SUBJECT:
Title
Erie Chamber of Commerce - 2026 Action Plan
Department
DEPARTMENT: Economic Development
Presenter
PRESENTER(S): Pat Vero, Executive Director, Erie Chamber of Commerce
end
Time
TIME ESTIMATE: 20 minutes
end
For time estimate: please put 0 for Consent items.
Fiscal
FISCAL SUMMARY:
N/A
Policy
POLICY ISSUES:
This agenda item has minimal policy implications.
Recommendation
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
To listen to and discuss the Erie Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Action Plan, organizational objectives, and proposed programming for the upcoming year.
Body
SUMMARY/KEY POINTS
• The Erie Chamber of Commerce responded to the Town’s 2026 Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Community Event Management Services and was identified as the preferred partner for coordination of designated annual community events and related business programming.
• The approved 2026 Sponsorship Agreement provides $86,325 in Town funding support for community events, educational programming, scholarships, and operational support.
• The Chamber’s 2026 Action Plan includes continued programming and enhancements to signature community events intended to support local businesses, tourism, and community activation.
BACKGROUND OF SUBJECT MATTER:
In March 2026, the Town issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Community Event Management Services to identify an organization with experience coordinating community-wide events and related business engagement programming. The RFQ established a formal sponsorship partnership structure intended to improve accountability, financial transparency, and coordination between the Town and its selected event partner.
The Erie Chamber of Commerce submitted a response to the RFQ and was identified as the preferred partner based on its experience coordinating community events, engaging local businesses and sponsors, and supporting Erie’s broader business ecosystem. The Chamber’s proposed 2026 programming includes the Erie Town Fair, Balloon Festival and Glow, Concerts in the Park, Erie Brewfest, Parade of Lights, educational seminars, and the Dave Stone Scholarship program.
The approved 2026 Sponsorship Agreement provides $86,325 in Town funding support for community events, educational programming, scholarships, and general operations, as summarized below. The agreement also establishes reporting requirements, sponsorship recognition obligations, and reimbursement provisions for unused event funding. In addition to direct sponsorship funding, the Town continues to lease the approximately 2,000-square-foot Town-owned building located at 235 Wells Street to the Chamber at a reduced rental rate. This presentation will allow the Chamber to present its 2026 Action Plan and discuss organizational priorities and programming with the Town Council.
The breakdown of the Town of Erie’s 2026 budgeted contribution to the Erie Chamber of Commerce is as follows:
|
Administrative Costs |
|
Membership |
$475 |
|
General Operations |
$7,000 |
|
Dave Stone Scholarship |
$2,500 |
|
Educational Seminars |
$2,650 |
|
Administrative Costs Subtotal |
$12,625.00 |
|
|
|
Events |
|
Town Fair |
$10,000 |
|
Balloon Launch |
$30,000 |
|
1st Concert in the Park |
$10,000 |
|
2nd Concert in the Park |
$10,000 |
|
Erie Brew Fest |
$6,700 |
|
Parade of Lights |
$7,000 |
|
Events Subtotal |
$73,700.00 |
|
|
|
Grand Total |
$86,325.00 |
priorities
attachments
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Presentation