Updated Feb. 4, 3:00 p.m.

Charlie Wilson, one of the founders of a new business organization calling itself the “Vero Beach Chamber of Commerce,” told WTTB’s listeners this past Tuesday morning the reception to his latest effort has been “overwhelming.”

“We have made arrangements to go to the Oceanside Business Association, Downtown (Downtown Main Street) and some civic groups, and by the time we are through and get a chance to chat with people and they know the real story, we’ve really had overwhelming response,” Wilson said.

Wilson’s claim may not  be true, at least not according to Georgia Irish, president of the Oceanside Business Association, and Tammy Adams, executive director of Downtown Main Street.  Wilson did send a letter dated Jan. 15 to to the Main Street organization.  However, Irish and Adams both said that no meetings with representatives of the new “chamber” are planned or contemplated.

Wilson also said on WTTB this week, “new memberships are coming in every day.” To date, the only named members or his new group are fellow founding board members Mark Mucher and Dan Stump.

In a press release Wilson issued two weeks he was critical of the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce.  Wilson is taking a different tone in letters being sent to local businesses.  Many local business are receiving an unsolicited letter from Wilson asking for their participation and support along with – not a membership application or an invitation to call for information – but an invoice for membership dues.