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You have
taken the time to look for this page so I welcome you as an individual who is genuinely interested in the future of the Village
of Silver Lake, and the surrounding area. I will use this page to post progress reports, general information, and meeting
dates, until we have a site of our own. Please check in often.
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The Greater Silver Lake Area Chamber of Commerce now has a web site of it's own. The web address
is: http://www.GSLACC.com . Check it out!
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What is a Chamber of Commerce ? I guess I first heard of a Chamber of
Commerce when I was in high school and needed information about a city for a report I was required to do. As I grew older
I continued to hear of the Chambers. I kind of assumed they were a branch of local government. I believed that it was an organization
for rich executives. Neither of my notions was true.
Quite simply stated, A Chamber of Commerce is a chartered,
non-profit organization of business men and interested individuals who have a common interest in their community affairs.
Members pay relatively small dues rates, and donations, service fees, and fund raising events provide operating capital. The
members work together to plan and execute programs for the betterment of the community and general economic conditions. After
the Chamber has been active for a period of time it can apply for accreditation in the U.S. Chamber.
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Does Silver Lake need a
Chamber of Commerce? I have spent a lot of time since January 2nd watching the businesses in Silver
Lake. Nearly all of them are very small businesses. A lot of them are struggling to stay in business until the tourist season
starts. A short stroll down Lake Street is positively depressing, especially if you remember back a few years. If this is
what the residents want, then a Chamber won't help. Many people aren't aware of the many sources
of funds that can be obtained for improving and rehabilitating a village. Improvements attract commerce, and commerce improves
the general conditions for everyone. A Chamber has the resources to research, apply for, and manage the applications of these
funds. The Chamber works to beautify a village, and promotes events that attract tourism, and invite retail business from
outside its' bounds.
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How does it happen? First
a meeting needs to take place to determine if there is enough interest in the area to proceed. If results are favorable we
will proceed according to an organization procedure that is published by the United States Chamber of Commerce. It is available
for download from their web site, although difficult to find. The URL for this publication is probably the longest I have
ever seen, in fact it is too long to publish in this editor, so email me if you want it. I have printed the publication and put it in a binder. You are welcome to look at it, or for $5.00, I'll
print you a copy, and for $20.00, I'll print and bind it like mine.
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Links
Shirtz Happen !
301 East Lake Street
Silver Lake, WI 53170 |
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