Some issues can be resolved by merely requesting information

For those who would question the process for the selection of speakers for the Corbin Chamber of Commerce luncheons, let me explain.

Many of the previous featured speakers have requested a place on the program. It is that easy. All one has to do is call or visit the chamber office.

At this time a year ago I requested a date for the program to celebrate the 100th anniversary of this newspaper. It is that simple. I didn’t have to write a letter to the editor or make it a public issue.

Now, as a member of the board of directors for the chamber I am offended when someone accuses it of playing favorites.
So, if you or anybody you know wants to address the chamber luncheon meeting, just call. It is that simple.

The attendance at the luncheons has grown dramatically in the last few years. Part of the reason for this is because of its excellent programs. Executive Director Bruce Carpenter has done an outstanding job of organizing them.

Talks are underway which are addressing the formation of a county wide chamber that would include both Corbin and Williamsburg. I like this idea. It could lead to a better business climate for the area.

I’ve learned a lot since I was elected to the chamber board. For one thing,  it is very active in community and business programs which will benefit the entire business community.

In addition to being responsible for the annual Nibroc Festival and Fourth of July fireworks show, it also sponsors training for industries, community assessment programs, scholastic events, and other programs that lead to economic growth of the area. If your business has not joined the chamber then do so now. It is good business.

•Congratulations to the Corbin Tourism Commission for considering to hire a director. That would be an excellent move. It should look for a person with a good tourism background and one that is not tied to any controversy in local politics.
As for the erroneous published report that Bruce Carpenter was fired as tourism director, it is not true. So let it die.

For one thing tourism did not hire him, so obviously it could not fire him. An executive committee composed of two members each from the Industrial Commission, Chamber of Commerce and the Tourism Commission voted to have Carpenter oversee all of the above mentioned operations.

This didn’t sit well with tourism and it voted to withdraw from that group approach. This was the best and worst thing it could have  done and I was one who voted for it.

It was the best thing because tourism recognized it needed a full-time director. It was the worst because tourism’s progress stopped when it withdrew and tourism became mostly a check writing committee.

Now is the time for all boards, commissions and organizations to start working together for the betterment of Corbin.

That can best be accomplished by having all groups work under one umbrella. Each board or commission should remain independent and hire its own directors which include industrial, tourism, chamber and the Main Street program. But an executive director should run the entire show to ensure cooperation.

The tourism director should do the things that tourism does, like organize Nibroc and put on the fourth of July fireworks show. That shouldn’t be a function of the Chamber, although the Chamber has done an excellent job for years. Likewise, the other organizations should clearly identify their roles.

By clearly identifying each role these groups could work together, always following the common goal of making Corbin a better place to live, thus reducing any conflicts that may exist.