According to some sources, CP has set off some discussion among chamber members following publication of recent articles. See:
Chamber of Commerce's Bob Burdon.....unburdens himself
Unburdening Bob Burdon
Chamber of Commerce Woes Just Tip of Iceberg? Or Is the Chamber ...
I just received the following letter from a member:
The Chamber of Commerce only cares about how much money it can make from its members. It really does not care about what is in the best interests of its members. The joke among members of the Chamber is that it is not the Annapolis or Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce, it is Bob Burdon's Chamber of Commerce. It is a way for us to keep him employed.
More members have written in and talked with me. All of these sources have asked for anonymity because of fear of retribution or because of their professional affiliations and need to maintain involvement with the chamber. Here are other excerpts (My questions are in black. Answers are in blue. There has been some editing to ensure anonymity):
Mr. Burdon is outstanding with respect to his business network with the legislature, county council and other entities. He is very good at communicating business platforms and concerns through these networks. He is a very good public relations representative to the chamber for the most part.
However, Mr. Burdon is a horrible manager. He is a total control freak, and will not allow staff to do what they need. He dislikes change, and as a result has been a very big barrier to needed improvements within the chamber, especially on the marketing front. He stacks the board with the good old boys network, in order to protect himself and he is very good at that. If you disagree with him, he can be extremely vicious, and has on many occasions said very derogatory things about former employees board members, etc.
Mr. Burdon does not have the best interests of the business community at heart. He wants to do what he wants, and he and the current board have the attitude that if you as a business entity don’t like their ideas, then you don’t have to be part of it.
In my opinion, Mr. Burdon is also an extreme chauvinist. I have heard stories about inappropriate comments he made to female staff and others about their size, eating habits, etc. I can not corroborate those stories because I did not physical see this happen. However, I believe them. Mr. Burdon also lies about his behavior when he is caught in an incorrect situation, and then he does everything he can to discredit the individual that brought this to light, including forcing them out of the organization or firing them.
I think new operational management is desperately needed. Mr Burdon could still be the public face of the chamber, but he needs to let go of the day to day operations.
Bottom line is Mr. Burdon is a dinosaur and he needs to go. However the way the board is stacked to support him, that will not happen until he is ready to go. Mr. Burdon does not care one bit about the businesses and their concerns unless it is a good connection for him. He is totally self serving, and as long as you pay your dues, he really doesn't care much more than that.
I then asked "What do you know about the success or failures or losses incurred by the failed speaker's forum earlier this year?"
I then asked "What do you know about the success or failures or losses incurred by the failed speaker's forum earlier this year?"
The chamber bit off more than they could chew. A consultant promised pie in the sky to make this a fantastic event and did not deliver. In hindsight, a smaller series or a more local event would be ideal, however the entire board gave its support so this does not totally rest on Mr. Burdon’s shoulders. However, many staff and board members have been saying for years that the chamber should be involved in speaker events. Had the chamber moved forward on such an initiative years ago when they had the opportunity, they would have been ahead of the other community groups, and in my opinion, would have been more sucessful.
Have employees resigned or been fired?
Many – 3 Vice President level individuals in the last 2 years. The only people left at the Chamber are Mr. Burdon and his “Harem” – those administrative assistants that only do what he tells them to.
How many people now work at the chamber? Is this number less than a year or so ago? If so, by how many and why?
How many people now work at the chamber? Is this number less than a year or so ago? If so, by how many and why?
As far as I know, there are 5 people working at the chamber – Bob and 4 admin assistants. Last year, there were 8 I believe. Why? Because good employees can’t stand him and his controlling management skills, so he is left with a bunch of employees who sit around and wait to be told what to do.
Why was the Seafood Festival canceled? What can you tell me about this?
The Seafood festival really did need to be cancelled. It was an extremely poorly run event, and the health issues related to food service were a lawsuit waiting to happen. Also, over 62% of attendees stated they only came once and did not return. That tells you the festival was not representing the state and the region in the quality manner it deserved. Also, the non-profit organizations being served were not ones that helped the local community...There wasn’t anything that truly benefited those in need such as food banks or MS etc.
Perhaps eventually, Mr Burdon will see fit to respond with facts, rather than with threats. Stay tuned. More to come...
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Perhaps eventually, Mr Burdon will see fit to respond with facts, rather than with threats. Stay tuned. More to come...
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