LETTERS: Reader is irked
To the Editor:
I would like to respond to your editorial "No Good Reason." At first when I read your editorial it made me very upset so I took a couple of weeks to respond. Well, now that I am more poised, I would like to comment.
I don't feel that any business or professional person has to feel BULLIED into joining any organization that is supposed to help ALL the community. As for dues, it is my understanding that Marion's dues are a bit higher than surrounding communities. Would someone like to explain exactly where all the dues go? Does the chamber furnish its members with a year-end report? You state dues invested in the Chamber of Commerce amounts to insurance against economic disaster, so does that mean the next time we see a Marion chamber person in Wal-Mart or at Lowes or even Home Depot that those stores are members of OUR chamber?
Our business has been a member of Marion's chamber for 13 years and to tell the truth not much has changed — we have Chingawassa Days but it is my understanding that is separate from the chamber. As for those going along for a free ride, being in business is by no means a free ride, it's hard work and some business owners really don't have time to attend the luncheons. Are we to close down the café at lunch and put a sign up saying "Closed, out to lunch with the chamber!"? Look at the "No Good Reasons" why there are only 24 members that do attend the monthly luncheons, any thought to that? Oh yes, volunteer, volunteer to do what? Has the chamber ever gone out personally and asked different members to help? Instead of putting something in the paper about needing volunteers, that's so impersonal don't you think?
As far as paying double dues, why would I want to do that if I don't know where the first $200 is going. And as far as what the chamber does for one's business, I would like to see a prospectus on the matter. As far as nobody giving a damn about our businesses, I feel it's the people of our community that help our businesses grow, not so much just one commercial organization.
Now I'm sure this letter (if printed) — if not I do know of another paper that might send it to print — won't set to kindly with some people, and I know I'm going out on a limb even to write this letter. Bill, I hope no potential business person took offense to your May 14 editorial. I would hate for them to feel like their business would fail unless they had the backing of chamber members who feel it's OK to try to BULLY people into joining an organization that's supposed to, as you put it, Give A Damn! You should be trying to get members Bill, not threaten them by implying you will only make it in business if you are a chamber member.
I feel Marion, over all, is a good community. After all, we moved here to raise our family and to operate a business that I pray will continue to prosper whether we are a chamber member or not. And as far as doing work for the good of the community, I feel anyone who is brave enough to run a business is doing something good for that community.
Last but not least, Bill, instead of no good reason, why don't you try printing SOME REAL GOOD REASONS for joining the chamber, something with heart and personal, not so much Do It Or Else You will Fail! Thank you taking time to read my letter. I'm not to sure how many more people will join the chamber after reading either article, but who knows maybe some people like to be BULLIED, I, for one, DO NOT!
A business owner
Deborah Cook
Marion
Editor's Note: Cook owns and operates Stone City Café.
