Well, it didn't take the Roanoke Times NRV bureau chief long to get the breaking news out. Not near as long as it took an investigation to finally result with charges being filed (eight months).
The bureau chief formerly covered the business beat in Roanoke, where it is said this "story" broke (rather than where charges were ultimately filed) so his interest is doubly clear.
Now local business operators, chamber members, funding governments and all taxpayers (who want their taxes put to the highest and greatest use), can watch as this case involving the former chamber CEO moves through the legal system.
Watch whether the chamber membership goes up or down (and look at what percent of the current 861 members aren't located in Montgomery County). Review who funded and lead this 501(c)3 organization, along with the charged CEO.
Watch the chamber's child -- the Tourism Development Council -- and how the related "custody battle" plays out.
Montgomery County and Christiansburg business operators are more damaged by this situation -- regardless of the final legal final outcome -- than those located in Blacksburg. Those businesses can choose to be members of the chamber, the Blacksburg Partnership, Downtown Blacksburg, Inc., or engaged with the long established and mature Town of Blacksburg Tourism and Economic Development programs.
Outside of Blacksburg, business operators have lost a voice and identity and will be looking to the Board of Supervisors and Christiansburg Town Council members for taxation with representation.