Kathleen,

I am not the person who looked into this matter. But, think about it. All states have a Chamber of Commerce. Each executive director is a paid position. In the case of the Lakeport Regional Chamber of Commerce, even the executive director has paid employees. Where does the money come from to pay for the office, employees and scheduled activities? In Atlanta, you have a both a Chamber of Commerce and a Convention and Business Center. Now, both have a membership base. But, do you think both are run on membership money alone and still paying employee salaries?

It was the Lakeport Regional Chamber of Commerce that helped to start an economic development nonprofit organization called Mt. Konocti Facilitation. An volunteer executive board was put in place. An enterprise facilitator was hired. Fund-raising was done. But, the fund-raisers were not successful. So, the one hired employee was fired. MKF is still $50,000 in debt to the Sirolli Institute, which is the parent organization to MKF. I do believe all Chamber of Commerce organization operate in a similar fashion. I will bet their bylaws are identical on the state level. Unlike most membership-run nonprofit organizations I have a feeling that the Chamber of Commerce dictates the rules and activities to the membership - not the other way around. I have a feeling the Chamber of Commerce is run like a business - not a social club. But, I must confess I am not now nor have I ever been a member of the Chamber of Commerce.

Lamar Morgan
Network Moderator

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