Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber CEO: 'Time to move on' from SB 5 debate

YOUNGSTOWN — Tom Humphries says he’s does not want to spend any more time rehashing the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber’s pro-Senate Bill 5 stance.

Humphries, in an interview with The Vindicator, said he respects those with opposing views, quelled any questions regarding the future of his position as president and CEO, and said the organization is moving forward and standing by its decision.

“I respect everybody — every single person’s opinion. I don’t care who you are,” he said. “But we’re moving on.”

Humphries said the internal decision won’t be reversed and that he doesn’t perceive the second-guessing negatively.

“I don’t look at this as a fight,” he said. “I look at this as people having a difference of opinion.”

The difference of opinion has caused the chamber to lose about a dozen businesses, a statement Humphries refuted based on the chamber’s current records.

He said “a little more than a handful” of businesses have rescinded their memberships after the chamber’s agreeing with SB5, which curbs some collective-bargaining rights for public employees.

Humphries said the chamber will know the exact member count in the next couple of months, but reiterated that numbers won’t be shared publicly because it’s a private organization.

For the complete story, read Tuesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com