The council’s decision to provide funds for the chamber included a provision that council and chamber representatives work together to find a long-term solution. The solution was to be presented at the Oct. 12 Public Safety Committee meeting, but it was postponed until the Nov. 9 Finance meeting.
According to Caldwell, the chamber has eliminated the full-time administrative-assistant position, cut the part-time bookkeeper’s hours in half, reduced the current president and CEO’s salary by 10 percent, and changed the group health insurance to individual plans.
Caldwell said the chamber will further reduce costs by eliminating publications such as the community directory, community map, Profile magazine, and Cantera Cares and Shares.
It will also eliminate citizen awards, and terminate its participation in Holly Days.
However, Caldwell said that, with respect to Summer Daze, the chamber would prefer “a joint partnership with another entity so that we can continue this great event for residents and businesses.”
In addition to these cost-cutting measures, Caldwell said the chamber is looking for donated office space to save an additional $7,000 per year, offering the greeter service on a volunteer basis, producing the visitors’ guides through money received from the hotel/motel grant, giving chamber members additional membership options, and “exploring the possibility of working with other organizations.”
Incoming 2010 Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board Andrew Carman also addressed the council. Carman said that, despite difficult times, the board of directors will focus on promoting the economic development of businesses in Warrenville for everyone’s benefit.
“We promise a new commitment to partnership with the city, park district, with all the not-for-profits, and any other organization in this community that has a desire to make Warrenville the absolute best small town to live in and to move forward in,” said Carman.
