Press Release posted 8/2/12 –
Volunteer Leadership to Reinvigorate Business Community Despite Financial Challenges
SIERRA MADREL, CA – Ed Chen, recently elected President of the Sierra Madre Chamber of Commerce, has announced changes in the way the organization will operate. The Chamber, whose primary purpose is to support local businesses, will cut its overhead expenses by eliminating its paid position of Executive Director. Bill Coburn, who held the job for the last four years, served his last day in that position June 30th. He remained as an independent contractor to help with the transition through July.
The Chamber will now function as an all volunteer organization. “This change will not have a negative impact on the Chamber’s operations. We still have an ambitious calendar ahead of us,” said Chen. “We thank Bill Coburn’s service as our Executive Director, and we look forward to continue providing excellent service to our members with the support of our board members, the business community and the City of Sierra Madre.”
In the coming month, the Chamber will co-host two additional business forums on the heel of the successful release of the city’s Buxton Market Demand Study, which provides local business owners with current consumer data specific to each business. It will also soon be formally announcing its Welcome Wagon program for new residents and businesses. In addition, plans are underway for co-sponsoring a Health Fair with the city in late September and a fun filled “All American Pooch Parade and Dog Show” in November.
In addition, plans are also in the works for two of the group’s annual events, Dickens Village the Saturday after Thanksgiving and the Citizen of the Year Dinner in January.
The Chamber’s office hours can be confirmed by calling 626-355-5111.
The Sierra Madre Chamber has been in existence more than 80 years. It was formally known as the Sierra Madre Trade Association. It is the sponsor of one of the city’s largest events, the annual Wistaria Festival, which showcases “The World’s Largest Blossoming Plant.”