Sierra Madre Chamber Transitions to All-Volunteer Organization

The Sierra Madre Chamber of Commerce released the following information Thursday about its reorganization:

Ed Chen, recently elected President of the , 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 .”

In the coming month, the Chamber will co-host two additional business forums on the heel of the successful release of the . 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, the Saturday after Thanksgiving and the in January.

What do you think of the Sierra Madre Chamber of Commerce making these changes? Do you think the changes will help or hinder local businesses?