NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- The fallout from the firing of Steve Dennis as executive director of the Southeast Chamber of Commerce continues five months later. A prominent businesswoman has quit the organization in support of Dennis while critics continue to question how Dennis can remain with the CRA despite the fact he no longer works, owns a business or even lives in the district.
More than a hundred business owners set up booths on Canal Street for the inaugural Southeast Volusia Chamber of Commerce Home Show and Business Expo on Jan. 22. Adele Aletti of Gone Bonkers, who is among the principals in the Flagler Merchants Association, wasn't among them.
She informed Dennis' successor, Samantha Bishop, leading up to the expo that not only would she not be attending, but that she was not renewing her membership in the chamber.
Bishop confirmed that Alletti told her she was still upset about Dennis' sudden departure, but the new chamber head said she didn't want to comment further on an issue that predated her.
Alletti told NSBNEWS.net she was "stepping back" from membership in the chamber.