Dear Fellow Chamber Member,

Please vote "Yes" on the proposed amendment to the Chamber by-laws. As Chamber members, you deserve to know how your dues are spent.

First, I'd like to thank the Board for this opportunity to give my reasons why you should support this amendment. It is only fair to hear all sides of an issue.

As Chamber members, we can vote to decide how the Chamber operates. This amendment is an example of that. By voting "Yes," any Chamber member can receive an answer to any question about the Chamber's operation.

No one doubts that the Chamber is run on the up-and-up. There is nothing to hide. The Chamber exists to benefit its members. There is no reason for secrecy. Members pay the same dues and work at the same fund-raisers, so we deserve to know how this money is spent.

A Chamber with open records will build confidence and pride among its members. I think any Chamber member can be trusted with this information just as we trust Board members with these details, and that this new right of inspection will not be abused to the detriment of the Chamber's goals.

I think even the Board agrees that more oversight is needed. The Chamber finances haven't been audited in recent memory. Inspired by the discussion of this amendment at the September Board meeting, they may form a new committee to audit the Chamber's books on a regular basis.

The Chamber does release some but not all records to its members. For example, the monthly financial report shows only a single amount for income and expense in a particular project such as the road construction fund. It does not show any of the details of where the money came from, or where or how the money was spent. Shouldn't we be able to ask these questions and receive an answer? This amendment allows that.

The Chamber benefits the community, but it also owes an obligation to Jefferson's taxpayers.
Apart from your dues and fund-raising efforts, the Chamber receives funds from the City of Jefferson. Every year since 1994, the City paid 100% of the salary and benefits of the Chamber's Executive Director through the Commerce and Industry Association, at more than $43,000 a year.
In 1998, the Chamber received an unprecedented $13,000 from the City. In 1999, it was $6,000. These City funds exceed the Chamber's own fund-raising income. This amendment allows members to be completely confident that these City funds are well-spent.

Please read President Jim van Lieshout's reasons for opposing this amendment. It may be the responsibility of the Board to oversee the details of the Chamber, but that doesn't mean that information should be hidden from the Chamber's own members. I hope that you remember just one reason of mine: You've paid your dues, and you deserve to know exactly how they're spent. Please vote "Yes."

Please feel free to call me at 674-5200 to discuss the amendment before you vote.

Sincerely,