Darien Subsidizes Local Chamber Of Commerce

DARIEN, IL – Darien aldermen voted Monday to give the chamber of commerce $35,000 this year in exchange for the group offering free membership to all local businesses.

The money is part of a one-year agreement that officials say they hope helps the business community. The city has already hired a part-time business liaison to support local companies.

Aldermen Tom Chlystek and Erik Gustafson voted against the agreement with the Darien Chamber of Commerce.

Gustafson noted the city originally considered taking over the chamber.

"This was changed to let the chamber stand on its own," he said in an email to Patch. "Since the city is putting money into the chamber, I feel the city should have authority and oversight over the chamber’s operations."

In an email to Patch, Chlystek said he liked the idea behind the agreement, but wanted more details such as a business plan for the chamber.

He said the goals in the document were subjective, unlike the typically objective ones in the city government.

"As gatekeepers of expenses, we need to be wise with the taxpayers' dollars, especially during these times of higher costs and inflation," Chlystek said.

The goals to which Chlystek was referring include increased membership participation, financial stability and educational activities for members such as speakers addressing topics of interest.

During the meeting, City Administrator Bryon Vana said the chamber had been facing financial challenges, but 2022 turned out to be a good year for the group. The problems, particularly during the pandemic, were common among chambers around the country, he said.

"It's not unusual for communities to assist the chamber financially," Vana said.