—The Daily Collegian Friday, January 27, 1978 Chamber of Commerce plays active role in area By MARK WINEKA Daily Collegian Staff Writer Some people may regard the State College Area Chamber of Commerce as meaning nothing more than a few businessmen getting together for lunch downtown. This voluntary organization, however, plays an active role in the Centre Region’s develop ment through a committee structure designed to meet community needs. Suggestions from these committees are given serious consideration in the decision-making processes of the University and local governments,. University students' and local residents also may utilize the Chamber’s information services. *‘We work for the betterment of the com munity,” says Patricia L. Cahalen, executive director of the Chamber. “We have a wealth of information for the whole area and it’s here (131 Sowers St.) for anyone who wants it.", The 300-member group, which includes businesses, professional services, industries and private individuals, still holds monthly lun cheons, but discussion goes beyond the sand wiches. Thirteen committees, each designed to im- r PREPARE FOR: I MCAT DAI * LSAT • GMAT L GRE* OGAT* VAT-SAT IMB I,*ll. 111-ECFMG-FLEK* VQE , NAT’L DENTAL BOARDS • NURSING BOARDS Flexible Programs & Hours Local Classes For information There IS a difference!!! Please Call COLLECT: . (412)661-2772 L° ca i Essex House Classes CENTER Negley & Center Ave. Pittsburgh, p a . SP^f:L r s n T E s T N A c T E°93a. Outside N.r. State-Only CALL TOLL FREE: 800-223-1702 Centers in Major US Cities Toronto, Puerto Rico and Lugano, Switzerland j AXQ wishes to thank | everyone who supported the | Greek Lyre Sing and congratulations to this year’s winners! j Traditional Original I Ist Place - Acacia and Ist Place - Phi Kappa Psi l , Sigma Alpha Epsilon 2nd Place - Zeta Tau Alpha . \ 2nd Place - Alpha Sigma Alpha 3rd Place - Phi Kappa Sigma I 3rd Place - Delta Sigma Theta | ..-‘.•■TONIGHT!.-'.'■/ / ; 6 PM ’til 12 MIDNIGHT BASICALLY BRITCHES Midnight Sale 1 / All LEE RIDER Slacks 1 $6.97 2/ All JEANS $7.97 3/ All CORDS $8.97 4/ Denim Culottes 75% off 5/ Anything from the waist up! 60% off 6/ After 11 PM - Bargain Table & GIFT with each purchase 342 E. College Ave. , • Student • Businessman • Professional Man Make Speed Readinr A nine-hour concentrated course Class fee: $75.00 with all books and materials supplied For more information call: plement some aspect of the Chamber’s program of work, discuss activities which usually affect the Centre region. For example, the committees have various priorities in this year’s proposals: To maintain an even economic growth, the Chamber’s area development committee is investigating the possibility of locating more light, clean industry in the Centre Region. The transportation committee has been discussing the feasibility of bus service between - State College and Bellefonte. Objecting to a new ordinance which in creases the garbage collection rate for apart ment units, the apartment owners and managers committee has taken legal action against the borough. The Downtown Business Association will continue its effort to improve downtown lighting standards, trash receptacles and street cleaning. After discussing a particular issue, com mittees usually forward a recommendation to the Chamber’s board of directors. The board considers the recommendation and, if it agrees, issues the Chamber’s policy statement con cerning the matter. Feb. 28, March 1 and 2 7to 10 p.m. Nittany Lion Inn reading, inc. Work for You When it concerns the borough, such a policy statement carries some weight when the State College Municipal Council considers action, council member Wallis A. Lloyd says. “We try to touch base with the Chamber,” Lloyd says of council-Chamber realtions. “We consider a suggestion from the Chamber seriously as you should any traditionally long standing group.” The Downtown Business Association, for example, has made a recommendation to council that a second parking garage is needed for State College. “A number of the committees are concerned with local issues where the local government’s consideration is required,” says Lloyd, a former president of the Chamber. “There’s a good bit of, dialogue between the Chamber and the borough,” he says. An example of this exchange of ideas is the area development committee’s plan to-assist council and the Centre Regional Council of Governments in determining whether an indoor recreational facility is needed for the area. In a move to keep abreast of political issues which affect the community, the Chamber (Sale Fever) all winter merchandise: ski jackets, wool coats, sweaters, tops, khakis, cords, vests, 1/2 Sale starts Wed. morning 9:30 a.m. recently established 1 a local governmental af fairs committee. . The other side of College Avenue the University also has been working closely with the Chamber. Through the University’s mailing, the Chamber sends each fall a detailed map of State College and the University Park campus to the homes of approximately 8,000 new students. The r Chamber also offers a Campus Day Program during orientation to acquaint students with the business community. “We have a long way to go, but we’re moving in the proper direction,” Mimi Barash, Chamber member and a University trustee, says of relations between the Chamber and the University. “There’s an awareness that we’re, interdependent, but there’s lots of room to -grow.” The Chamber, provides University students .with many of the services' offered by the Organization of Town Independent Students. Numerous guides to State College, housing in formation and consumer protection data are available at the Chamber office. Cahalen says the Chamber functions as the a TIPPYS • TIPPYS • TIPPYS • TIPPYS • TIPPYS • TIPPYS • TIPPYS • TIPPYS £ TIPPY’S | I SWWi? ■ ' 3 : | ' ;■'.. AA '. ■ - ■■■} 5 CELEBRATES DOLLAR DAYS • WT ' 3, a • 3 ENCHILADAS (with chili or rice & gravy). 5 5 • BURRITO DELUXE • g. • 3 tacos 3; p ,•* MEXICAN SNACK (enchilada, tamales, «*;: rice, beans) h >■. 5,. I EACH FOR ONLY $l.OO, SAVE £ THURS. FRI. SAT. THIS WEEK f P <a; • • l/l >■ Open: Sun-Thurs 11 AM-11 PM Sat & Sun. 11 AM-1 AAA 2 A- TJ a, P ' . • " JJ 127 Locust Lane V a Between College & Beaver ? P • TIPPYS > TIPPYS •TIPPYS* TIPPYS •TIPPYS* TIPPYS • TIPPYS » ? sheepskins, leathers, skirts, dresses, jeans and all accessories NOW area’s better business bureau in processing’ consumer complaints. After a complaint is filed, the Chartiber coni! tacts the store or service to hear its side of the’’ story. The Chamber then tries to bring together the business and consumer to work out their’ ' differences, Cahalen says. ;* “Many complaints aren’t legitimate,” she! says. “Unsatisfied people will return to the store: and talk to the salesperson. They should talk to the owner because the salesperson has no" Authority.” >; Approximately 80 percent of the of the com-.: plaints filed with the Chamber are resolved satisfactorily for - both parties, Cahalen says. Ift,\ the consumer still is not i satisfied after the! Chamber’s intervention, Cahalen advises him to" get an attorney or* file a complaint with the!! district magistrate. , Although Chamber activities concentrate' mainly on local concerns, state and national 1 , legislation is. watched closely by the govern l ' mental affairs committee for state and federal’ issues. The committee tries to provide input,” such as testimony and lobbying. ><; AHnsn l }s‘ -I'illd
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