Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Cancelling Triathlon in Lake Worth

Comment Up
Letters to the Editor
Palm Beach Post
September 10, 2014

Canceling triathlon mistake for chamber

I was distressed to read Sunday about the cancellation of the Tropical Triathlon (“Chamber cancels triathlon, cites costs”).

The Tropical Triathlon was a boom to the local Lake Worth economy for nearly 18 years, attracting world-class athletes from all over the world. Local hotels and bed and breakfast were filled during the race weekend, restaurants were bustling each day and shops were filled with shoppers. Dr Alex Keith shared his vision with the city to help with its image at a time when Lake Worth had very few events. He worked hard in building a world-class event.

The Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce cites the reason it canceled the event was that businesses did not want to sponsor this event. Rather, they want assistance from the chamber. What assistance has the chamber given since it merged with the Greater Lake Worth Chamber of Commerce? Businesses sponsored this event for 18 years, making it profitable for the chamber.

The real underling issue the triathlon was canceled is the Central palm Beach chamber doesn’t support Lake Worth businesses.

When the merger accrued nearly four years ago, officials promised to keep a presence in downtown Lake Worth, continue hosting the city’s signature events, and support local businesses with networking opportunities. Events are being canceled, and networking events are held out west.

Maybe it’s time either for new leadership at the helm of the chamber or the birth of a new Lake Worth Chamber of Commerce. I prefer the latter.

TOM RAMICCIO
LAKE WORTH

8 comments:

Lynn Anderson said...

All for getting our own Chamber back.

Anonymous said...

All for getting our own chamber back only if Tom Ramiccio has NOTHING to do with it !! Has the new chamber eased Tom out of the organization? If so ,good for them on having some common sense.

Anonymous said...

TR was one of the main reasons we don't have a chamber today. Thanks TR! We should approach Lantana to see if they would consider joining forces.

Lynn Anderson said...

Why can't we have our own chamber?

Anonymous said...

Actually 9:33 am. Put the blame where it belongs
Nadine Burns lost the Chamber in this city.
Tom had nothing to do with it.

John said...

Yes, Tom. Not only do we need new people and our own chamber of commerce, we need new people on the dais. People are really fed up.

Anonymous said...

Actually, after someone sued the chamber, there was no money left to run it and most businesses were disgusted with the whole administration. Nadine may have been a part of it, but nice to see you throw her under the bus.

Lynn Anderson said...

Who sued the Chamber? Don't remember that. Can you elaborate?