The Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce board of directors voted this morning to oppose House Bill 1633, which would authorize one casino in southeastern New Hampshire. The votes were cast at a special board meeting held at the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce offices in Manchester. As is required for all policy positions taken by the organization, this one was passed with a two-thirds majority vote.
The vote comes after months of discussion and several presentations that were hosted by the Chamber's Government Affairs Committee. Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce Interim President & CEO Michael C. Whitney said the organization's main concern is how the region would be affected by the potential loss of discretionary income - money that would otherwise be spent, and remain, in the communities of the greater Manchester region.
"It is our belief that a nearby casino would negatively impact the local business community," said Whitney. "The Chamber's first and foremost commitment is in representing the interests of our more than 900 members-small and large businesses that are committed to, and have invested in, the communities of greater Manchester."
The House is expected to vote on HB 1633 on Thursday.
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