San Gabriel Chamber of Commerce logo on Facebook (Photo – Graphics Dept.)
After a year and a half fraught with controversy, the San Gabriel Chamber of Commerce has closed permanently.
By Cheryl Cabot
Their misuse of funds was exposed in Colorado Boulevard last year when the entire executive board quit in protest to mounting unpaid debt, including a $185,000 Small Business Loan, still outstanding. Another issue is the salary and benefits given to Director Sandy Roscoe, which was $9,000 per month. This continued even while the Chamber was $78,000 in the red.
No contract. No audit. No money.
By October of 2023, the San Gabriel Chamber of Commerce’s finances and reputation were in tatters. In an effort to bolster support the Chamber posted an open letter on social media, blaming exposure on the articles written on Colorado Boulevard.
They (Chamber) also state that they will continue to serve the community with “abundant faith, hope, and love.”
A business or organization cannot be run solely on faith, hope, and love. It requires financial stability. Instead of taking responsibility for their actions, they want to place the blame on the articles written about them. Don’t shoot the messenger. The SG Chamber’s financial woes are nobody’s fault but their own.
Membership renewal then closure
On June 1, 2024, a membership renewal letter was sent out to all the SG Chamber members. A few weeks later, the Chamber announced they were closing. Some members took umbrage at paying their dues when closure was eminent.
One comment read, “Why weren’t members notified in advance? Why weren’t members given an opportunity to weigh in on this decision? Why did you still take members’ dues and have not yet addressed reimbursement? Why did you send an email to members but said you will not check or respond to emails?”
Why indeed?
The San Gabriel Chamber of Commerce has closed,* but it leaves behind a trail of unresolved issues, unanswered questions, and debts.
*The San Gabriel Chamber of Commerce’s website was deactivated, and the content if its Facebook page was scrubbed except for two posts of its cover and profile posts from 2015.
Ms Cabot. Sad day period. The rich History via lost archives remain. As a Past President in 1964. State my humble prayers someone steps up to resurect a Rich Heritage. Served as President 1964 Touna.ent of Roses City representative. My offer in 2018 to Serve as DIRECTOER FOR VERY LEGITIMATE contract. San Gabriel is worthy of resurrection to Serve a Besutiful City embracing the Strong Heritage of San Gabriel. Ask why the gallery of Past Presidents are lost.? Roscoe enabled by a very selfish few has brought the CofC to this point. Call me any time.
I would argue a culture of moral decay has infected our government from the top down.