Politics & Government

Chamber Is Set to Get $18K from City of Lake Forest

On Tuesday, the City Council will consider a one-year, $18,000 contract with the Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce.

City officials feel that an initial 18-month, $22,500 contract with the Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce was money well invested—there's $18,000 more on the way.

The final vote on a contract for that amount is on the Lake Forest City Council agenda for Tuesday night.

The one-year contract is likely to pass muster, considering the council unanimously approved the amount when it was first discussed at a May 3 meeting.

Find out what's happening in Lake Forestwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Formed in 2009, the Lake Forest chamber is pushing to get its membership to 300 in the next year and half, which would double its current numbers.

Once the chamber reaches that level of involvement, it will likely have the funds to become self-sustainable, according to chamber board President-elect Dave Carter.

Find out what's happening in Lake Forestwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The chamber's leadership team is "absolutely thrilled" with the city's involvement and support of the organization, Carter said.

The $18,000 will allow the volunteer-run organization to hire some part-time staff and defray some facility rental expenses, he said.

In exchange, the Lake Forest chamber will promote the city's Business Development and Attraction program in its events and services, according to the contract.

"It's an excellent partnership," Carter added.

According to the staff report from the city's side, the feeling appears to be mutual.

"Staff believes continuing the partnership will be instrumental in facilitating business growth and expansion in Lake Forest," the report says.

At the moment, the chamber is in the midst of a three-month membership drive contest, with a $2,000 prize awarded to the member that recruits the most new members.

The Lake Forest council meeting begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday night at .


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