In a financial pinch, the board of directors of the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce recently reduced one of the highest drains on its financial resources by eliminating the salaried position of its former President/CEO Scott Alevy, who was also a former Chula Vista city councilman. Alevy had served in his capacity with the chamber since January of 2011. He was terminated in February of this year.
In a financial pinch, the board of directors of the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce recently reduced one of the highest drains on its financial resources by eliminating the salaried position of its former President/CEO Scott Alevy, who was also a former Chula Vista city councilman. Alevy had served in his capacity with the chamber since January of 2011. He was terminated in February of this year.
The decision came after regular business meetings of the board’s Financial Committee, which works with the annual budget, and advises the executive board and the president/CEO of “trends in the business and economic market, which have a potential to effect the day to day operations of the Chamber.”
It was determined by the members of the board of directors that the chamber needed a new direction due to the bad economy and recession.
According to acting President/CEO Rebecca (Becky) Burgstiner, “The chamber is restructuring its operations in an attempt to reduce overhead by cutting costs of administration, such as salaries and office expenses relating to copiers, telephones, supplies and others.” Burgstiner was the immediate past chair of the chamber’s board of directors.
Burgstiner said the chamber is currently looking at its job descriptions and job duties, with a focus on due diligence, in order to find the right staff to fill its various positions. She added that she is confident that within 30 to 45 days, the chamber will have new ideas and will be able to understand its various job duties and job descriptions intended for future staff members.
According to Burgstiner, “The chamber plans to launch a new membership drive in order to bring in new members, as its membership declined in 2012 and the increase in costs could not be sustained.” She pointed out that the chamber was solvent despite the recession.
To further increase revenues, Burgstiner added that the chamber will be hosting more fundraisers such as the Grip and Rip Golf Tournament and the Women in Leadership event that includes women from all over San Diego County.
Kevin Miller, chair of the Membership Committee, stated that he was excited and encouraged with the new direction the chamber was taking. “The chamber has been around 100 years and has weathered struggles and economic challenges,” he said.
Miller explained that because of the restructuring, more of the chamber resources will go directly to benefit its members. “It is the right decision at the right time,” said Miller.
“The chamber is the largest business organization in East County, and one of the largest in San Diego County,” Miller concluded.
