posted
I wrote about an experience we had with our local Chamber last August.
Every year for the last 10 years we screen printed a custom plaque that they gave out to some "outstanding member" for whatever reason they could come up with. Reality is that its all about local politics.
And every year they give us "free membership" in exchange for doing the plaque.
Well the boss finally decided enough was enough. This is the last one unless they pay full price regardless of membership.
Every year the lead time got shorter and shorter. It started out with 3 weeks lead time and now its down to 3 days. And to top it off they've developed an attitude.
The boss fired an employee last week for copping an attitude. Now she's firing the Chamber for the same reason.
posted
Glenn..........I don't get here to visit as often as I should but dag nab-it you always have something relevant to say. It's good for the Boss to fire a client every now and then
I've wanted to drop the Chamber for years. Not once did we ever get so much as a "thank you" for the free stuff with did. I'm talking about literally thousands of dollars worth of material and labor and not a single "thank you".
Dad always felt that doing such things was necessary to "stay in the loop." All I ever saw was them using him whenever it was convenient. They would promise to do stuff for him such as a write-up in the monthly news letter but they never did it.
Our local business community is poorly served by our Chamber, IMHO. I figure its time for them to mooch off of someone else. I've got paying jobs to do.
posted
Our chamber does more to promote local business than anyone else. They have events that are well promoted. They support the endeavors of other events. They broadcast our community to outside interests and industry and have a liaison to the film industry. They have monthly mixers for social and business networking. They have lunchtime brown bag-it seminars for business owners. They teach strategies to cope in difficult times. There are many business owners that never seem to cease in their giving of the time and labor to keep things happening. I sure appreciate our local chamber and am pleased to be a part in it.
-------------------- The SignShop Mendocino, California
Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity. — Charles Mingus Posts: 6716 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
I couldn't have said what Rick said better! Rick, if you didn't live in California, I would think you were living in Watkins Glen!!
Not only that, but the Chamber just gave me the go-ahead for their new $4,000.00 sign!!
[ January 22, 2010, 11:00 AM: Message edited by: Tony Vickio ]
-------------------- Tony Vickio The World Famous Vickio Signs 3364 Rt.329 Watkins Glen, NY 14891 t30v@vickiosigns.com 607-535-6241 http://www.vickiosigns.com Posts: 1063 | From: Watkins Glen, New York | Registered: Sep 2001
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posted
As a sign person and a Chamber member, I can relate to what Glenn says. I have been asked on numerous occasions to do stuff for free, or at a really low price.....or with little time notice.
Last thing was the Christmas parade. A week before, they 'notified' me that I was expected to make number markers to identify floats in the parade. They couldn't tell me how many floats; just make a bunch of them. I finally told them I didn't have time; we were going out of town (which we actually were).
Our Chamber is basically a decent organization, but is too busy going in various members' directions. We are currently in the process of 'arguing' over whether or not to buy a permanent music/PA system to go on our Main Street, which I think is a total waste of money. We have a small town,with few people on the street at any given hour of the day.
And, like many others, we have put articles in the paper, passed out flyers, emailed members.....asking for input.'What would you like the Chamber to do for you?' 'What kind of events or activities would you like the Chamber to sponsor/promote?' etc... Time after time, we get no response. Then...in the same timeframe, a member will quit, saying "the Chamber never does anything for me." So how do you win???
I'm glad for you guys who have active Chambers. Surely, there is good to be done. It's just a shame when apathy plays such a negative role in the life of a community......for all concerned.
-------------------- Dale Feicke Grafix 714 East St. Mendenhall, MS 39114
"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." Posts: 2963 | From: Mendenhall, MS | Registered: Apr 1999
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I see several ultra active givers in our chamber that have businesses that don't require them babysitting details so they have the time and drive to be doers. If those few left, I doubt our chamber would survive. The rest of us each do some little part.
-------------------- The SignShop Mendocino, California
Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity. — Charles Mingus Posts: 6716 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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