Chamber of Commerce terminates executive director due to budget issues

July 23, 9:57 AMSeattle Queen Anne Hill ExaminerKaila Wyman

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Today, The Greater Queen Anne Chamber of Commerce announced in a memo released to members that it is eliminating the Executive Director position filled by Jill Arnow because of current economic conditions and other challenges the organization is facing.

“In order for the Chamber to continue growing and to do so in a fiscally responsible manner, we, like so many other companies, have had to make some tough decisions; this was one of them,” the memo from President Dave Peterson stated.

The e-mail stated that the Chamber is still dedicated to the same mission statement and will continue to work hard for the businesses it supports.

Mission Statement: "The Greater Queen Anne Chamber of Commerce is a group of business people working together to make the Queen Anne area a safer, better and more prosperous community through cooperation, communication and representation."

The memo also called out that the Chamber is looking for two additional members to serve on the board with a background in membership development and sales. It was not stated why these two positions are available when they are terminating other roles but this could be attributed to the need to increase membership sales in an effort to increase revenue for the organization.

This announcement left several recipients of the memo unsettled with the announcement. Several members replied to the e-mail memo thread with their thoughts.

“I think this is one of the most discourteous messages I have ever read. Jill Arnow was doing a fine job and deserves better than what you have stated below. We all understand budget cuts but "terminated,” said Anna Johnson of Scan East West Travel.

Several members felt Jill was doing a strong job in her role. “This is very sad news! Jill is a smart, energetic, and creative thinker and we are very appreciative of her work and all the connections she has helped facilitate,” said Julie Whitehorn, Chair for the Queen Anne Farmers Market Association.

Jill Arnow and Dave Peterson were not immediately available when contacted by the Queen Anne Examiner.

Questions can be e-mailed to the Chamber of Commerce at contact@qachamber.org.