I am concerned about City of Powell River council considering the chamber of commerce’s “two memberships for one fee” proposal [Powell River Chamber of Commerce proposes partnership with city,” February 25].
Obtaining a business licence is not a voluntary membership as it is to be a member of the chamber of commerce. The story stated that “[chamber president Cory] Carr called it a partnership opportunity with the chamber getting more in the arrangement than the city.” A partnership between private enterprise and government is always a path to be wary of.
If I had wanted to join the chamber of commerce, I would have by now. I’d be surprised if you can legally force businesses to join a voluntary organization.
Let us not open up a can of worms where businesses are not allowed a business licence unless they join the chamber. The chamber of commerce can do its own promotion and canvassing and give businesses the choice to be a member of a voluntary organization rather than mandating membership through “ramming a bunch of benefits down their throat.”
Edward Sanderson, business owner
Manson Avenue