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Highlands Today

Beleaguered Sebring Chamber's Turnaround Begins

Groups Asked To Raise Money

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By Gary Pinnell | Highlands Today

Published: June 11, 2008

Updated: 06/11/2008 05:58 pm

SEBRING — Sun 'n Lake Golf & Country Club is selling $250 covered tables to watch its July 5 fireworks event, and it's sponsoring a July 26 golf tournament. Megan L. Klootwyk, director of membership and marketing, said the money will go to the Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce.

Robert and Heide Miller of Cherokee Janitorial Service in Avon Park are donating a percentage of its revenues to the Red Cross, the American Cancer Society and the Sebring chamber.

And Shawn Marler of the Boy Scouts is planning a joint fundraiser with the chamber.

"If there's ever been a time for community support, it's now," said Interim Chamber President Sarah Pallone.

On Tuesday, the Sebring chamber of commerce sent a newsletter asking its members for help, and they're responding, said board of directors chairwoman Susan Jones.

"For the first time in the 80 years of existence, the Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce finds itself facing a significant financial crisis," said the June newsletter, which went out to members over Jones' signature. "The chamber is in debt."

Jones would not release the amount, but said the debt is less than $100,000.

Crisis Of Confidence
Two months ago, when Executive Director Dan Andrews was fired, chamber directors discovered the $90,000 scholarship fund was empty, and thousands of dollars worth of personal expenses were charged on the chamber's credit card. On the day he was dismissed, Andrews wrote a check to reimburse the chamber $9,000, Jones said.

It looked so bleak, some members wondered if the chamber would survive.

Jones is now more confident: "The situation is dire, but it's improving daily.

"Members have been very positive in responding and offering their help," said Jones.

The newsletter said the chamber is "cooperating in a full independent investigation and audit, and must await their conclusion."

Requests for proposal for a three-year audit have gone out, Jones said. The deadline for replies is June 30.

Jones said the state's attorney's office has been in contact with the chamber at least once a week since an investigation was called for in April.

"They are working on it. They have all the documentation," Jones said.

Changes Implemented
Two full-time staff members have been cut, Jones said. The $10,000 bi-weekly payroll, which includes insurance and taxes, has been halved to $5,000.

The chamber has started charging $8 for breakfasts, Jones said. The cost of the monthly newsletter has been reduced.

Monthly expenses also have been reduced by 50 percent, said the newsletter.
"If it's not utilities, if it's not payroll, we're cutting it," said Pallone.

She has adopted four personal goals, which include paying off chamber debt and putting the organization on a fiscally responsible path.

As part of its Be Smart Shop Sebring campaign, the chamber has issued a book with coupons from 20 businesses. Pallone is selling them for $5.

Pallone has also instituted a new campaign, Change for the Chamber, which asks for donations.
"We'll even accept in-kind donations, like copy paper. We're not even ordering supplies."

The chamber has three empty office spaces, Pallone said.

"Two are 11 by 12 feet, and the other one is 12 by 15. That includes a fax and copy machine, a phone system, and office furniture. No lease is required. They'd be perfect for a accountant or a non-profit with a small staff. The chamber is a great place for networking and making business connections," Pallone said.

Financial obligations of the chamber are being restructured and refinanced, Jones said. "But we're not borrowing any more money."

Pallone is also looking for a big-ticket item to auction. "I'd like to challenge all business owners to come up with a fundraising idea, to partner with the chamber," Pallone said.

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