Newark Chamber new year starts slow
By Donna Comella

For the second time in as many months, board members of the Greater Newark Chamber of Commerce failed to have a quorum for their monthly meeting. Unable to conduct official business, President Dave Doebler led the small group in several discussions. He and six others were present.

'I guess the first order of business is: Where are the people and how do we get them here?' said Doebler.

The Chamber has five officers, and 15 members on the Board of Directors. (Currently, there are two board vacancies.)

Doebler was just named president at the October dinner meeting. He presided over the November organizational meeting, and since then, has been hindered by low attendance. The Chamber's bylaws give him the power to replace a board member who misses 'two successive meetings.' But Doebler says he's not ready to wield that sword just yet.

After Tuesday's luncheon, board members were assigned to contact other board members. Doebler says they are charged with trying to ascertain the individuals' level of commitment. Then, at next month's meeting, directors will share information and discuss options.

The new president has delayed naming people to head certain committees, because he hasn't had an opportunity to get feedback from 'missing' directors. Doebler said he had wanted to see which committees were of interest to members rather than just hand out assignments. People are still needed to head the committee for Publicity, the Membership Committee, and the Program Committee, which organizes such networking events as 'Business After Hours' and seminars.

'The Chamber is a business community organization that is viable, but only when we have participation,' said Doebler.

He hopes to involve the general membership more. He'd like them to attend the board meetings and to sit on board committees. If you or someone at your business is interested in an active Chamber role, call the office at 331.2705.

The Board's luncheon meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at Burnham's Canalside at the Quality Inn.

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