MEMBER NEWS

CHAMBER LUNCHEON
WEDNESDAY, JULY 21st
Guest Speaker :
Bill Keyser, CEO,
Florida Plastics International Inc.

WHERE:  Evergreen Park Community High School

TIME:  11:30am

COST:  $10

EVERGREEN PARK COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL is  "Keeping the Green in Evergreen"

Dr. Beth Hart, Superintendant of the High School (and a Director of the Evergreen Park Chamber of Commerce), listened intently to the concerns of an Evergreen Park business owner who was frustrated with the taxes, and in particular, how much money in the tax bill was going to EP's school system. . the high school as well as the grammar schools (approximately 75%).

While the Chamber certainly cannot change the tax laws, we can provide a forum for EP chamber members/business owners to voice their concerns. . .and then determine in what ways we CAN help.

Being very aware of the tax burden on the community's businesses, Dr. Hart and the chamber agreed that one of our main purposes is to make the community aware of the tax dollars being spent on public education. . .and to further encourage the community to shop Evergreen Park businesses as a way of saying thank you to those businesses.

Evergreen Park High School has taken a lead role in this commitment.  Dr. Hart has reviewed where money is being spent for widespread things like sports uniforms, food items, etc., and has gotten the school to redirect those purchases to be made from Evergreen Park businesses.

This is something that all of us should share.  This is the reason why the Chamber goes into the grammar schools every fall and sponsors the "Keep The Green In Evergreen" Poster Contest.

As Chamber President Tom Ollenburger stated, "2010 is going to be a very tough year, and it is phenomenally important for the residential and business community to keep those tax dollars spent in Evergreen Park."

And that Evergreen Park business owner?  She could see that the chamber and one of its directors/members listened and acted.  And now, she is a very active part of our chamber.