Above / The offices for the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce are located on the third level of Main Street Promenade in downtown Naperville. (PN File Photo)
The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce is currently discussing and researching the local impact of a Home Rule Sales Tax on goods in the city of Naperville.
Nicki Anderson, president of the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce stated, “The mission of the Chamber is to drive economic growth through active engagement and advocacy for our business community. Therefore, it is the focus of the Chamber of Commerce to ensure that if indeed the city council votes to approve a new local sales tax, they understand the negative impact this may have on Naperville businesses.”
On Monday, August 10, the Legislative Committee of the Chamber hosted Finance Director Rachel Mayer and Naperville City Manager Doug Krieger to discuss the city budget. After completing the 38-page presentation, a final motion was made and approved by the legislative committee directing the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors to meet and choose their formal position on the issue.
Chamber Board is studying impact of new tax
The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors will convene on Tuesday, August 18, prior to the City Council meeting to discuss and make public their formal position regarding the proposed sales tax.
“Let me be clear. At no time did the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors take an official position on this topic,” stated Rosemarie Breske Garvey, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, in a news release. “We are working with our members and Board of Directors to fully understand the impact of the tax. We have met with city staff and requested further information on expenditure cuts, staff numbers and case studies and are still awaiting that information.”
Breske Garvey went on to clarify that the Legislative Committee does not act for the Chamber.
“I take issue with the fact that because our Legislative Committee is a public meeting, it has been grossly misquoted by the media,” she added.
Naperville business owner and Chamber member, Kris Hartner knows only too well the impact of this proposed sales tax.
“Imagine spending a half hour working with a customer, sharing your knowledge and fitting expertise only to have a brutally honest customer say ‘thanks for all the help, but I can get these for about $10 less if I order them online because they don’t charge sales tax.'” noted Hartner. “The city should be trying to help strengthen the local businesses that are creating jobs and economic stability in Naperville rather than increasing the advantage out-of-state businesses already have.”
The Chamber’s first and foremost legislative priority is that “We support and promote a competitive and fair tax climate. A competitive and fair federal, state, and local tax code that encourages and rewards entrepreneurship and investment are essential to the economic health of our region.“
Breske Garvey continued, “To have a conversation about a new tax until all expense reduction line items, one time asset sales, service evaluations and competitive marketing advantage programs have been identified by city staff is premature. To progress in this manner without that full evaluation is to be without thoughtful consideration for all stakeholders.”
About the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce
The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce is the largest suburban Chamber in Illinois with an active membership of 1,300 organizations of every size and from every sector, who participate in more than 400 briefings, committee gatherings, events, and programs annually. Through its programming, the Chamber provides leadership for the benefit of region’s business community by promoting economic growth and advocating the interests of business. For its efforts in promoting free enterprise and the business community, the Chamber has been recognized with 5-Star Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, an honor bestowed on only 1 percent of Chambers, out of the nearly 7,000 in the nation.
News release submitted by Lauren Holtz (Diehl), Director, Marketing & Communications, Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce. For more info, contact Elizabeth Van Holt, Government Affairs for the NACC, at (630) 355-4141.
Related financial discussions
The Naperville City Council held a special meeting regarding city finances on Tues., Aug. 11. The informational meeting that included public comments from NACC President Nicki Anderson, former City Councilman Dick Furstenau and local business owner Kris Hartner is available for viewing around the clock in the city’s archive at www.naperville.il.us.
Above / In the coming months, Council Chambers will be busy with open meetings and workshops regarding the city’s financial strategy planning and community outreach. Residents also can pay attention to meetings as they are streamed live on government access cable TV and saved in the archive for viewing any time. (PN File Photo)
7PM Mon., Aug. 17 / The Naperville Area Homeowners Confederation will host a Town Hall Meeting beginning at 7PM Mon., Aug. 17, in the Naperville Municipal Center for public input. City Manager Doug Krieger and Finance Director Rachel Mayer will present their financial strategy mindful that the City is transitioning from a growing community to one focused on maintenance. The Municipal Center is located at 400 S. Eagle Street.
7PM Tues., Aug. 18 / The next City Council meeting will begin at 7PM Tues., Aug. 18, also at the Naperville Municipal Center. As noted in the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce news release, the NACC Board of Directors will convene prior to the City Council meeting to discuss and make public their formal position regarding the proposed sales tax.
Editor’s Note / Now is the time to become informed about Naperville’s financial strategy that currently is being developed. Pay attention now and offer cost-effective ideas to provide the services and amenities that attract residents and businesses to the community. The City welcomes input. Thank you.
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