Naperville Chamber of Commerce President Sets Record Straight on Sales Tax Increase

A message from Naperville Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Nicki Anderson:

Good Afternoon,

I wanted to take a moment of your afternoon to update you on some misinformation that has being circulated in the media regarding the Chamber’s stance on the proposed home rule sales tax.

As you may or may not know, the City of Naperville is proposing a 1 percent sales tax to help offset debt and to payback reserves that have been spent down. Although this sounds like a logical solution, historically the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce does not support a sales tax increase as it’s presented.

The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce is a pro-business organization. Our job/my job is to make sure that we’re doing all we can to help our business community thrive.

Currently, the City of Naperville does not have an additional sales tax (beyond the 7.25 percent), something we are proud of and allows us to be competitive. Surrounding communities have a 1 percent or 1.25 percent additional sales tax. Adding a 1 percent sales tax would make us less competitive, not more competitive as some have asserted.

I ask that you check out the City of Naperville website and review their proposal. On Aug. 18, the Board of Directors will convene at 7:30 a.m. to discuss and announce our formal position on this proposal. As soon as we create our position, you will be made aware. As a pro-business entity, I ask that you consider being part of this conversation and let your voice be heard at the City of Naperville City Council Meeting on August 18 at 7 p.m. where City Council will vote on the proposed sales tax increase.

Feel free to reach out to me, nanderson@naperville.net with any questions, concerns or comments you may have.