City restores funding to Chamber

The Clarendon Chamber of Commerce got a boost last Tuesday, September 9, when the City of Clarendon restored funding to the organization.

For many years the Chamber had received 25 percent of the city’s Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) revenues, but in 2011 the city raised bookkeeping concerns and ultimately pulled the funding until the organization could reorganize.

Since then, the Chamber has moved into the Clarendon Visitor Center at the Mulkey Theatre to share office space with the Clarendon Economic Development Corporation, rebuilt its reputation, adopted new bylaws, and last month hired its former president, Bonnie Campbell, as Chamber Manager.

“We told them in May 2011 when they got things ironed out, they could come back to us,” Mayor Larry Hicks said at last week’s Board of Aldermen meeting.

Board members discussed the Chamber’s needs and its role in promoting tourism with Campbell and acting Chamber president Derlene Graham, and also asked Clarendon EDC Board Secretary Roger Estlack his thoughts on the CEDC’s role in managing the HOT Fund since the city delegated administration of all HOT funds to the CEDC in 2012.

“We serve at the pleasure of the city council,” Estlack said. “The CEDC isn’t going to fight over money. It’s your decision to make.”

Graham expressed the gratitude of the Chamber of Commerce for the city’s action.

“On behalf of the Chamber, I want to thank the City of Clarendon for their support and generous allocation of funds through the Hotel Motel Tax revenue,” she told the Enterprise. “These funds will be used to promote Clarendon and tourism. We are looking forward to working for and with the City and also our membership.”

Mayor Hicks also told the Enterprise that he appreciates the work the Chamber is doing.

“I’m excited about the Chamber,” Hicks said. “I’m glad to see they’ve reorganized, and I’m thrilled with who they hired for the manager. She’s done a good job [as president]. I look forward to seeing great things from the Chamber.”

The Chamber’s share of the HOT fund, which is estimated to be about $23,750 in the coming fiscal year, is only to be used for tourism-related Chamber activities and expenses, and city funds will be kept in a separate account from the Chamber’s general fund.

The CEDC will continue to administer the remaining 75 percent of the funds and will still handle all outside requests for funding.