No handout for chamber

To the editor:
In regards to the Executive Director of the Jay County Chamber of Commerce asking for money to keep the Chamber operating, I feel that all persons involved in the decision making should ask a few questions before they shell out $25,000.00 to bail them out. First, if it is the Jay County Chamber, ask how many businesses there are in the county. Then ask how many of them are current members. I would bet the percentage is quite low.
If they are not member, ask them why.
The committee that is giving the money, should be doing their own research on this. In regards to businesses not joining because the economy is down, well maybe for some, but the business that I actually polled, their business is up and they are NOT members.
There is a reason why and it is not about the economy. If the board of the chamber would actually visit business (this means walking in the door) they would know that not every business is down.
If the chamber was run like a business, they would have to consider downsizing, cutting overhead or maybe reducing wages. That’s what other businesses do.
I say don’t give them the money and let them figure out a way to keep their jobs and their doors open besides begging for a handout.
Sincerely,
Brian Rippy, owner, B&S Excursions [[In-content Ad]]