SUBJECT:
Title
Erie Chamber of Commerce - 2026 Action Plan
Department
DEPARTMENT: Economic Development
Presenter
PRESENTER(S): Pat Vero, Executive Director, Erie Chamber of Commerce
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Time
TIME ESTIMATE: 20 minutes
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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 Fai...
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