What the Chamber could be doing to help local businesses was part of the discussion at the October 10 Chamber meeting.
When community members discuss what should happen in the community, they often complain about “why don’t they…?” said Connie Grenz.
“Who is they?” she asked.
“We really all need to get involved because nobody’s going to be happy if ‘they’ make all the decisions,” she added.
Debbie Brown suggested that each month the Chamber have a different business host a meeting.
Having a highly visible office on Main Street would boost the Chamber, suggested Shellie Lee.
Chamber President Pat Lewis said even if the Chamber had an office, it is an all volunteer organization. Raising the dues to cover staffing and rental space would be prohibitive, she said.
“We have to work within what we have,” she added.
Lee said the Chamber needs to encourage more events.
Tom Harrington of the Jefferson Local Development Corporation said the Chamber sometimes “kind of sells itself a little short.” It needs to be explaining to businesses that hosting events brings people to town and helps businesses. Business owners also need to be told that once the event happens, “It’s your job to get the money out of the wallet once they get here.”
