this might be a strange question...

The phone rings in the Chamber office ... a lot. I guess that's what happens when you're considered the hub of community information. After just a couple of years here, I've fielded enough calls prefaced by "this might be a strange question" to know there are few callers who can still surprise me.

There was a call once from a gentleman who asked me what Pizza Hut serves on its buffet. Another person wanted to know what time her leaves would be picked up by the city crews. Oh, and one lady needed to know where she could buy buttons. While I often wonder why these people simply don't use Google to find their answers or a more appropriate office to call, these kinds of questions remind me that folks trust the Chamber of Commerce to either know the answers or be able to find out.

Yesterday afternoon, I answered a call from a guy who was headed west on Interstate 80 and ran out of gas about a mile before he got to the Gothenburg exit. He was from Illinois and called the Chamber to find out if there are any service stations in town that would bring him a gallon of fuel. I shared with him the phone numbers for each of the gas stations in town and wished him luck. 

A few minutes later, the same stranded motorist called back.  He wanted me to know he hadn't found a station to come to his rescue, and then he asked the temperature in case he had to walk. Although it would have required me to locate a gas can and purchase fuel, I offered to make the delivery myself. He was frustrated with the situation, but was quick to decline. He said that went far beyond the expectations of a Chamber of Commerce.

I didn't hear from him again. 

First off, does anyone in Gothenburg offer this service as part of their business? If so, I'd like to know in case this type of call ever happens again. Secondly, what would be your expectation of the Chamber of Commerce in this situation? I'm wondering if I should put an empty gas can in my storage room.