Guthrie Chamber moving out of downtown building

The Guthrie Chamber of Commerce board of directors voted and agreed on Wednesday to vacate their current downtown building. With the move, it’s expected to save the Chamber several thousands of dollars a year.

Article continues following the video. The conversation on this topic begins at the 5:30 mark.

The Chamber’s board approved a lease agreement with the City of Guthrie and will occupy approximately 850 square feet in the northeast corner of City Hall’s third floor. The Guthrie city council approved (7-0) the lease agreement on Dec. 15.

Along with the space, the Chamber will utilize the City’s administrative assistant and conference board room. The Chamber will be responsible for phone and copier services. In exchange for the space, the City will receive in-kind services, including a Chamber platinum membership from the Chamber valued over $6,000 annually.

“This lease agreement is consistent in supporting the council goals of developing stronger working relationships among the City, Convention Visitors Bureau (CVB) and Chamber of Commerce for the economic development of Guthrie and also continuing the process of determining the use and plan for all city-owned buildings,” City Manager Bruce Johnson said.

A division between former parties in the CVB and City resulted in the City taking over the CVB from the Chamber in Oct. 2014.

Related story: City and Chamber do not agree to contract terms; City takes over CVB
Related story: The money side of things between City and the CVB

Chamber CEO Heady Coleman, who assumed the position in July 2015, told council members in December that the Chamber finances are “tight” with the departure of the CVB funding, but memberships (now known as investors) continues to increase along with investors participation throughout the community.

Coleman told council members, the move to City Hall will save the Chamber anywhere between $13,000 to $15,000 a year, along with another $40,000 for an administrative assistant.

Council members questioned Coleman on the visibility of the Chamber with the move from the downtown building on Oklahoma Ave. Coleman responded by saying signage would be available to place in front of City Hall and that majority of their traffic has shifted to the internet and their website.

Coleman said 150-200 people walked into the Chamber’s office in the month of November and at the same time the Chamber’s website brought in approximately 4,000 views. Coleman went on to say, the Chamber would see more exposure from local people as they go in and out of City Hall.

Difference between a CVB and Chamber?

CVB works as the destination marketing organization while the Chamber plays an active role in long-term economic development for the community. Related story: The Chamber of Commerce and the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) – What’s the Difference?