Liberty County Chamber of Commerce Closing

Dear Members of the Liberty County Chamber of Commerce,

We want to extend our sincere appreciation and respect to the members of the Liberty County Chamber of Commerce. The excitement and commitment that you have demonstrated over the past six months make the news that we must share today difficult, but we feel compelled to keep you fully informed as the recent findings of our financial review necessitates a very disappointing/difficult decision to close the Liberty County Chamber of Commerce effective May 1, 2022. The only responsible course of action based on the findings of the review is to close the Chamber in its entirety and liquidate all assets. The historical method of accumulating financial burdens and attempting to cure that with month-to-month fundraising would be irresponsible.
In August of 2021, at the time of reorganization of the Chamber of Commerce, the Liberty County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors hired a professional consulting service to reconcile Chamber financials. It has taken six months of diligent review to reconcile the accounts and accurately assess the full measure of debt accrued during the COVID-2019 pandemic by the Liberty-Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce. The Board of the Liberty County Chamber of Commerce has determined that in light of the complete findings of the financial review, it would be irresponsible and unstainable to continue to operate.

We are saddened at the decision we face, as we have been highly enthusiastic with the community momentum we have acquired since October 2021. Nevertheless, we are certain that this course of action is necessary to uphold our ethical responsibilities to our members. We will not continue fundraising to cover expenses that are increasing our deficit spending each month, now that we are aware of the full financial situation.

The Liberty County Chamber of Commerce Board and Staff appreciate the support through the years and evolution of the Chamber of Commerce. We ask for your understanding as we make the tough, but necessary decisions to close the organization

Blessings,
Jennifer Chavira
President/CEO
Liberty County Chamber of Commerce