text for the Certified Medical Examiner Certification Course.

“The result of these efforts was an increase in overall membership, and we gained new advocates for our organization,” McCoy says.

When he moved to the chamber eight years ago, McCoy was prepared to develop new programs and benefits for the organization’s nearly 2,200 members to help them get the most of their involvement and understand the value of membership.

In 2007 and 2009, McCoy’s Benefits of Membership marketing material was recognized with the Award of Excellence by the statewide Chamber of Commerce Executives of Missouri. Also in 2009, his benefits guide received an Award of Excellence from the national American Chamber of Commerce Executives.

McCoy launched the 60 Minutes to Success Educational Series, which provides education and resources to business owners, as well as Business2Business A.M., a venue through which members can promote their products and network. McCoy also developed an initiative for first-year members aimed at engagement and retention.

In the past four years, the chamber’s retention of first-year members has been more than 70 percent; the national average is 55 percent.

“I am able to influence the success of others on a daily basis. My role is to help our members and area businesses to make contacts and grow their business,” McCoy says. “I am extremely passionate about what I do.”

In 2011, McCoy led a membership event in which the chamber recruited 384 volunteers and raised $202,000 over three days – an industry record.

“There are only 11 chambers in the world that have exceeded $100,000 in membership investment dollars raised during a three-day event,” he says.

When it was time in 2013 for another membership drive, McCoy accepted the challenge of breaking the previous record – with success.

“The chamber holds two world records. It was such an amazing feeling to go against all of the odds and not only beat them but shatter them,” he says. “Springfield is truly a remarkable place.”

McCoy’s volunteer work includes Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks Inc., American Cancer Society, United Way of the Ozarks, Child Advocacy Center, Ashley House and Rotary Club of Springfield Sunrise, which he serves as president. He also is a Rotarian of the Year recipient.[[In-content Ad]]