The following comments have been received regarding our online poll question this week, which is:

Do you think having two chambers of commerce in Cherokee County is a good idea?

Log on to www.gaffneyledger.com to vote.

If you would like to add your feedback, click on the word "Comments" under the poll question and enter your feedback in the e-mail box that pops open. To have your poll response printed, you must adhere to the same policy regarding submitting letters (see the "Letters Policy" in the box at left).

AS A FORMER SUCCESSFUL Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Executive, (and Cherokee County Development Board Director) having served both Cherokee and Anderson counties, duplication of efforts just means splitting resources, both physical and financial.

It wasn't that long ago that the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce was the envy of most of the other Upstate Chambers of Commerce and Industrial Development Boards due to our extreme success in recruiting new industry and new business. We were, without a doubt, the "hottest" new industry potential area for a long time, with an average of 40-50 industrial prospects visiting the area annually, with a majority of them sending in subsequent teams of their own experts, each composed of different levels of interest and expertise.

These were handled quite successfully by a single staff individual in addition to a fully-rounded Chamber of Commerce Program, including a Business Ethics Division, Gaffney Merchants Association, Cherokee County Personnel Association, Cherokee County Airport Commission, and many others.

Interesting to note that these were all covered by a Chamber of Commerce staff of three, including a secretary and Bookkeeper.

Volunteer manpower (members) handled additional work efforts and, in the case of more than one industrial prospect being in the area at the same time, members of the County Development Board came into play.

Cherokee County has grown since that time, but not to the extent that multiple economic and industrial development agencies are now necessary.

Thank You,

Jim Compton

ONCE AGAIN WE ARE TO BE the laughing stock of the state. The next move might be two mayors and city councils.

For a town our size it would seem sufficient to have only one chamber. What can the new chamber offer an industry without checking with the one that is now in place?

David Vassey