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
