IS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AMALGAMATION THE WAY TO GO?
(OSOYOOS TIMES — Feb. 21, 2007) —
The Osoyoos Chamber of Commerce is pursuing some form of amalgamation with the Chambers in Okanagan Falls and Oliver, and we must ask “ why?rnA recent survey of members has apparently found support for the idea among local business people.
So far, the local Chamber is only moving forward as a participant on a three-Chamber task force looking at how these South Okanagan Chambers might collaborate, but it is obvious from the recent Osoyoos questionnaire that our Chamber of Commerce leadership is all for joining in some fashion with its neighbours.
That may be a great idea, or it may not. It appears that the idea has not received much open debate yet, to see whether the pros outweigh the cons.
It may well be that this will be part of the job of the task force “ to bring about a debate on the benefits and any pitfalls of combining the Chambers of Commerce.
As the local Chamber said in the survey, there are likely savings to be made from joining in administrative duties and things like printing.
And they argue the Chamber will have more political clout if it represents the three towns instead of just one.
But isn't the Chamber's focus supposed to be on what is in the best interests of Osoyoos? Will that always coincide with what might be best for Oliver or OK Falls?rnWe may well have some unique business interests and needs in town that would best be served by a Chamber that is looking out first and foremost for Osoyoos.
Perhaps some partial collaboration, while leaving the three Chambers quasi-independent, would be a more desirable way to go? Let's hear from the task force.
