H/DC Chamber of Commerce to dissolve
The Humboldt/Dakota City Chamber of Commerce have voted to dissolve the organization effective Dec. 31, following a vote last week. The lighted parade, which has been planned for Saturday, Nov. 30, will go on as planned. That will be the final Chamber-sanctioned activity in the community. Any outstanding Chamber Bucks will need to be redeemed at local businesses by Dec. 31.
The Board of Directors of the Humboldt-Dakota City Chamber of Commerce voted on Tuesday night, Nov. 12, to dissolve the organization effective Dec. 31.
In a letter to members, the board said: “We regret to inform you that due to a decrease in the number of memberships of the Humboldt-Dakota City Chamber of Commerce, we can no longer meet the needs of our members and provide the services our communities desire.”
Chamber President Kiersten Beilke said when Chamber Administrative Assistant Cassie Harklau resigned recently the board starting looking at the future.
“We looked at whether we should hire someone. But with the decrease in dues (memberships) the last couple years we decided it wasn’t feasible. It was a very hard decision to make because you still want to support your community,” Beilke said.
Beilke said they hope to work with community partners in an effort to provide services to the community’s desire.
The Chamber Office on Sumner Avenue is closed effective immediately.
In accordance with the Chamber’s by-laws, members will receive a pro-rated amount of dues they paid for 2019-20. Those checks were mailed out Nov. 13.
The annual Lighted Parade set for 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 30, will still be held.
The Chamber will no longer be issuing Chamber Bucks and any outstanding Chamber Bucks will need to be redeemed by Dec. 31. Any remaining funds in the Chamber’s account will be given to a non-profit. The 10-member Chamber Board was scheduled to meet the week of Nov. 18 to select a non-profit recipient.
“We encourage you to support future endeavors aimed to unite our communities and showcase the assets Humboldt County has to offer,” the letter from the board said.
