Tough times put pinch on Tracy's chamber

The Tracy Chamber of Commerce laid off its director this week because the organization could no longer afford to employ him.

The chamber's volunteer board of directors broke the news on Nov. 19 to Dave Tillman, who was hired in February to replace outgoing director of two years, Dan Maloney.

Languishing membership, a 10 percent drop in revenue and lack of sponsors for the chamber's two annual fund-raisers forced the board to cut the company's top position.

"It's all due to financial reasons," Tillman said from his home Friday. "If you look around, no business is doing well. And we're no different."

Until the board decides to reinstate the position, possibly sometime next year, sisters-in-law Maria and Sofia Venezuela will run the private nonprofit.

Tillman laid off a receptionist in October in an attempt to keep costs down.

"But the cut wasn't deep enough," he said. "They had to let me go."

Employees and directors declined to share how much Tillman was paid, and nonprofit tax forms did not list the director's salary from past years.

The chamber failed to attract enough sponsors for its two biggest events this year — the Fourth of July parade and the Dry Bean Festival — and fell far short of its needed profit margin.

By the time the bean festival rolled around in September, the chamber had raised less than $15,000 in sponsorships. In previous years, it raked in as much at $30,000 to $45,000 from the annual street fair.

Membership dues have dropped, too. Since 2007, about 10 percent of the chamber's 500-plus affiliated businesses dropped enrollment. That reflects a similar percentage in lost revenue during the same time period.

Board president Art Vallejo said he has no reason to expect next year to be any better.

"Based on what the city tells us what the economic outlook is, we don't expect things to improve," he said.

When the chamber can once again hire a director, Vallejo said Tillman will definitely qualify, but Vallejo gave no indication that he would show Tillman shown any preference.

"He can apply for the job when it becomes available, if that's something he wants to do," Vallejo said.

In the meantime, Tillman will redouble his marketing efforts for his DJ and event-planning business and will sign up as a chamber member to volunteer.

"I did everything I could to keep (the chamber) financially afloat," said Tillman, a one-year Tracy resident. "Now I'm just going to work with what I have."

Vallejo said they look forward to Tillman making good on his commitment to continue promoting local businesses.

"We wish him the best of luck," Vallejo said.

Reader Feedback

bobbyg wrote on Nov 25, 2008 11:15 AM:

" As a former member of the Chamber here in Lodi. I have to completely agree with you. The chamber only cares about the Big businesses of this community or the Wineries. The Chamber does not care about the little guy at all. Sure they want our money and have their commisioned sales people to drive those membership sales. They however dont represent any of the smaller independent businesses. In fact you would think that at a Chamber function the Chamber would give a discount to members having a booth as opposed to non members, no such luck. If you are not a chamber member you will pay the same price for the street fair as a member who pay several hundred dollars for a membership. How many people does the chamber employ? 6 or 7 people, thats too many! And Pat has his own business but his business isnt even a member of the Chamber! Sure its a multilevel marketing thingy,, but isnt the chamber about leads? oh wait thats a whole different issue, dont get me started on that! "

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loadeye wrote on Nov 25, 2008 10:21 AM:

" Lodi needs to follow Tracy's example and let the board and members run the Chamber. Just what is Mr. Patrick accomplishing with these trips to China and Costa Rica, with taxpayers' money certainly involved somewhere in these ventures. What's wrong with local jobs and tourism here? Between Ms. Beckman and Mr. Patrick the job and tourism industry has gone nowhere and these two positions should be completely and be comprised of members and volunteers rather than keeping those positions on any payroll when they seem to accomplish nothing for their high figure salaries. The chamber and tourist organizations have made the wine growers and producers here their main priority and have forgotten they are supposed to represent ALL businesses. "

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