The Bigfork Area Chamber of Commerce held its March meeting last week, addressing multiple upcoming events and discussing possible changes to the way the board handles complaints and critiques.
Recent media reports have highlighted a clash between the chamber and some of its member businesses, alleging a “blacklist” for some members and financial secrecy from the chamber.
At the March 8 meeting, the board members discussed a full agenda, which touched on the budget, upcoming events and various committee reports. While considering changes to the chamber’s bylaws, Ry Keller, of Valley Maintenance, suggested the board look at adopting a new grievance process.
This would entail possibly forming a committee to look into specific complaints, complete with names of the complainants and other information, instead of having the concerns brought before the board in unexpected ways.
David Vale of the Pocketstone Café agreed that a process is needed, and the board could add to the bylaws that it can create such a process. Other suggestions from board members included adding a time for public comment during meetings.
Vale also said that any bylaw changes would be voted on by the chamber membership, and that the board wants to be open about them.
The board also said there would potentially be a public forum after the chamber’s spring luncheon in May.
During the meeting, Bruce Solberg, the chamber’s executive director, said the chamber has “nothing to hide” when it comes to financials, and a copy of the current financial report, including what the chamber has in checking and savings accounts, was part of the March agenda package.
Chamber members discussed what they should do with that money, as far as earning interest is concerned. There was a request for more marketing money, which the budget committee acknowledged it would take under consideration.
In a prepared statement following the meeting, Solberg said volunteer board members do not take their responsibilities lightly and strive to make good decisions.
“The goal has been to make sure that Chamber members see an open, honest and sincere attempt to elevate the image of Bigfork as being a good place to work, an extraordinary place to visit, not to mention the best place to live,” Solberg said.
The chamber represents 350 members, Solberg said, and it appreciates the diversity of opinions and ideas.
“We value this diversity and are honored by many loyal Chamber members who are in stride with the majority of the opinions that are supported by the current Board of Directors,” Solberg said.
Board members also denied the existence of a blacklist during the meeting.
Other business discussed during the meeting included the upcoming “Clean Your ‘Fork” event on April 28, where community members are invited to team up and clean up the village. According to the chamber’s event page, trash bags, gloves and water will be provided.
The following day, April 29, will be the 2012 Taste of Bigfork, which will feature wine, music and food from Bigfork’s restaurants and specialty shops. Tickets cost $40, and are available by calling the chamber at 406-837-5888.
There was also discussion about an upcoming month of “Everything Cherry,” which will be held in coordination with the Bigfork Museum of Art and History’s exhibits and juried art show, which run from May 4 through May 26.
For more information, visit www.bigforkmuseum.org or call the museum at 406-837-6927.
Information about the Bigfork Area Chamber of Commerce can be found at www.bigfork.org or by calling 406-837-5888.