Why I Resigned Membership in the Chamber of Commerce

by: tessa

Thu Jan 14, 2010 at 22:53:36 PM EST

This letter is to inform you that I am canceling our company's membership in the Milford Chamber of Commerce.

Our company's participation in the Chamber over the past six years has been interesting, providing me with access to committees I would never have had a chance to serve on without the sponsorship of [President of the Chamber of Commerce] and the Chamber.

My inclusion on the Parking Task Force, my Chairmanship of the Scholarship Committee, my involvement with the Legislative Action Committee and our yearly visits to Hartford in concert with CBIA, my membership on the Board of Directors of the Chamber, working with you on various membership outreach and networking efforts (and all those community relations ribbon cutting events we have done together), were all activities in which I eagerly participated.

My office staff, partner, and co-workers enjoyed their volunteer work creating the slide shows for the scholarship and annual awards events, as well as hosting you at our office during one of the many renovations at the Taylor Library building.

However, it has recently become untenable to continue to be a member of the Chamber of Commerce.  Members of our local Legislative Task Force agreed to move forward in support of Healthcare Reform and now the National Chamber has been airing television attack ads on politicians who support this issue. I cannot continue to financially support an organization that operates against my own interests.

Additionally, it has come to my attention that the US Chamber of Commerce has recently issued comments opposing the EPA's effort to limit greenhouse gases. Along with the attack ads on Congressman Chris Murphy of Connecticut for his stance on Healthcare Reform, New Standard Institute, Inc. has decided to resign our membership effective immediately.

[Personal stuff deleted]

Tessa Marquis
New Standard Institute, Inc.

cc: [Names deleted]
Thomas J. Donohue, President and CEO, US Chamber of Commerce, 1615 H Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20062

Does that rate as "Pulling a Palin"?

I belonged to this organization because there were good things that could be done in the community. I have never belonged to any organization like this, not Lions, Elks, Scouts, or any other group. I (innocently) thought that it was a good way to ensure representation of small business in the City.

Oh well.