Jul 9, 2008 2:00 PM PDT    Text size: 

The adult-friendly business organization lost most of its membership from the ranks of mainstream businesses. Before the fall in membership, mainstream business members composed 80 to 85 percent of the Sin City Chamber of Commerce, or SCCC. Now they count for less than 70 percent.

What's driving these members away? The flagging economy, of course.

"For small businesses with less than five employees, when it comes time to spend marketing dollars the membership fees are the first things to go," SCCC CEO Wayne Bridge said, adding that a rise in membership went hand-in-hand with the falloff.

Last July, the SCCC raised the dues for businesses with one to five employees from $400 to $500. They've since reduced the price to its original level after losing so many members.

But the good news is that the SCCC has no plans to discontinue its signature events like an annual golf tournament held in conjunction with the Chicken Ranch Brothel.

"People still seem to enjoy what we're doing and we're going to keep doing it," Bridge said.

For more information, visit the Sin City Chamber of Commercewebsite.