Bill Morton, the president of the Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce, said he is worried the distinction could stigmatize local chambers as political insiders. He said his group functions more as an information source than a political operator, helping small businesses with paperwork for permits and licenses.
Morton said the ordinance would also create “unneeded regulation” of local chambers. “That doesn’t sound good at all,” he said.
Read more at chicago news cooperative.
UPDATE: July 28th, 2011
Emanuel’s Ethics Plan Passed After Hiccup
Chamber officials had expressed concerns they would be required to register as lobbyists and pay hefty fees. But language was added to the ordinance Thursday that would exempt unpaid volunteers or employees of local chambers from registering as lobbyists. Paid chamber members still would be required to register and pay a $350 fee, like other lobbyists.
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