Town Of Oro Valley Funds The Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce

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The Town Of Oro Valley funds the Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce.  The Town pays the Chamber $6,250 per quarter. This is $25,000 for 2012-2013.

Last week we commented on the Chamber's quarterly report to Council. We highlighted some of the items noted in the report.  What we did not note was hat the items detailed in the report were exactly what the town contracted toe Chamber to do.

What is the town getting in return for its investment in the Chamber?

A reading of the agreement reveals that the town is paying the chamber for what the council would do even if the chamber received no funds from the town with one minor exception:  The Chamber was responsible for running Oro Valley's " Shop Oro Valley Campaign."   Otherwise, everything else for which the chamber receives funds is for something that it is already doing or at least should be already doing for its members.  For example,  Oro Valley is paying the Chamber to coordinate and attend ribbon cuttings.  Oro Valley is receiving free meals at Chamber events. The Chamber is working with  Oro Valley to empathize the importance of supporting local businesses.

Yes.  The Chamber is doing exactly what it was contracted to do. The Chamber is meeting their obligation.

The question is:  Is it reall the town's responsibility to fund this organization so that the organization can do what is organized to do anyway?

The funding for 2000-2013 was $25,000.    We are assuming that the same amount will be included in the 2013-2014 budget.   Were also assuming that the Chamber has the 4 votes on Council to get this funding approved. 
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