Dear editor,

This statement is being issued from the Catoosa County Chamber of Commerce in response to the Aug. 13 hearing with the Georgia Public Service Commission and Ringgold Telephone Co.

The purpose of the Catoosa Chamber of Commerce as stated in the by-laws is “to advance the general welfare and prosperity of the Catoosa County area so that its citizens and all of its business community shall prosper.” As such, the Chamber cannot and will not take up a position for one member over another. However, the Chamber can and should address issues whose outcome could potentially be contrary to our purpose.

It is the belief of the Catoosa Chamber of Commerce that a forced rate increase for Ringgold Telephone Co. would hurt Catoosa County citizens and be detrimental for business. While we appreciate and indeed support the profitability of our county businesses, we also believe in the right of each business to set their own rates, so long as they are reasonable.

We believe this issue is complex and should be addressed by the communication companies and the Georgia Public Service Commission at a level that does not attempt to solve it by a forced and unwanted rate increase to our county residents and businesses. It is also the Catoosa Chamber’s belief that all businesses should practice and follow fair business principles and expect payment for services provided them.

The Catoosa Chamber supports all its members and will continue to do so.

The Catoosa County Chamber of Commerce is the visionary leader of the county unified to promote and enhance commerce and community development in Catoosa County and the surrounding region.

Catoosa County Chamber of Commerce board of directors, Ringgold