The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1938-01-03
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NEEDS SUPPORT

There disturbing the street that the Key
West Chamber of Commerce considering the necessity of
closing its doors for lack of assured support.
This is something that must not be allowed to occur
Under modern conditions Chamber of Commerce is as
essential part of cys organization are the depart
ments provided for in its charter.
1t costs money to maintain a Chamber of Commerce.
and that entities ask what does do to justify
its existence? How much should COST" and who
should pay for it?"
The present Chamber of Commerce began its work
last April and questions the fact that has worked
well faithfully Correspondence with the outside world
developed until the cost of postage alone for the month
of December twenty dollars Secretary Singleton
has made valuable contributions to Florida Keys publicity
over period nearly twenty years and brings his work
intelligent loyalty to this locality and its people, coupled
with ability to elicit appreciation for the charms of his
adopted city on the part of those whom he talks or
writes 1t is safe TO say that practically all the contacts
ne has made IN person by have made
friends for Key West that he knows his subject and that
his conservative replies command respect for
his statements.
As cost it is likely that the management of the Key
West Chamber of Commerce, composed of directorate
selected from among best business men, has set
mark in the ratio of slight expenditure compared to
service secured Lacking funds for uptodate booklet
meographed sheets mailed response to requests
Inf0rmaC0n NO rent generosity the La
Concha Hotel management has provided office which
was furnished largely by the loan of needed equipment
The response of the community in memberships has been
generous in few instances disappointing in many The
city government handicapped is, has nevertheless
recognized the of the organization to the extent of
its ability. And the Chamber of Commerce. adhering to
its fixed policy of not running in debt must in spite of
work well done and extreme economy in management
close its doors unless additional support promptly forth
coming
We come TO the question, "Who should pay for it"
The answer Is THE community at large" There is
reason earth why pubcsprted grocer hotel man.
merchant should foot the bill for the cost of bringing
business share of which will to each of his
petitors while they contribute nothing toward meeting
that cost and so, get a free ride at his expense.
That the Chamber of Commerce should have large
membership, fully representing the various interests of
the city, matter of course and to accomplish this the
dues should be fixed at figure that could be readily met
by the smaller business and by interested citizens not
in business. But no Chamber of Commerce do the
required work dues alone
This is fully recognized by the Florida cities with
which Key West must compete for popular favor if Key
West to get its fair share of the business of the country
few instances suffice to point out what up
against Daytona Chamber of Commerce received
from the puhlcs pEseysS $40 last ummsri and for this
winter $l5se09o dento Chamber efi Commerce
ceiyed sse80 in addition aoss00e hdhes CLEARWATER
C1amDef C0mme4Ees WhS Iunu u
s13 0O0 eeo
The Key West Chamber of Gommerceaig not
cerned this time with any extensive program bring
ing in visitors this winter, many the way as we
can make comfortable. The organization does have
objective which it accomplish if it receives any sup
port at ALL That objective is. "A FULL HOUSE NEXT
SUMMER" If it can bring this about, every hav
ing stake Key West will benefit and every should
contribute to the expense of doing this in proportion to
the stake has in the city The only way that this
be DONE the only fair way that it be done is by
preparation from the advertising fund.- set aside for the
common good in the county treasury
In this connection The Citizen trusts that, if and
when. the county commissioners approached for
ALLEGATION from the advertising fund of the County they
recognize the predicament Of the Chamber Of Com
meree and respond with generous monthly stipend they
may assured that the money viii be spent judieousy
good of ALL and that the favorable action viii meet
with the hearty appreciation Of the entire community
Hard 70 Hur1 Worn Festive Occasions
Reporter that where Clerk WIN one epIl.r he
szid fell his - -,