I'd like to start by thanking our Chamber leaders for their efforts. Their time and commitment is very much appreciated.

With all of the excitement about its aforementioned efforts, I find it peculiar that our Chamber of Commerce has not publicly made a statement supporting the biggest commerce opportunity for our community in a number of years. The impending wet vote, which will likely be on a ballot in the next 3 to 5 months, is a homerun opportunity for our Chamber. It's a no-brainer with regard to local business development opportunities.

We can discuss the potential for tourism and work readiness all we want. For the time being, our community has tied one hand behind our own back on those issues. I would hope and expect that our local Chamber of Commerce would embrace their leadership position and publicly support a legal effort to expand commerce and improve economic development.

--Chris Oliver