Chamber Notes: Chamber Sponsoring Village Business Breakfast and Village Board Candidate Introductions

Chambers of Commerce generally fall into section 501c-6 of the tax code which means that they’re recognized as a not-for-profit corporation but, unlike charities, payments to Chambers are deductible only as a cost of doing business.  Another major limitation of Chambers is that they are prohibited from supporting or opposing candidates for public election. 

It should be noted that some Chambers and other business groups organize separately governed and funded Political Action Committees for the purpose of becoming involved in the candidate election process.

On the other hand, Chambers of Commerce are allowed and very involved in identifying and taking public positions on issues that effect the members and the business community at large.  Public transportation and sales taxes are just two examples of typical issues where you’ll often find Chambers making a statement.

Educating both businesses and the community-at-large as to where candidates stand on many issues is another service Chambers often provide.

The Oswego Chamber of Commerce, through its Legislative Committee, will sponsor two important events in the near future.  First, we will host our second annual State of the Village Business Breakfast on Monday, February 18 from 7:30 am to 9:00 am at the Oswego Village Hall, 100 Parkers Mill. 

Village President Brian LeClercq will provide a community update and identify important near term community issues.  The cost is $15.00 per person with reservations accepted on a first come, first served basis by calling the Chamber at 630-554-3505.

Our second event is designed to introduce candidates running for Oswego Village Trustee in the April Municipal election.  Set for Wednesday, March 6th at 6:30 pm in Oswego Village Hall, 7 candidates running for 3 seats will participate in an open forum. 

Three candidates, Judy Sollinger, Scott Volpe and Jeff Lawson are running for re-election while first-time candidates include Scott Finkenbinder, Ryan Kauffman, Pam Parr and Kenneth Duda. The format for the evening will include a series of questions asked of each candidate by the forum moderator. 

Questions from the audience will not be allowed, however attendees will be encouraged to visit one-on-one with the candidates following the program.  There is no charge to attend.

Questions regarding this or any other Chamber events should be directed to the Chamber staff at 630-554-3505.

Chamber notes is an occasional column written and provided by Steve Hatcher, the president and CEO of the Oswego Chamber of Commerce.