Michael Collins November Board Meeting
11-05-2001
Since I took the helm of the Chamber in July of this year, I have talked considerably about the reformation of the Merchants Committee, which was a spur of Merchants from the Chamber to oversee their best interest. This ad hock committee was formed to take on issues and to provide services that were not being met by their Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, the Action Council for 29 Palms formed during the same era and for similar reasons.
The Merchant's Committee was disbanded after a couple of years, but the Action Council is still strong and shares the same hopes and visions as I do; that we can work together in serving our community to ensure that our Economic Health continues strengthen.
As many of you may recall, a band of Merchants formed again a few years ago to take on the City’s newly proposed Sign Ordinance. This group of merchants was successful in rewriting the ordinance so that it was favorable to conducting business.
In last month's Newsletter, I mentioned my perceived need to establish a local Business Council that would consist of Chamber Member, other local business members and MCAGCC leaders. The Council’s mission would be that of representing the collective interest of our local business by promoting, informing, supporting, and continuously improving consumer awareness, thereby contributing to the growth of our local economy.
It seems today, however, that this Business Council’s mission may need to be expanded a bit further, as there are a group of merchants that are truly disenchanted with a growing number of issues within our City Government. This group is being spearheaded by George Croft, who has solicited the support of several local businesspeople to include Chuck Bell, Barbara Dunn, Chuck Donaldson, Suzi Horn, Dean DeMorrow and others.
Two letters have been written and addressed to Mayor Dube and the City Council itemizing a number of issues. I have included copies of these letters for your reading pleasure and to allow you to become well educated on these issues before our upcoming Board Meeting. I anticipate that George Croft will be attending this meeting and I will give him some time to talk on these issues.
Additionally, Marc Trost will be with us to discuss the formation of a Morongo Basin Legislative Council.
Respectively Michael Collins
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