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Summer vacations are underway; activities tend to slow down but it is a good time for planning activities for the next year. Join the members of the Copper Basin Chamber of Commerce Saturday, June 4, at West End Café at 9 a.m. in their new addition. Share with us your ideas.
The Copper Basin Chamber of Commerce has to undergo several changes this year starting with the change in summer hours which are 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. until September.
Over the past 56 years, the main activity was Pioneer Days which was started by the Kearny Women’s Club (who turned it over to the Kearny Booster Club which eventually became the Kearny Chamber and is now the Copper Basin Chamber). Proceeds from Pioneer Days has traditionally covered the Director’s salary (which is minimal to say the least), office expenses and taxes.
There is an old adage which states, “It takes money to make money” and through the years the proceeds have carried us to December when membership dues and Pioneer Days revenue begins to come in. This year as in any year when Pioneer Days falls during Holy week and Easter Sunday the proceeds were down tremendously. Major expenses include the Queen contest, portable restrooms, maintenance, t-shirts, and advertising to name a few. Since 2000 the Chamber has added the Car Show, Back to School campaign, took over Oktoberfest from an Arts and Crafts group, Electric Light parade, Women’s Expo, Copper Basin Idol, Swap meet and food sales whenever necessary.
Under the current circumstances we need people to step up with new ideas and the desire to chair a project and or serve on committees. We need additional Board members who are willing to put in the time to help rejuvenate the Chamber or we will have to cancel most if not all of the yearly activities.
The Copper Basin area cannot be compared to neighboring communities. Our three local towns have budget restraints; young families are moving to the Valley and those who live and work here want to keep the towns alive. When we do sponsor an activity it is with the desire to bring in people to the area and our businesses do great. We were able to have a Car Show again when Rip Vache from NAPA stepped up to organize the ones the past two years and we are thankful to him for that.
Plan to attend the planning retreat and join us for breakfast and lunch (your menu choice and you pay your own). We hope to finish shortly after lunch and no later than 2 p.m.
SEE YOU SATURDAY, JUNE 4.
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