SUBJECT:
Title
Erie Chamber of Commerce - 2025 Action Plan Presentation
Body
DEPARTMENT: Economic Development
Department
PRESENTER(S): Pat Vero, Executive Director, Erie Chamber of Commerce
First Name Last Name, Title
TIME ESTIMATE: 20 minutes
only required for non-consent items
FISCAL SUMMARY:
$84,325 sponsorship to Erie Chamber plus reduced rent of Town-owned building at $9,000 in 2024-2025.
POLICY ISSUES:
This agenda item has minimal policy implications.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
To listen and discuss the strategies and organizational objectives for the Erie Chamber of Commerce for 2025.
End
SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND OF SUBJECT MATTER:
The Erie Chamber of Commerce is one of the Town of Erie’s business and economic development partners. The Chamber is committed to creating a strong community, and by partnering with businesses and professionals, the Chamber works to build a healthy economy and improve the quality of life in Erie. The Town’s investment helps support this work that benefits both the business community and the residents of Erie.
The Chamber embodies a mission of Connecting Community and Commerce. They focus on continually highlighting business members to not only the business community but to Erie as a whole, with the intent of driving business locally. The organization uses social media, community events, and other forums to highlight not only the Chamber and its activities, but to simultaneously promote the Town, the Erie Economic Development Council (EEDC), the Downtown Erie Business Association (DEBA, now administered by the EEDC), and other local organizations for the success of the entire community.
For many years the Town of Erie has provided significant financial support to these organizations. During the 2025 Budget Process, the Erie Chamber and the Economic Development Department identified $84,325 in total requests for Town funding, specifically for those items listed below. The Town also leases a 2,000+ square foot building (235 Wells Street) to the Chamber for an annual amount of $9,000/year, which will increase to $18,000/year on July 1, 2025. This presentation will allow the Chamber to present their 2025 Action Plan and provide it for discussion by the Town Council.
Town of Erie 2025 Budgeted Contribution:
COUNCIL PRIORITY(S) ADDRESSED:
ü Engaged and Diverse Community
ü Prosperous Economy
ü Small Town Feel
ü Effective Governance
ü Fiscally Responsible
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. 2025 Chamber Presentation