502 replies to this topic

[Steve Heard]

What is the benefit of a local business being a member of the Chamber of Commerce?

 

There are many!

 

Exposure, through ribbon-cuttings, website, newsletter and other publications. 

 

Advocacy for businesses.

 

Networking opportunities such as the monthly mixers and power lunches. 

 

Training and information on everything from managing a business to trying to understand the new health care system.

 

The Folsom Leadership Academy.

 

Events such as the Biz Expo and Economic Forecast.

 

Member discounts at participating businesses.

 

Volunteer opportunities for community events and causes.

 

I'm probably missing some, but that's what comes to mind.

 

The Chamber is made up of big and small businesses, individuals, churches, schools and non-profit organizations

 

I can honestly say that my membership has helped me become a better businessman, more competent and confident, and I've gotten to know some great people I probably wouldn't have otherwise met.

 

Although I've gotten business from people I've met through the Chamber, that's not necessarily what it's for. It has made me more affective at it.

[cw68]

Advocacy for businesses.

 
This one I'm not so sure of, though the rest of the list are definite benefits. Advocacy for developers/development, no doubt.
 
As a Chamber member, small business owner and proponent of local businesses, how do you feel about the Chamber's PAC spending almost 95% of their money outside of Folsom? Wouldn't you expect them to support local businesses or only talk the talk?

[Judge Smails]

There are many!
 
Exposure, through ribbon-cuttings, website, newsletter and other publications. 
 
Advocacy for businesses.
 
Networking opportunities such as the monthly mixers and power lunches. 
 
Training and information on everything from managing a business to trying to understand the new health care system.
 
The Folsom Leadership Academy.
 
Events such as the Biz Expo and Economic Forecast.
 
Member discounts at participating businesses.
 
Volunteer opportunities for community events and causes.
 
I'm probably missing some, but that's what comes to mind.
 
The Chamber is made up of big and small businesses, individuals, churches, schools and non-profit organizations
 
I can honestly say that my membership has helped me become a better businessman, more competent and confident, and I've gotten to know some great people I probably wouldn't have otherwise met.
 
Although I've gotten business from people I've met through the Chamber, that's not necessarily what it's for. It has made me more affective at it.

Thanks Steve. I honestly had no idea.

[Steve Heard]

 
This one I'm not so sure of, though the rest of the list are definite benefits. Advocacy for developers/development, no doubt.
 
As a Chamber member, small business owner and proponent of local businesses, how do you feel about the Chamber's PAC spending almost 95% of their money outside of Folsom? Wouldn't you expect them to support local businesses or only talk the talk?

 

The most recent advocacy for small business owners I can think of was when a group of residents fought to limit the hours of operation of the bars and restaurants in the Historic District and to curtail their live music and entertainment. The Chamber helped them present their case(s), draft a proposal, and spoke up for them and their importance to the city. Without the Chamber's involvement, it would have been a pretty one-sided argument.

 

Instead, they presented a plan, much of which was lambasted by council members, despite the belief by some that the Chamber and council go hand in hand. In the end the City designated it an 'entertainment district' thus being able to establish guidelines to protect the quiet enjoyment of the neighbors, while enabling businesses to stay open. It wasn't the perfect solution for either side, but it worked.

 

I know they also worked with 2 big employers who've recently relocated to or opened major facilities in Folsom.

 

If in fact (and I honestly don't know the facts) the BizPAC purchased signs from businesses that were not Chamber members (some businesses join which are not located in Folsom) or located in Folsom, when the same products and/or services were available through Chamber member businesses, that was a big mistake, and I wouldn't hesitate to tell them so, though they already know now how it appears. 

[cw68]

 

The most recent advocacy for small business owners I can think of was when a group of residents fought to limit the hours of operation of the bars and restaurants in the Historic District and to curtail their live music and entertainment. The Chamber helped them present their case(s), draft a proposal, and spoke up for them and their importance to the city. Without the Chamber's involvement, it would have been a pretty one-sided argument.

 

Instead, they presented a plan, much of which was lambasted by council members, despite the belief by some that the Chamber and council go hand in hand. In the end the City designated it an 'entertainment district' thus being able to establish guidelines to protect the quiet enjoyment of the neighbors, while enabling businesses to stay open. It wasn't the perfect solution for either side, but it worked.

 

I know they also worked with 2 big employers who've recently relocated to or opened major facilities in Folsom.

 

If in fact (and I honestly don't know the facts) the BizPAC purchased signs from businesses that were not Chamber members (some businesses join which are not located in Folsom) or located in Folsom, when the same products and/or services were available through Chamber member businesses, that was a big mistake, and I wouldn't hesitate to tell them so, though they already know now how it appears. 

 

"If in fact?" Steve, I love ya and there is more that bind us than separates us, but "if in fact" their Form 460s are accurate, there's no question about fact. It wasn't just signs that were purchased from businesses out of Folsom. It was legal services, accounting, analysis, consulting, purchasing survey questions (not sure what that is) and more. It wasn't as if there was one need that Folsom couldn't provide - it was a blatant disregard for Folsom businesses and the services they provide. The only expenditures they brought to Folsom businesses were graphic design ($3,565), an ice cream fundraiser ($124) and a $200 gift card they bought for a raffle prize. The rest of the $63k+ (!) was spent outside of Folsom.

 

It's not how it "appears" that is the problem. IMHO, appearances mean nothing. Actions speak. Anyone can spit and polish for appearances; actions speak volumes. I hope you haven't hesitated to take the opportunity to tell that choosing to NOT support their own member businesses (or even ones in Folsom) was a big mistake.

[TruthSeeker]

 

"If in fact?" Steve, I love ya and there is more that bind us than separates us, but "if in fact" their Form 460s are accurate, there's no question about fact. It wasn't just signs that were purchased from businesses out of Folsom. It was legal services, accounting, analysis, consulting, purchasing survey questions (not sure what that is) and more. It wasn't as if there was one need that Folsom couldn't provide - it was a blatant disregard for Folsom businesses and the services they provide. The only expenditures they brought to Folsom businesses were graphic design ($3,565), an ice cream fundraiser ($124) and a $200 gift card they bought for a raffle prize. The rest of the $63k+ (!) was spent outside of Folsom.

 

It's not how it "appears" that is the problem. IMHO, appearances mean nothing. Actions speak. Anyone can spit and polish for appearances; actions speak volumes. I hope you haven't hesitated to take the opportunity to tell that choosing to NOT support their own member businesses (or even ones in Folsom) was a big mistake.

 

Thank you for posting the facts. It worries me that so many people blatantly ignore these facts out of their blind loyalty to the incumbents. (This isn't the first time you've posted these facts). Makes one wonder just how many people are in collusion with this entrenched corrupt city council? 

 

There is obviously is not very much love for local businesses by BizPac (and by the city council by connection).

But alas there is a typical lame duck excuse. SCA pointed out in a post in another thread that the candidates are not allowed to know what marketing is being created for them, nor who is being hired by BizPac.  So it would seem as if the candidates have no clue what's going on in their own campaign marketing nor where their campaign funds are being spent. However, according to SCA, it only appears that way because "we don't understand the process".

 

"By law, a PAC that is funding an independent expenditure on behalf of a candidate may not coordinate or communicate with that candidate's campaign. It's fine if you don't like the incumbents or BizPAC, but to say that "the candidates are out of touch with their own campaign processes" shows a lack of understanding of the process." -SCA

[cw68]

 
Thank you for posting the facts. It worries me that so many people blatantly ignore these facts out of their blind loyalty to the incumbents. (This isn't the first time you've posted these facts). Makes one wonder just how many people are in collusion with this entrenched corrupt city council? 
 
There is obviously is not very much love for local businesses by BizPac (and by the city council by connection).
But alas there is a typical lame duck excuse. SCA pointed out in a post in another thread that the candidates are not allowed to know what marketing is being created for them, nor who is being hired by BizPac.  So it would seem as if the candidates have no clue what's going on in their own campaign marketing nor where their campaign funds are being spent. However, according to SCA, it only appears that way because "we don't understand the process".
 
"By law, a PAC that is funding an independent expenditure on behalf of a candidate may not coordinate or communicate with that candidate's campaign. It's fine if you don't like the incumbents or BizPAC, but to say that "the candidates are out of touch with their own campaign processes" shows a lack of understanding of the process." -SCA

Money spent by PACs is not their campaign funds, nor is it their marketing. They are completely separate and SCA is correct. That said, IMHO, if the candidates thought it wrong, you'd think they'd say something, oh, except that the BizPAC is their bread and butter.

Expect better.

[ducky]

Money spent by PACs is not their campaign funds, nor is it their marketing. They are completely separate and SCA is correct. That said, IMHO, if the candidates thought it wrong, you'd think they'd say something, oh, except that the BizPAC is their bread and butter.

Expect better.

 

Can a candidate opt out of having BizPAC advertising if they weren't comfortable with where the funds were coming from or the way advertising money was being spent?  It does seem like permission would be needed somewhere along the way.

[Steve Heard]

 

"If in fact?" Steve, I love ya and there is more that bind us than separates us, but "if in fact" their Form 460s are accurate, there's no question about fact. It wasn't just signs that were purchased from businesses out of Folsom. It was legal services, accounting, analysis, consulting, purchasing survey questions (not sure what that is) and more. It wasn't as if there was one need that Folsom couldn't provide - it was a blatant disregard for Folsom businesses and the services they provide. The only expenditures they brought to Folsom businesses were graphic design ($3,565), an ice cream fundraiser ($124) and a $200 gift card they bought for a raffle prize. The rest of the $63k+ (!) was spent outside of Folsom.

 

It's not how it "appears" that is the problem. IMHO, appearances mean nothing. Actions speak. Anyone can spit and polish for appearances; actions speak volumes. I hope you haven't hesitated to take the opportunity to tell that choosing to NOT support their own member businesses (or even ones in Folsom) was a big mistake.

 

Dagnabbit. I wrote a response and somehow deleted it. I'll try to re-create it.

 

I see nothing wrong with my statement. It is apparent that you have done more investigation into this matter than I have, 'cause I've done zero. I'd never heard of a form 460 until it was mentioned here. All that I'd previously read was that BizPAC bought thousands of dollars worth of signs from outside of Folsom. 

 

So again, if that is true, then it is a mistake. They should know better. It looks bad. If it is true that they bought many other services outside of Folsom and/or from non-member merchants, yes, it's worse.

 

 

 

 

Thank you for posting the facts. It worries me that so many people blatantly ignore these facts out of their blind loyalty to the incumbents. (This isn't the first time you've posted these facts). Makes one wonder just how many people are in collusion with this entrenched corrupt city council? 

 

 

Not knowing, and 'blatantly ignoring' are two different things. No collusion, just haven't investigated the candidates, whether they be incumbent or challenger. 

 

 

 

Can a candidate opt out of having BizPAC advertising if they weren't comfortable with where the funds were coming from or the way advertising money was being spent?  It does seem like permission would be needed somewhere along the way.

 

I don't think one could do much. If I want to buy 'ducky for president' signs and put them up all over town, I suppose you could call me and demand that they be taken down.

 

The 'my name is ___ and I approve of this message' is a recent phenomena which began as a kind of defense or separation between a candidates campaign and PAC support.

[cw68]

 
Dagnabbit. I wrote a response and somehow deleted it. I'll try to re-create it.
 
I see nothing wrong with my statement. It is apparent that you have done more investigation into this matter than I have, 'cause I've done zero. I'd never heard of a form 460 until it was mentioned here. All that I'd previously read was that BizPAC bought thousands of dollars worth of signs from outside of Folsom. 
 
So again, if that is true, then it is a mistake. They should know better. It looks bad. If it is true that they bought many other services outside of Folsom and/or from non-member merchants, yes, it's worse.
 

Good point in that businesses outside of Folsom are Chamber members, so I checked it further.

It's even worse. Of the 13 businesses they patronized, only two (Ross Communications and The Pink Ice Cream Cart) are Chamber members. They spent $443.30 of the $58,165 they spent on goods and services at Chamber member businesses.

Pathetic. And it's true Steve. The information comes from the reports that BizPAC submitted.

[SCA]

cw68,

Your overall point is a good one.  Whenever possible the Chamber and BizPAC should be purchasing goods and services from Chamber members and Folsom businesses.  As a Chamber board member, I agree with you, and will bring that point up at our next board meeting.

 

However, I am a little confused by your math.  You say that "they spent $443.30 of the $58,165 they spent on good and services at Chamber member businesses."

 

Yet, according to Form 460, BizPAC paid $2464.00 to Gold Country Media for "advertising costs for Folsom Telegraph".  A quick search of the membership directory on the chamber's website shows that Gold Country Media, the parent company of the Folsom Telegraph, is a chamber member. 

 

You've also criticized BizPAC for goods and services purchased outside of Folsom.  Surely you aren't saying that that $2464.00 was spent outside of Folsom just because the PO Box for Gold Country Media, the parent company of the Folsom Telegraph, is in Auburn?

 

Some of BizPAC's expenses were for services that you can't get in Folsom.  I've been around political campaigns for 25 years and I can name a lot of political consultants.  I don't however, know of one that is based in Folsom.  There are a lot of attorneys in Folsom but if you are a conservative candidate or campaign anywhere in the state and you want legal advice, you go to Bell, McAndrews and Hiltachk in Sacramento. 

 

Again, I think your overall point is a good one.  As a chamber member and board member, most of the time I do look at the directory when I need a contractor, pest control service, etc.  But I am also guilty of using non-chamber members for goods and services once in a while.  Sometimes it's because I know the person well, have used them in the past, or because I want something specific that I know they can provide.  But your point is well taken and I thank you for the reminder.

[tgianco]

Again, I think your overall point is a good one.  As a chamber member and board member, most of the time I do look at the directory when I need a contractor, pest control service, etc.  But I am also guilty of using non-chamber members for goods and services once in a while.  Sometimes it's because I know the person well, have used them in the past, or because I want something specific that I know they can provide.  But your point is well taken and I thank you for the reminder.

What about the Chamber member (Ambassador, too) who requests that, if we did not vote for the incumbents, that we should:

• Not shop at Palladio
• Do not visit or shop the Historic District 
• Do not visit the Ice Rink
• Do not drive over ANY of the major overcrossings in the city (although there is only one)
• Do not shop at Costco or Sam's Club
• Move out of Folsom

I wonder how all those voters that didn't vote in unison with the Chamber, BizPac and this particular tool, feel about that. How about those businesses that we Folsom citizens support all around Folsom, including those in the Historic District, Palladio and elsewhere, would feel about one of the Chamber's ambassadors telling all those that didn't vote for The Machine to take their business elsewhere? I mean, that's fine for BizPac to take their business outside of Folsom, but for those of us that live here and believe in shopping local, maybe that's not the right message to deliver. 

 

Do it his way or hit the highway is the message. Is that the Chamber and Council's message, too?

[cw68]

I searched under Gold Country Media and didn't see them. I now see them when preceded by "Folsom Telegraph."

Yes, I did only count Folsom addressed businesses to make a point. Some spending outside of Folsom is definitely necessary, no doubt. Also, if you count the Telegraph advertising it ups the percentage to 4.99% - still well below what I, or most, would expect.
 

What about the Chamber member (Ambassador, too) who requests that, if we did not vote for the incumbents, that we should:

• Not shop at Palladio
• Do not visit or shop the Historic District 
• Do not visit the Ice Rink
• Do not drive over ANY of the major overcrossings in the city (although there is only one)
• Do not shop at Costco or Sam's Club
• Move out of Folsom

I wonder how all those voters that didn't vote in unison with the Chamber, BizPac and this particular tool, feel about that. How about those businesses that we Folsom citizens support all around Folsom, including those in the Historic District, Palladio and elsewhere, would feel about one of the Chamber's ambassadors telling all those that didn't vote for The Machine to take their business elsewhere? I mean, that's fine for BizPac to take their business outside of Folsom, but for those of us that live here and believe in shopping local, maybe that's not the right message to deliver. 

 

Do it his way or hit the highway is the message. Is that the Chamber and Council's message, too?

 

 

Who said that?! It's just more and more obvious that BizPAC is out of control, is not supportive of Chamber member businesses and believes that they own the council.

[SCA]

tgianco,

All I can say is that not everything that comes out of a Chamber member's mouth is representative of the views of the Chamber.  The Chamber and other organizations may make recommendations, and individuals may endorse candidates, but at the end of the day you and I may vote for whomever we want.

[cw68]

Oh wait. I do know who said that, I remembered after I typed it and was able to find it on FB. The chair of the Folsom Ambassadors, Chad Bowman, specifically told me not to patronize Palladio or the Historic District. Oh, and he wants me to move out of Folsom, too.

 

https://fbcdn-sphoto...69f832cdda93f6c

 

 

"NOW....If you are thinking a fresh face is needed then I would also ask you to do the following:

* Do not shop at Palladio 
* Do not visit or shop the Historic District 
* Do not visit the Ice Rink 
* Do not drive over ANY of the major over crossings in the city and strictly use Rainbow bridge
* Do not shop at Costco or Sams Club 
* Lastly....Move out of your home in all developments built in the last 20 years.

Why do I say this....Because all that was made possible due to the hard work and determination of our current Folsom City Council and Folsom City Leadership. Those campaigning on a Fresh Face have not said anything other than they want to do different than the current leadership. To me that means not helping this community thrive!"

 

Methinks the CHAIR of the Chamber Ambassadors does not help this community thrive.

.