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Councilmember Bullock thanked LCSC for their services and expressed a need to help LCSC and <br /> LakewoodAlive because of their importance in the community. <br /> Councilmember Shachner expressed the importance of a landlord taking care of their space. <br /> Lakewood Chamber of Commerce <br /> President of Lakewood Chamber of Commerce Lauren Small presented the Chamber of Commerce's <br /> history. She explained that the Chamber reaches over 15,000 employees, and she reviewed member <br /> benefits. The Chamber's main revenue is from membership dues.President Small explained that the <br /> Chamber organizes to advance commercial industrial professional interests in the community. Though <br /> there are member benefits, the Chamber supports the entire business community. <br /> President Small went over the loss of revenue during the peak of COVID-19 due to businesses not having <br /> the ability to pay their dues on time. During this time, the Chamber worked with the City and <br /> LakewoodAlive to offer resources for businesses. Educational workshops were provided, and the <br /> Chamber worked on different innovative programs to promote small businesses.President Small <br /> explained the request of$86,290 to give support to small businesses regardless of member status. The <br /> funds would allow an increase of education,networking, and advocacy for small businesses. Members <br /> would be able to stay involved with the support of funds until they can afford dues again. <br /> Councilmember Rader asked President Small to expand on her ideas of economic development. <br /> President Small described the plan to work with LakewoodAlive to keep up with vacant properties. There <br /> is potential for a job fair to match employers and employees through the Chamber's online job board. <br /> Vice President Kepple asked about the Nonprofit Roundtable.President Small explained that the PR <br /> Roundtable has been around for a while and meets once a month for different community events. The <br /> Chamber is working toward spreading out events and volunteer opportunities. <br /> Councilmember Bullock and President Small spoke about the limitations that COVID-19 caused for <br /> indoor events due to gathering limits.Normal activities were unavailable for around two years. <br /> Councilmember Bullock suggested the potential for enhanced online marketing tools. <br /> President Small commended the small businesses that have pivoted and grown during the COVID-19 <br /> pandemic. <br /> Chamber of Commerce—Website Update &Rebranding Proposal <br /> Executive Director Lauren Small explained that the Chamber had previously issued an RFP, seeking <br /> vendors for a website update and rebrand but that COVID interfered with this effort. She explained that <br /> her funding request is based on an average of the 6 responses she received to the RFP. <br /> She shared her ideas for an updated website including a community job board, a non-profit network <br /> landing page, a community calendar, a platform for a local delivery program, and more resources for <br /> businesses. <br /> In response to a question, Ms. Small explained that approximately 10-20%of the funds would go toward <br /> the rebranding effort, and the majority would support the website redesign. <br /> 4 <br />