Last night, the Chico City Council discussed the need for a sit/lie ordinance in Chico.  Each and every Council member, whether or not they agreed with the ordinance, recognized the need to support local businesses and our business climate.  Read the results of their discussion and decision here.

We're moving full steam ahead with our Clean & Safe Chico Community Forum on Wednesday, May 29th, at 6:30p.m. at the El Rey Theatre.  You'll hear about the programs now in place to help address community-wide concerns and you'll have the opportunity to rally support for your solutions.  We have 600 seats to fill and we need to pack the house to make sure our voices are heard.  No RSVPs, no fees.  See you there!

The results of our recent Shopper Survey are in and -- round of applause -- we're pleased to report that nearly 1,500 people weighed in.  We'll be releasing the data shortly but here's a sneak peek.  We asked: What do you think are the major advantages of shopping or doing personal errands in Chico?  Nearly 70% of the respondents answered "Supporting Local Businesses."  Now that's the spirit!

On that note, did you know that $.68 of every dollar spent at a locally-owned business and $.43 of every dollar spent at a business within the city limits returns to the community (source: Local First/Collaborative Economics)?  We're working on a "Choose Chico" campaign to help build awareness around the power of patronizing businesses in Chico which dovetails back into our Clean & Safe work perfectly.  If we want to see changes within our community, we need to continue to strengthen the partnership with our City Council, do our part in supporting local initiatives, and choose Chico when shopping.

Tomorrow morning, we're hosting a Membership Orientation & Refresher at 8:30a.m. in the Chamber office (441 Main, 2nd floor).  If you're a member or interested in membership, this is the place for you.  Make the most of what we do for you.

Next week, on May 30th, Council member Tami Ritter will be our Lunch Hour guest from noon to 1p.m..  And, to give you a better understanding of the City of Chico's fiscal outlook and priorities, we're co-hosting a City of Chico Budget 101 session with the City of Chico, DCBA, and Chico Stewardship Network, on Friday, June 7th, from noon - 1:30p.m. at the Chamber office. Speakers include Brian Nakamura, Mark Orme, and Chris Constantin, the new Administrative Services Director.  Listen, learn, and ask your questions; we want City staff to hear from you.  RSVP to me: katie@chicochamber.com

At the Festival for Change two weeks ago, Chico State students were encouraged to share what they'd like to "save." Comments included rivers, creeks, the ocean, our land, etc.  My second grader sized up the task, grabbed a pen, and wrote, "save the businesses."  I heard the same sentiments from the City Council last night.  I think we're doing something right.  Let's keep up the good work.

~ Katie

katie@chicochamber.com