A new two-year agreement for the Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce to render services for “promoting businesses and enhancing economic improvement” in the city earned unanimous approval at a recent City Council meeting.
The seven-page contract contains 14 specific performance measures the chamber has agreed to meet related to the services it will provide for the next two years. The city will pay the chamber $25,000 per year, the same amount as in past years.
The chamber, founded in 1913, the same year as the birth of former president and native son Richard Nixon, has a current membership of 268 in 90 business categories within the city and nearby areas.
Yorba Linda’s 1% portion of the sales taxes collected from the businesses located within city limits is the city’s second-largest revenue source behind property tax income, with a total of $8.5 million expected in the current fiscal year.
A significant contract term is for the chamber to “promote Yorba Linda as a key location for new and expanding business and industry and ensure businesses thrive and remain in Yorba Linda.”
Performance measures for this provision include soliciting continual feedback on the value of chamber programs through an annual survey of chamber members, with the results provided to all chamber stakeholders and city officials. Also included are regular visits to city businesses.
Another key chamber activity under the contract is to distribute information about the city, so individuals and businesses are encouraged to locate in the city and to distribute any pertinent city information when requested by interested parties.
Performance measures for this provision include compiling and publishing information relevant to the business community, such as a business directory and community guide, and working in cooperation with the city to update an information pamphlet in time for the 2028 Olympics.
In another unanimous council action at a recent meeting, an agreement was approved for a second five-year lease by the chamber to occupy the historic Trueblood house at 4801 Park Ave., near the post office at the intersection of Park Avenue and Lemon Drive.
Lease terms call for the chamber to pay the city $2,145 monthly and a $51.50 monthly operating expense fee, with a consumer price index annual increase not to exceed 3%. The chamber is to be responsible for utilities, furnishings, equipment, janitorial services and supplies.
The city-owned home underwent extensive restoration in 2018 and was identified by council as a “government use site” in the city’s Long-Range Property Management Plan.
According to a report to the council by Colleen Callahan, the city’s economic development manager, the contract “combines the city’s intent to locate a governmental use in the iconic building while providing (the chamber) a prominent location to conduct business and further the city’s economic development goals.”
Jim Drummond is a longtime Yorba Linda resident. He gives his opinion on local issues weekly. Send e-mail to jimdrummond@hotmail.com.