Chamber asks Warrenville for financial assistance

Saying it's in jeopardy of closing its doors within four to six weeks, the Warrenville Chamber of Commerce is seeking a financial lifeline from the city.

On Monday night, the Warrenville City Council's finance committee responded by proposing the chamber be given $10,000 so it can stay open long enough for a permanent solution to be considered.

If the full council approves the funding, a committee of chamber and city representatives will have until Oct. 12 to develop long-term recommendations on the future of the chamber.

Alderman Matthew Wiesbrock said the panel's suggestions could include ideas on how to make the chamber more viable.

"But right now, they've got four to six weeks," Wiesbrock concluded about the chamber's financial situation. "And we have to do something to make that decision. Because if you go to Oct. 12 (without the funding), they are going to be nearly broke."

Established in 1962, the Warrenville Chamber of Commerce's mission is to enhance and support business and development. It organizes a variety of activities, including the Summer Daze festival, the annual Citizenship Awards and the "State of the City" address.

But in July, Mayor Dave Brummel learned the chamber is in dire financial shape. Due to repeated budget deficits in recent years, the chamber has spent all of its reserve cash.

Brian Caldwell, chairman of the chamber's board of directors, wrote in a letter to Brummel that the chamber is expected to run out of money by Oct. 15.

"The chamber has steadfastly invested time, talent and treasure to ... the economic well-being of the community," Caldwell wrote. "But we have reached the point where we are planning an exit strategy entirely. We don't want to do that, but we cannot go it alone any longer."

Factors that contributed to the group's budgetary woes include fewer sponsorship dollars for chamber events, falling chamber membership and decreased financial support from the city.

If the chamber were to fail, officials said the city and business community would miss it - and the services it provides. "To have a city without a chamber," Wiesbrock said, "is almost like a city without a flagpole."