Politics from the Palouse to Puget Sound

Friday, November 16, 2007

Quote of the Day

[Financial consultant for D.A. Davidson and Co., Jeremy] Nesset asked how Keim would lead the chamber if a business such as Wal-Mart wanted to come in and chamber membership was split in opinion.
- "Keim outlines direction for Moscow Chamber of Commerce," Moscow-Pullman Daily News, November 16, 2007

NEWSFLASH: WAL-MART HAS BEEN IN MOSCOW FOR 15 YEARS!!!

The real question should have been, "What would the chamber's reaction be if a chamber member such as Wal-Mart, or Tri-State, or James Toyota wanted to relocate and/or expand its current facilities?" Oh brother.

No wonder new Moscow Chamber of Commerce executive director Darrell Keim was quoted as "It's been an interesting year at the chamber." It's like being in charge of the East Berlin Chamber of Commerce.

1 comment:

keim said...

I'll answer that.

The Chamber would be in favor of it. It is in our mission to be both pro-growth and enhance the quality of life in Moscow. We believe they are linked.

In fact, since you mentioned James Toyota, the Chamber did come out in favor of the city trying to accomodate their growth.

Additionally, when Wal Mart was looking at Moscow for a super center, the former Chamber Director ran a survey to find out how our constituents felt about "big box stores" and growth in Moscow. The results of this admittedly unscientific survey? Pro-growth.

As an aside-I expect that such a survey might be used again in the future to help us get the pulse of our constituency re other "hot issues" that might come up in town.

Incidentally, you are taking me out of context when you quote me saying "Its been an interesting year..." I was referring to the change over in leadership-Kimmell resigning, Mcmillan as interim, and their first hire only lasting 3 weeks.

Have a great day!

Darrell Keim