Businessman Says He Resolved Issues with Chamber

By: David McGee/Bristol Herald Courier | TriCities.com
Published: March 25, 2008

Businessman Joe Bell said on Monday that he has resolved the issues that led to his resignation from the Bristol Chamber of Commerce.

Last week, Bell, who is black, claimed that the chamber discriminates against some of its members. On Monday, however, he retreated from that claim, saying it was a misunderstanding.

“I talked with chamber President Lisa Meadows and we ironed out all of our differences,” Bell said. “I apologized to her. I told her I was extremely sorry.”

Bell recently opened a new business, National Hotel Guides, on West State Street. He was unhappy because he said the chamber hadn’t provided a welcome letter for a Bristol visitor guide book he plans to publish. At that time, he speculated that chamber officials might have been concerned about competing for advertising revenue in its annual visitor guide booklet – an allegation chamber officials denied.

“He called first thing this morning, Meadows said on Monday. “He apologized for his comments and actions and said that was not the way he felt.”

Bell said he has rejoined the chamber.

The chamber plans to provide the letter, as requested, Meadows said.

Bristol Virginia Mayor Jim Rector has already provided a similar letter and Bristol Tennessee Mayor David Shumaker said he plans to provide one soon.

dmcgee@bristolnews.com | (276) 645-2532

Businessman Says He Resolved Issues with Chamber

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