San Luis Obispo Business
September, 1999

Members: Need more info on SOAR

Downtown parking, the SOAR initiative, Airport Area Annexation, Hearst Castle and retail development are a just a few of the many local issues that strike a cord with Chamber members, according to the results of the Chamber's recent membership survey.

Close to 16 percent of the Chamber's 1,280 members responded to the annual membership survey that was mailed out with the July issue of San Luis Obispo Business. Survey results are used by the Chamber's Board Directors at their annual retreat where goals for the coming year are established.

An overwhelming majority of respondents indicated optimism that the economy will continue its strong growth in the next year and, despite the huge success of the Internet, members seem unconcerned that business on the Internet will hurt their individual businesses. In regards to actively conducting business on the Internet, only 39% of respondents are currently doing so.

The addition of parking in the downtown area, a hot topic of late, garnered support from Chamber members with 63 percent in favor of a new mixed-use parking structure which includes offices, retail and residential uses. Nearly 80 percent of survey respondents indicated that they felt the existing parking in downtown would not be adequate for the next ten years.

Members expressed interest in learning more about the Save Our Open Space and Agricultural Resources (SOAR) Initiative, but were undecided as to whether or not the Chamber should become active in supporting the Initiative.

A slim majority of the respondents indicated a need for more shopping in San Luis Obispo, even if it means big-box stores like Target and Home Depot. Close to 50 percent agreed with the statement that a new retail shopping center next to the Central Coast Mall would be good for San Luis Obispo. And, members showed strong support of mixed uses in the Airport Area Annexation, including hi-tech manufacturing, R&D, open space, wetlands and recreational uses.

Members showed strong support of the Chamber's involvement in the economic development realm, as well as, City Council's practice of protecting and enhancing the downtown area and urged the Chamber to continue its involvement in issues related to Hearst Castle.

Chamber members play a key role in shaping the direction of the organization by taking part in the annual survey issued each summer. Comments and results will be used as a guide in establishing program priorities for 2000.

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