Are local nonprofits supporting the sales tax?

Michael Monteferrante is a the President and CEO of Envision, Inc. and a member of the 2014 Board of Directors for the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber’s Board of Directors recently announced their support of the 1 percent sales tax referendum. Wichitans will vote on this issue on November 4. During the next few months Chamber members will utilize the blog to provide commentary and answer questions about the sales tax. Today’s question is answered by Chamber Board member Michael Monteferrante. Yes. The Nonprofit Chamber of Services (NPCS) has announced support of the sales tax. NPCS works with 175 area nonprofits and not-for-profits in the community and is one of seven local organizations who believe the additional funding will move Wichita forward:

• Go Wichita Convention & Visitors Bureau
• IBEW L.U. 271 Electrical Workers
• Plumbers and Pipefitters Union, Local 441
• The Nonprofit Chamber of Service
• Wichita Downtown Development Corporation
• Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce
• Young Professionals of Wichita

“The proposed sales tax is crucial to growing our city. To vote ‘yes’ is to vote for growth and evolution. To vote ‘no’ is to vote for stagnation. We must choose to invest in our community,” said Michael Monteferrante, President and CEO of Envision, Inc., Yes Wichita co-chair and NPCS board member. Monteferrante added, “A crucial component of the initiative is the transit expansion. Our transit system provides two million annual rides to jobs, shopping and medical appointments but could do so much more. Voting ‘Yes’ to this initiative will allow service improvements including the addition of extended transit hours. A robust public transportation system is essential to a healthy community.” The Nonprofit Chamber of Service exists to support 175 area nonprofits and not-for-profits through training for staff and volunteers and representation of nonprofit interests to the community and government at all levels. Please visit the City of Wichita website to learn more about the proposed sales tax and to read the plans for water, roads, transportation and jobs. Visit the Yes Wichita website to see who is supporting the sales tax and to learn about upcoming events.