Chamber seeks ways to be more efficient
By JODY MURPHYArticle Photos
PARKERSBURG - The Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley is looking for ways to become more efficient and is not in the process of dissolving, according to its chairman.
Roger Sheppard, 2008 chairman of the board, said the chamber's attempts to sell its headquarters and the departure of several long-time employees have given the organization the opportunity to review itself.
Sheppard said the retirement of President George Kellenberger and a reduction of hours - from full to part-time - by longtime employees Sandy VanFossen and Yvonne Watson were not welcome events.
"It give us an opportunity -not one we would would necessarily welcome," Sheppard said.
In addition to looking at staff changes, the chamber is also putting its 214 Eighth St. headquarters on the market, a move Sheppard downplayed.
"Just putting a building up for sale, doesn't mean it is sold," he said. "We may be in there for 10 years."
Sheppard said the headquarters, which has a second floor, has been difficult to fully utilize. The second floor is not accessible according to Americans with Disabilities Act standards and the chamber has had trouble finding long-term tenants.
"We have this wonderful space that has not been that desirable to rent out long term," he said. "We are looking for a place that is less expensive to operate.
"We are trying to find ways to become more efficient with the resources we have,'' he said.
Kellenberger was out of town and not available for comment.
Sheppard said the chamber will be conducting a review of its duties and procedures in attempt to streamline operations. He hopes the bulk of the study will be complete by Oct. 1.
The chamber will review the results and proceed from there, he said.
"Then we will figure out where we are going from there," he said. "Are there better ways to serve the chamber's members?"
Sheppard stressed the chamber will continue with a president and staff.
"Certainly there has to be a captain of the ship," he said. "
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ObserverofJusticeSystem
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09-17-08 1:27 PM
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Normally, one would think you learn how to be more efficient before slicing what is there. That way, current productivity is maintained while effeciency measures are put into place.
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