San Francisco, CA – As first reported by the San Francisco Examiner on January 7th, the e-scooter company Go X recently used the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce logo inappropriately and without permission, mischaracterizing itself as a company that had received a “Private Scooter Rental Permit” from the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce.
Beyond allegedly creating a false City document, it appears Go X has continued to mislead City officials and the public about securing a permit with the SF Chamber. The SF Chamber is not involved in the permit selection process, nor do they ever distribute them. The organization is not a government entity, nor ever presents itself as one. As a 501(c)6 nonprofit, the Chamber is not a part of City departments, and has no authority to make decisions on their behalf.
President and CEO, Rodney Fong, says, “The company Go X has misled the public about the SF Chamber. Their actions misrepresent our work, and they attempt to devalue our member companies who collaborate with our local government. The SF Chamber only works to promote the initiatives of legitimate San Francisco companies who respect the processes of the City. We do not condone or agree with this behavior.”
Several SFMTA permitted e-scooter companies are members of the SF Chamber, and the organization works regularly to update them on new legislation and regulations. Go X has never been a member of the Chamber. After the SF Examiner’s story, they have attempted to gain, and have been denied, membership at the SF Chamber. The SF Chamber of Commerce will not extend membership to any business who refuses to comply with local regulations and laws.
Fong adds, “San Francisco is a city of innovation, and the Chamber represents hundreds of San Francisco companies who continually think outside the box, develop new groundbreaking products, and launch their creative ideas – all while complying with City rules and regulations. We have to respect those companies who innovate while following the rules put in place to keep our great City safe.”
SF Chamber CEO Rodney Fong and Public Policy Director Jay Cheng are available for interviews. For media inquiries regarding this story, please call 408-691-0423 or email jcheng@sfchamber.com.