March 3, 2008

Chamber Pushes for City Council to Give Preference to Local Businesses

 

Council Members Duncan and Westerlund Vote Against Amendment
 

Tuesday February 26, 2008 the Fresno City Council passed an amendment of the Fresno Municipal Code by a 5-2, majority decision.

The amendment extends a 5% local preference in City purchases of materials, supplies and/or equipment for bids up to $500,000, removing the current $250,00 ceiling. The amount of preference will be up to $25,000 compared to the current cap of $12,500. “Local business” was initially defined as businesses with a fixed primary or branch office within a twenty-five mile radius of City Hall.

Upon the Chamber’s recommendation the City Council amended the resolution to include all of Fresno County. Because the Fresno Chamber membership extends to the entire County, it was important to the Chamber that the local preference includes all of the Chamber membership.

This will help businesses in our community, keeping important money from leaving Fresno County. Local preference is good policy for business in our community; we commend the City Council for passing the amendment with a firm majority.

 

March 6, 2007

Chamber Leads Effort to Increase Business Opportunities with the City

 

The Fresno Chamber is in support of the local preference ordinance that has been put forth by Councilmember Mike Dages. This ordinance will give local businesses, located within a 25 mile radius from City Hall, a 5% preference in the bidding process.

 

The idea is that by hiring local businesses it will keep funds generated locally, and contribute to the vitality of the local economy. In support of this measure, the Fresno Chamber authored a letter to Councilmember Dages.

Letter

 

March 6, 2007

Councilmember Mike Dages
Fresno City Council
2600 Fresno Street
Fresno, CA 93721

Councilmember Dages,

On behalf of the Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce, the Government Affairs Council has voted to support the local preference ordinance which will appear on the March 6, 2007 City Council agenda.

The Chamber voted to support this ordinance on the basis that we believe a local preference will prove to be beneficial to our entire economy by keeping the funds generated, local. In addition, we believe this ordinance will favor many small businesses that are represented by the Chamber.

The Chamber would like to thank you for supporting the local business community, and we look forward to working with you in the future.

Regards,

Al Smith,
President and Chief Executive Officer,
Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce
 

Contact Amy Huerta, the Chamber's Government Affairs Manager for more information at (559) 495-4818 or ahuerta@fresnochamber.com