Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce will be considering its role in several currently chamber-organized events, particularly Syracuse SummerFest. Event task force chair Chad Jonsson approached the subject with his written report on SummerFest, which was submitted earlier since he is on vacation. In the report, he questioned the amount of work placed on chamber executive director Tammy Cotton.

Cotton stressed she was not complaining but several of the events were consuming her time, pushing her part-time position toward full time. Board members agreed Tammy’s position needed to be looked at and decisions made on where she and the chamber should place their focus as far as events go.

Board member Matt Schwartz stated, “I think we (the chamber) need to back out (of SummerFest).”

Schwartz recommended logging all of the chamber’s involvements and seriously consider what was necessary. Several board members agreed. Members voiced desires to see other organizations step up with some events or separate committees be formed with the chamber’s role aimed more at involving businesses and promotions.

Cotton stated her one concern was if the chamber backs out of SummerFest, the event would no longer occur.

The topic will be further discussed during the next board meeting where a decision will be reached regarding the chamber’s involvement in the festival and other events.

Cotton noted in the fall the chamber would be gaining a Wawasee High School intern to help with some of the workload.

The chamber’s next meeting will be at noon Wednesday, Aug. 1, at the chamber office. The meeting will be a bring your own lunch.