How sad that the Fairview Heights Chamber of Commerce is folding.

With it will go a valuable platform to help shape the vision and direction of the city, Southern Illinois' retail mecca.

Chambers of commerce bring together business leaders who share a passion for their community and finding ways to make it better. That united effort gives chambers an influential voice not only in the business community but at City Hall.

For example, the Fairview Heights Chamber in 2009 led a successful effort to block an increase in the city's hotel-motel tax rate. Who will speak now on behalf of local business interests?

It's surprising that Fairview Heights would have a problem attracting members given the city's large retail footprint. Unfortunately, this is an issue for all sorts of civic organizations. Many people today are too busy with their own lives to take time to work together for the community's well-being.

The interest may not be there, but the need remains.