Mattawa Chamber president resigns

MATTAWA - Rafael M. Mendoza has resigned as president of the Mattawa Area Multicultural Chamber of Commerce as of July 13.

Mendoza made his announcement to a gathering of four chamber members that evening. According to member Lois Thiede, Mendoza cited "too many commitments" as his reason for resigning.

According to Thiede, Mendoza will continue to be a member and pay his dues "and attend all the meetings he can."

Participation has been a challenge for the MAMCC in recent months. According to Thiede there are only 12 dues-paying members, and six is about the largest number to attend meetings. There were four people at the July 13 meeting, and one was Thiede's husband.

"We know we need to revive the chamber," Thiede said. "We just don't know how we're going to do it."

Curt Connor, owner of Sandbar Marine is the vice president, but he didn't knows as of last Friday if he steps up to the presidency. He said that's not clear to him. Thiede had the same take on the situation.

Connor said members are contemplating an emergency meeting, before the next regular meeting date. He said there are "some issues," including finances, that need to be addressed.

"We need to find out who's on first," he said.

- Staff report