Having been a member of the Loomis Chamber of Commerce for over 10 years, it appears to me that the role of the chamber has been more of a social activity for it's members. One of it's main tasks is the monthly mixers. They have had quarterly informational scessions for the local bussinesses. Unlike other chamber that are very pro active for attracting bussiness to thier community, the Loomis Chamber has not been in that role for years. The current staff people are there as office employees and not as an executive director. The last time the Chamber actively tried to improve the bussiness climate in Loomis was then Hazel Hineline was executive director over 15 years ago. Hazel was active in getting new bussiness to come to Loomis.
I have met with the Chamber and they have been helpful in forming a committee headed by Vicki Morris to make suggestions on some things the council might do to help bussiness like downtown directional signs. I am still waiting to hear the response from the other council members of this proposal as it has been delayed for 3 months.
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It sounds like maybe the folks who work at the Chamber office, whether they are Ex. Directors or office staff, need to attend some of the Council meetings or the Council needs to go to the Chambers meetings so that they can get on the same page regardless of what they end up doing.
I don't think that signs are the only solution. There's a reason why businesses don't stay in Loomis long term.
Maybe it's because the rent here is way too high (I've heard some busness owners say this) for what they are getting. A lot of the buildings are older and run down and need attention.
Because Loomis is not a newer town many of the buildings and the infastructure is older and not up to the new modern look & usability (like internet capabililty). Many times people will not even enter a building to shop unless they like the looks of the outside.
I've also heard from others that Loomis government is hard to work with. That they hassle people, whether it's business owners or residents.
Loomis needs to think about getting an Image Consultant or something to turn their reuputation around. They are known to be grumpy, "us four and no more", palookavile types. Loomis needs to turn their reputation around before they can get people to come here, whether it be to shop or start a business.
A chamber of commerce (also referred to in some circles as a board of trade, though this phrase is not commonly used in the United States) is a form of business network. Business owners in towns and cities form these local societies to protect their own interests. Local businessmen are members, and they elect an executive council to run the chamber.
Chambers of commerce serve the following purposes:
Promotion of trade in their own towns or cities.
Obtaining and supporting municipal regulations in interest of business in their regions.
Settlement of disputes between members by means of arbitration.
Collection of information and statistics which may be of use to their members.
Recording of a blacklist for members' reference.
Prevention of unnecessary competition by establishing uniform hours, wages and prices.
Advocating for business friendly policies at the state, local, federal, and international levels.
Source: www.wikipedia.org
We have to think bigger than 'directional signs'... much bigger.
VOTE "NO" ON LOOMIS FIRE DISTRICT ASSESSMENT!
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