by Richard Uhlhorn
Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce discussion:
Mayor Erin McCardle stated in her introduction to a discussion of the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce that there were a number of baseless rumors spreading on-line concerning the Chamber. “If you are sharing information, please make sure it is accurate” said McCardle.
McCardle handed out MRSC rules on Lodging Tax funds and how they may be used. Chelan collects 5% lodging tax; 2% cent is a basic lodging tax that the City uses for capital projects while an additional 3% is collected as a bed tax. These funds are used for tourism marketing, operation of special events and festivals associated with attracting tourists.
In addition to marketing, these funds can also be used for operations and capital expenditures of tourism-related facilities owned or operated by a municipality.
McCardle went on to inform the Council that the Chamber is a non-profit (501 (c) 3) organization that is in the business of helping sustain the business community in Chelan. She stated stated that if council has any questions regarding the Chamber they should reach out to the nine member Chamber board.
Executive Director Michael Steele told the council that the Chamber is a membership run organization with a nine member board which he named.
He talked about this year’s downturn in sales tax and bed tax revenues. “Our money is much smaller this year,” said Steele. “The County is down substantially.”
“We take seriously our role. We are the envy of other cities,” stated Steele. He added that the Chamber has spent zero dollars on marketing from May through September. “It’s been 15 years since we’ve advertised during the high season.”
Steele went on to say the challenge is attracting tourists in the fall, winter and spring, but also said that Winterfest helps the community’s resort/motel complex with 40 to 60 percent occupancy.
McCardle provided the council with four questions to consider:
1. How does the City view the role of the Chamber and its representation of small business?
2. What is the role of the City in supporting tourism and tourism activities?
3. Does the City see other opportunities for economic development?
4. What are the positive and negative effects of tourism on local community life and what needs addressing?
She asked for council direction on the Chamber and to bring back a contract for the October budget hearings. “Tourism is the economic driver for the community,” she said.
Councilman Brad Chitty said, “It’s not so much as what the Chamber is doing, but what we can do together.” McCardle replied that the main part is to not get rid of tourism. She added that the community has issues at the Parks and with traffic.
Councilman Tim Hollingsworth also noted staffing at the parks, the overcrowded weekends, the garbage generated and the traffic that needs to be addressed. Councilman Goedde said, “We do not have a parking problem, we have a signage problem.” Hollingsworth replied that the City has paid from $40,000 to $100,000 on signage in the wayfinding program.
McCardle asked for two councilmen to be added to the Chamber Contract Team which includes Terry Sanders, Wade Farris, Jackie Tupling and Paul Horne. Mark Ericks and Jon Higgins joined the team which will meet over the next several weeks and bring back contract language to be considered.
If anyone has questions regarding the Chamber and its operations, they are encouraged to contact Mike Steele or a Chamber Board Member.
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