tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3922320048790557530.post5654602006332561908..comments2024-01-31T04:31:36.440-05:00Comments on moreFRONT: Commentary: Roanoke Chamber Subverts 'Buy Local' with Magazine DealmoreFRONThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13350600751587766930noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3922320048790557530.post-47673004803062910982012-05-08T08:18:15.952-04:002012-05-08T08:18:15.952-04:00It's sad news to learn of the alliance of the ...It's sad news to learn of the alliance of the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce with the Richmond-based publication Virginia Business. After all, the publication has no advertising office nor editorial office in our region. But if it's any indication of the effectiveness of the new alliance, just try to find the press release! One must wonder whether either side wants anyone to know about the new arrangement.<br /><br />Roanoke's own Valley Business Front is first and foremost a business publication, based here, with writers and contributors familiar with the business as well as cultural and political milieu of Roanoke and the surrounding region. Does the fact that the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce overlooked the publication say anything about how it views local businesses? Or does it say more about what it knows about local businesses? <br /><br /> To quote from the RRCC website:<br /> “Your commitment to the region is demonstrated by your membership in its largest, most influential business organization.The Chamber membership sticker in your window sends a positive message about your business.”<br /> What does this decision say about the Chamber's commitment to the region?<br /><br /> And to quote, again, from the RRCC website:<br /> “The Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce is a prominent and pro-active force in government affairs, speaking on behalf of the region's businesses. We add value to our business community and to the community at large by advocating policy initiatives that are critical to economic growth and job creation.”<br /> How does going outside the region for partnerships speak on behalf of the region's businesses?<br /><br /> Stepping back from a first reaction to the news – perhaps the RRCC is looking for ways to extend reach into the other areas of the Commonwealth and the region. I can accept that as a possible rationale for the alliance. However, it sounds to me like the publication is focused on “Roanoke business”. Why not use the best local resource on Roanoke business to do the work to broaden the access to this area?<br /><br /> To say the least, it sounds like a poorly reasoned decision. The say the most, it's an affront to the Front and the local business community.Kurthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12605263881837566901noreply@blogger.com