As long as commerce has existed, traders have banded together for the common protection against enemies, to govern the conduct of trade and later to exert influence on legislation.

The first known use of the term, "chamber of commerce" occurred in Marseilles, France, where such an organization was established by the city council in the late 17th century. From this beginning, chambers of commerce spread to Germany, and then throughout Europe.

European chambers have little parallel with the American organization. They frequently operate as quasi-public agencies, with administrative and judicial powers with respect to trade.

The oldest chamber of commerce on the American continent is that of the state of New York, chartered by King George III in 1770. The establishment of the New York Chamber was a direct result of the Stamp Act that was passed by Parliament in 1765.

The first local chamber of commerce was founded in Charleston, S.C., in 1773.

By 1870, the number of local chambers had increased to 40. In the U.S. early chambers promoted the sale of goods, organized markets, made and enforced rules of trade, protected goods in transit and even operated their own trading floors.

The emergence of the chamber as a true community organization came much later as businesspeople began to realize their own prosperity depended on the development of a prosperous community.

The chamber of commerce of the 21st century can no longer just ask its members, "What do you want your chamber to do?" Instead, it needs to ask, "What kind of community do we want to be?"

In today's constantly changing global marketplace, chambers are becoming more active in government affairs realizing many of the problems facing them can best be dealt with in the legislative arena.

The Pahrump Valley Chamber of Commerce (PVCC) incorporated in 1981. Today its mission is to progressively support our community's growth and welfare.

PVCC endorses, promotes and provides valuable resources to its membership; sponsors economic and workforce development to advance the community-at-large and presents opportunities for tourism.

The Pahrump Valley Chamber of Commerce is an advocate for commercial and civic enterprises that produce products or perform services within the Valley and its environs.

PVCC supports local and regional organizations by providing myriad opportunities for promotion, networking, referrals, organization and business development and timely and informative presentations.

PVCC serves as a liaison to every level of government and provides legislative updates to its membership. PVCC researches governmental and private agency resources and directs valuable information to its membership.

PVCC plays a pivotal role in promoting economic development. Partnering with the education community, PVCC sponsors workforce development initiatives.

There are many initiatives PVCC is working on in 2009. Researching and planning to offer insurance plans just for chamber associations will benefit members who are seeking discounted life, group health, short-term disability and workers compensation programs.

Our new Web site was just launched -- it will be continuously updated; the Web site functions as well for garnering local and regional information.

Last fall, PVCC expanded its mission to serve as a visitor center and convention bureau.

The office has been upgraded to make it more comfortable and convenient for people to pursue the chamber's publications. We hold monthly luncheons and mixers to help members develop relationships and be exposed to timely and topical information.

Our 2009 magazine is in publication. This is a premier offering to anyone moving or visiting here, as well as for residents who just want to know who's in the chamber. People tend to feel more comfortable knowing they are most likely dealing with a credible service provider.

You don't have to be a business to join the chamber -- residents join, too.

Did you know that about 5,000 people come into the chamber office yearly? Yes, we agree it is an astounding number of folks and we're happy to help each of them. People come in to find out about the town, about the chamber, about starting a business, about what is there to do around Pahrump.

They ask questions about schools, the hospital, the medical profession, the library, the courthouse, Social Security, landlord issues, pet care, automotive services, restaurants -- you name it -- we are asked every day.

Yesterday, two people called with the same question -- did we know if there was a book binder in town? Yes, we know of one.

Of course, most people know us from the events we sponsor. We'll be doing more events this year than ever. Look on our Web site, pahrumpchamber.com, and review the calendar to learn the latest.

Speaking of calendars, we call organizations servicing Pahrump and get their activity or event information, which we than post on our calendar.

It's a common complaint -- there's no community calendar -- well, we work on it weekly trying our best to keep abreast of what's going on.

We're fortunate to have a great staff of people. Nancy Evans has been the lead staff member for four years; Julia Lawrence and Bill Wingfield just joined last fall. They serve as event coordinator and convention manager, respectively.

Lucy Ivins came on board last summer as executive director. We have wonderful volunteers who support us in many ways each week. If you are looking to become a volunteer, we're told "our office is the best."

In January, our board of directors increased from seven to nine members. Leading the board is Michael Selbach, president. Serving alongside are: Ron Frazier, vice president; Brian Strain, secretary; Deborah Jones, treasurer and Directors Tonya Brum, Kelly Buffi, Keith Froehling, Dave Uthoff and Marie Wujek.

PVCC recognizes the interdependency of the commmuntiy-at-large and is working cooperatively and diligently to make our valley the best place to live and work.

On a personal note, the PVCC board of directors and staff stand by to assist anyone endeavoring to join our valley as a visitor, a new resident or a new or relocating business. We look forward to meeting and serving you.

We invite comments and are always seeking additional ways to service our membership and community. Please contact PVCC if you have any ideas or suggestions.

PVCC is located on the second floor of the Nevada State Building at 1301 S. Highway 160. Call us Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 727-5800.

**********************

PVCC concerns with Utilities Inc.

Dear Mr. Burris,

This letter is in response to information provided to PVCC by members of our organization and local community businesses.

Our executive director, Lucy Ivins, attended the Jan. 27 town board meeting, and from that information, we are fairly certain you are aware of our community's sentiment regarding your organization and its practices.

We believe as an organization composed of approximately 600 business members (of which you are one), it is incumbent upon us to, at the very minimum, provide you with our concerns regarding water and sewer costs.

Of course we are aware our economy only exacerbates the challenges being faced by businesses trying to stay in business; that would also include Utilities Inc. However, it is also fair to state, we believe Pahrump is in a unique situation. Three private water and sewer companies, an unincorporated tow, a planning department that is in the process of a long overdue streamlining process, little or no infrastructure, etc., add to the challenges.

So, what can we do about this?

First, let's be realistic. It took Pahrump a long time to get where we are. It's going to take time to get where we want to be. It's a process. It's the process we wish to discuss with you at your convenience.

In moving forward to develop a process that is a win-win (town, business, residents and Utilities Inc.), we believe it is valuable to take into consideration the cost of doing business with the utility companies that service Pahrump.

It is not Utilities Inc. PVCC is singling out, it is just the comments we experience are all related to Utilities Inc. The biggest concern is your rates are based on fixtures and drains.

Lucy Ivins briefly described to us your economic stimulus proposal, and we were heartened to learn in this proposal Utilities Inc. would charge for volume metric units vs. your current method.

The question we pose today is why can't you generate your billing against volume metric units now?

It is our belief paying for water actually used vs. the number of fixtures would alleviate "hard feelings" and diminish the struggle to meet higher water rates. Is this something you would consider?

We would like to speak with you directly on this subject and, perhaps, we could meet with you shortly. Please let us know a time frame convenient to your schedule.

Sincerely,

LUCY IVINS

This letter is written from the PVCC Board of Directors: Michael Selbach, president; Ron Frazier, vice president; Brian Strain, secretary; Deborah Jones, treasurer; Tonya Brum, director; Kelly Buffi, director; Keith Froehling, director; David Uthoff, director and Marie Wujek, director.