After consideration of the current economy and with careful review of the financial situation of the St. George Area Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Directors has determined that it will freeze all dues and fees at 2008 levels until further notice. This includes leaving the price of the weekly lunch and all sponsorships at the same levels.
This is no minimal gesture on part of the Board of Directors that has a fiduciary responsibility to protect the health and integrity of the Chamber. They balance that responsibility with the understanding that they, like you understand how tough the economy is right now.
Costs for Chamber operations and activities have risen significantly since 2008. Some Chamber members have gone out of business and others have dropped their memberships in a short sighted effort to tighten their own belts. The support of local government agencies has been reduced significantly. We’re feeling the squeeze between these forces.
The efforts of the Chamber are needed now more than ever. In this community we have had our time to reap. Now is a time to sow. The Chamber led Destination Dixie and shop local campaigns which ran in late 2008 during a time of economic downturn are examples of how your membership and support made it possible to take action designed to minimize the impact of weak retail performance.
Years of conservative management are making it possible now for the Chamber to operate for a short time in a no growth and even deficit environment. We need your continued support.
Your annual dues are based on employee count. If you’ve had to cut back, check the schedule, your dues may have gone down for 2009. If you have more employees now than the number that appears on the invoice when you receive in 2009 then please pay the corresponding amount.
During these tight times we can really use your help. Here are a few ideas: 1) Invite neighboring businesses to join the Chamber; 2) Maintain your market position by sponsoring a Chamber activity which will give your company important exposure; 3) Make plans now to participate in the 2009 Business Expo; 4) Hold back even a small portion of your advertising budget (as little as $500) so you can participate in future campaigns like the Destination Dixie campaign that can help bring consumers into our area for shopping, vacations, golf and home buying.
Everything that made Dixie what it is today is still here. The outside forces that have tamed recent growth will eventually take care of themselves. Thanks for helping maintain our Chamber as one of the most vital and active in the State of Utah and the region.
