Chamber drops museum

With revenues from the Fantastic Museum proving less than fantastic, the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce has shed its management responsibility for the museum.

According to chamber manager Steve Shunk, museum owner Jim Schmit was supportive of the decision, which leaves the management and marketing of the museum in his hands.

"Mr. Schmit was very generous and made a decision that was in all parties' best interests," Shunk said.

The chamber agreed to go into partnership with the Fantastic Museum last May. According to their agreement with Schmit, the chamber received 20 percent of the net proceeds from museum ticket sales.

The chamber budgeted for revenues of $3,835 through December; actual revenues to date are $636. The chamber spent $2,738.89 on promotion and management for the museum ($235.89 more than budgeted).

The shortfall in revenue and the overage in expenses translates into a $3,434.89 loss for the chamber.

Shunk, who took over as chamber manager in August after Adrienne Banks resigned to pursue other interests, said that the museum and the chamber's visitors center will remain at their current location at 222 West Hood Avenue.

The new entrance for the museum will be at the rear of the building off the parking lot between Hood and Cascade avenues.

According to Shunk, Schmit is committed to upgrading the presentation of the museum's artifacts, and making a go of it as a private business.

"This decision could potentially benefit the museum," Shunk said.

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Jim Cornelius, Editor in Chief

Jim Cornelius is editor in chief of The Nugget and author of “Warriors of the Wildlands: True Tales of the Frontier Partisans.” A history buff, he explores frontier history across three centuries and several continents on his podcast, The Frontier Partisans. For more information visit www.frontierpartisans.com.

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