- April 23, 2024
-
-
Loading
Loading
The membership of the Flagler Chamber voted 38-8 on May 26 to dissolve the chamber, according to Mark Langello, the chamber's volunteer chairman.
"It was the right move, and that’s why we voted that way," he said.
The chamber's board of directors had already voted on April 30 in favor of recommending dissolution, responding to COVID-19-related losses in revenue from advertising and events.
Voting for dissolution was a better option than dragging the process out, which would have been a larger drain on member businesses that have themselves been impacted by COVID-19, Langello said.
Still, he said, "I’m personally very saddened. I was the thousandth member — I have the plaque and everything — I spent a lot of money on my dues, and I gave a lot of my time and a lot of energy and used to donate my services."
He'd also known some of the founding members of the chamber, which was created in 1962. Langello said he expects a new chamber will form at some point in the future.
He thanked the Flagler Chamber's members, sponsors and friends.
"The fruits of everyone’s labor show in our community," Langello said. "The chamber has helped make the community what it is — and it's not a waste, because we have a very vibrant community today in part because of the chamber."
