Latest News

July 1, 2004

A NEW PARTNERSHIP

In an unprecedented agreement reached July 1, 2004, Lancaster Old Town Site administrative functions were moved under the Antelope Valley Chambers of Commerce Foundation.

READ OUR NEWSLETTER
"Old Town Times"

Click to download and read our PDF Newsletter.

A New Partnership

LOTS & AV Chambers of Commerce Foundation

This article presented on this page appeared in the August 19, 2004 edition of the Antelope Valley Press, page A7.

The Lancaster Old Town Site (LOTS) and Antelope Valley Chambers of Commerce Foundation entered into a new partnership to the benefit of each organization. In an unprecedented agreement reached July 1, 2004, LOTS administrative functions were moved under the Antelope Valley Chambers of Commerce Foundation.

"This was an innovative and positive way for LOTS to capitalize on membership investments in the future of the Downtown District." According to Myrle McLernon, owner/manager of MDM Architects and Chairman of the Board for LOTS. "The savings we will recognize on an annual basis will make LOTS a more viable organization in meeting its charter and responsibility to Downtown businesses," he said.

What does this really mean for LOTS and its members? LOTS will have all their administrative functions under full time management under the Foundation. This means 5-days a week, LOTS will have someone all their members and the general public can contact for questions and information. In addition, the Foundation will maintain a complete and current list of members, provide all administration for financial management of LOTS, maintain documentation and provide a workstation for LOTS in the Chamber office located at 554 West Lancaster Blvd.

The dollar savings to LOTS is substantial over a one-year period. They will no longer have to pay a part-time manager, facility lease, D & O insurance, utilities and more. The funds previously utilized to pay these normal operating expenses, more than offset that agreement reached with the Foundation. Funds saved can now be applied and utilized to help fulfill the mission of LOTS.

"This is a good partnership between two organization that will eliminate unnecessary overhead for LOTS while providing an anchor business for our Foundation," stated Ingrid Chapman of Chapman Communications and Board Chairwoman for the Antelope Valley Chamber of Commerce Foundation. According to her, "This also opens opportunities for LOTS to seek grants under our Foundation's 501(c)3 status."

LOTS is looking forward to a very successful year in 2004-2005. They have already got a line on a grant writer that will be looking into grants to help invigorate the Downtown District. If any of our members know of any possible grants that will advance our mission, you are asked to contact LOTS.

We are always looking for a way to improve our service to the District and appreciate any input our members may have. Watch our newsletter for events, training opportunities, and exciting news in our District that will keep all our business members up to date on the changes that will build a better tomorrow for all of us.