It’s a common occurrence these days, but like many other organizations, the Puyallup/Sumner Chamber of Commerce is entering a period of austerity.

Chamber Executive Director Shelly Schlumpf said the organization is working to find ways to cut back.

“Like a lot of businesses, we are just really evaluating our current financial situation and it is challenging to say the least,” she said.

Schlumpf said everything is being looked at as a possible point of savings, including the phone provider. If a better phone rate or Internet rate can be found, it’s better for the chamber’s pocketbook.

Since Schlumpf began working at the chamber, the organization reduced overhead by 25 percent. This is due to the elimination of some assistant positions.

Another way of improving the chamber’s fiscal health is by promotion, which would bring more funds to the local community.

To spur enthusiasm and spread knowledge of the area’s happenings, a newsletter is returning with more ads. The newsletter is being brought back by demand.

“People wanted something tangible to hold in their hand,” Schlumpf said.

She said while times are difficult, people are stepping up to help out.

“There are so many people that want this organization to succeed,” she said.

Schlumpf said she remains optimistic for the future.

“It looks like in this next year we should be able to do better than just break even,” she said.