|
The North Dallas Chamber of Commerce is the only chamber in the nation
which sponsors organized athletics.
The affiliation is important to the chamber because of the positive effect
of sports on the lives of children in the community.
The sports leagues, which consist of two soccer leagues and one baseball
league, are legally
the same entity as NDCC. They use the same employee identification number.
The leagues and the NDCC together complete annual financial audits. NDCC
provides
significant financial support to complete this effort.
NDCC also provides payroll services to the leagues.
The leagues use the chamber building at no cost for their board meetings,
registration, coaching and refereeing lessons, disciplinary hearings,
and other general use, including postage and photocopying.
The NDCC building provides office space to the soccer leagues at below
market value rent.
NDCC also acts as a liaison between the leagues and City Hall (particularly
the Parks
Department) to help resolve political issues.
The recreational sports programs are no solely beneficial to the children
playing, but to the surrounding community as well. The funds provided
through the league are used to improve the facilities at schools and public
parks where the games are held.
The Baseball League once donated $90,000 to replace the lighting at Northaven
Park, where
many games are played. This provided the community with a safe, well-lit
environment.
|