Lake Arrowhead

Ron...

FourPaws this is great.
Ronccp has convinced me. This whole Idol Camp is a great conspiracy. Some how Coral is involved, Mitty is involved, so is Perry Mason, Brian Wilson, The moonies, Bigfoot, and the Big wooden firefighter on North Bay. Not to mention, the LACCC, LACSD, ALA, NAACP, ACLU, FBI, CIA and KFC.

So I heard that Lewis Murray at the LACCC has responded to this whole Idol Camp topic in a thorough letter. Does anyone have a copy by chance?

Isn't Ron such a sweetheart! How could anyone not just love him?

I'd love to know more about what makes him tick.

Ron, I was really one of the lucky and smart ones. A college education did not ruin me. My education came from life experiences and my parents who were Democrats when that was a good party to belong to.

Mitty, It is very simple what makes Ron tick. If he were a dog he would be the leader of the pack, and the rest of us are followers. In his world he is the leader, and the rest of us could not survive without his superior help. Coral you are a very gracious person that shows wisdom beyond your years, and now I have to go but I had to put my two cents in. 4 paws will be there to support you ladies against our fearless leader big Ron.

Ron - Are you happy now? Will you be able sleep well tonight and not stay up all night worrying about this matter anymore? I'm glad I could be of service.

"Thank you for your inquiry.

Idol Camp is still happening at Pali Mountain. What is still being negotiated is whether or not the LACCC will be a sponsor and participate in the program.

The “big” program that was unveiled to the community a few months back has evolved to a scaled-down version. Many of the key elements of the first agreement between Pali and the Chamber were not approved by American Idol once the contract was sent to them for approval. Thus the scaled down version. Negotiations continue today, and we are hopeful everything will come together in the next couple of weeks.

Regarding sponsorship money, the Chamber’s intention was to get “pledges” from local businesses. This was successful, and we received approx. $80,000 in pledges from the community. As I am sure you are aware, the San Bernardino County Economic Development Agency also pledged to the project, as they saw the benefit of the partnership and the publicity that the community would receive.

A small percentage of these businesses paid in advance (less than 10%). Once we realized that we would not be going forward with the larger concept, these funds were refunded to the businesses.

I know that many in the community have been critical of this project. Please keep in mind that the Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary membership organization that represents the business community. We really have one goal, to improve the businesses climate in our community. Besides being active in governmental issues and providing networking opportunities for our members, we are a marketing firm whose goal is to help our members sell more products/services. It was, and still is, our belief that an association with a phenomenon such as American Idol would benefit our members.

Thanks again for your inquiry. Please feel free to call or email me directly if you have any other questions.

Lewis"

Lewis Murray

President/CEO

Lake Arrowhead Communities Chamber of Commerce

Ha! Ron will never be happy! He will have questions about the questions and answers. Just wait........

Thanks Gemini. That is precisely what I was stating should be published. It answered all my questions and ends the speculation. I was surprised to read that the county tax payer funds alluded to were considered a "commitment" rather than a proposal for consideration. It also confirmed a suspicion of mine about Chambers of Commerce thinking of themselves as a "marketing firm". I guess I think of Chambers acting on behalf of membership and perhaps hiring a marketing firm when needed.

TR: I guess I shouldn't be surprised that your insight is no sharper on this topic than any postings on the national political thread. Rather than a leader, I prefer to be behind the scenes, near the top of an organization, ensuring things work correctly and let someone else take the political heat and deal with all the PR considerations involved with being number 1. Everyone knows Arch is our King, Chief Poobah, Mayor, Court Jester and resident free spirit. Some would argue he is better qualified for these roles. I might suggest, a subordinate role near the top is superior in many ways.

Gemini: Your post refered to your inquiry. Was the response to an e-mail from you or was it a generic response to many inquiries? Someone suggested in an earlier post that a letter had gone out to everyone. Was that just the membership?

That last was for Coral

Roncpp, I just like to pull your chain, me thinks you are more bark than bite. You are the leader of the pack in small amounts of information. BTW, my insight on the political thread you said was lacking. I stated I do like O'Bama I guess you think I am wrong.

I guess I missed that. I have seen a few of your posts lately and have not noted such evidence of rationality.

Like Gemini I must be having a senior moment, I am sure it will pass.

Ron - That was a direct repsonse to an inquiry.

Thanks for posting that Gem. It makes sense to me. Lewis Murray and his team are great.

Ron, You said, I might suggest, a subordinate role near the top is superior in many ways.
I totally agree. I've always liked having my say behind the scenes.

The LA Chamber has a professional in charge of marketing, why would they need to hire a marketing firm?

That last was for Coral reads this post from Ron with total confusion?

Seems like the post about the AI camp clears things up. Thanks for posting that Gem!

"The LA Chamber has a professional in charge of marketing, why would they need to hire a marketing firm?" So Hun, what genious would that person be? Did they do their homework? Did they have a deal to offer the merchants and community? Sounds to me, that the marketing person doesn't know the first thing about marketing. You can't sell something you don't have! What a shame, or what a sham...not sure which is correct. Tee Hee

God Bless you'all.

Say what?