Fulton Chamber of Commerce
Agenda
August 14, 2007
Noon - Chamber Office

Call to Order

Minutes (following pages 2 & 3)

Treasurer's Report (see Excel attachment)
     a.  Budget Update FY'07 (see Excel attachment)

Executive
     a.  Election of Officers - President, Vice President and Treasurer
     b.  Executive Director Meeting Report (see MW attachment)

Tourism & Promotions
     a.  Advertising Publications - handed out at meeting
     b.  City Tourism Committee Report
     c.  Cubs Baseball Bus Trip Report
     d.  Lincoln Highway Buy-Way Yard Sales Event Report
     e.  Lincoln Highway Gazebo location
     f.  New City Website
     g.  Fall Festival - Oct. 13 & 14, 2007 (see MW attachment)

Government Affairs
     a.  Highway 30 Public Meeting Report

Member Relations
     a.  Spotlights concluded - thank you card and cookies were sent to Fulton Journal
          1.  Future use of spotlights - website, photocopied, etc.
     b.  RK Dixon Workshop - Document Imaging - August 23, 11:30am Masonic Lodge
     c.  Gateway Greetings Program
     d.  Membership Dues Renewal - mailed Sept. 4
     e.  Potential new member update (see MW attachment)

Downtown
     a.  Fulton Retail Development Group Update
     b.  City Ad Hoc Committee - Downtown Streetscape (see MW attachment)
     c.  Façade Grant Update (see MW attachment)

Old/New Business
     a.  Next Board Meeting - September 11, 2007
     b.  Vacation - Sept. 17-21, 2007
     c.  Other

Adjourn

Fulton Chamber of Commerce
Minutes from July 10, 2007

Attendance:  Chuck Dykstra, Bill Wilkin, Heather Bennett, Steve Owen, Shirl Wierenga-Huber, Lynne Loerop, Sue Mannix and Linda Hollis. 

Minutes:  A motion was made by Loerop and seconded by Wierenga-Huber to approve the minutes from June 12, 2007.  Motion carried.   

Treasurer's Report:  Hollis reviewed report noting expenses and income for the month of June:  $970.24 revenue and $3,425.32 expenses, leaving a balance of $7,733.64.  A motion was made by Mannix and seconded by Loerop to accept the Treasurer's Report.  Motion carried.  Bennett provided a year to date budget report.

Executive:    The Annual Dinner was reviewed.  The program and room was well organized but people had a difficult time hearing.  Perhaps next year a PA system could be used.  Nearly 50 people attended the event at Red Dog Steakhouse & Saloon on Thursday, June 21, 2007.  Bennett provided the June Executive Director meeting report.  At the August meeting, the board of directors will need to elect President, Vice President and Treasurer.  Charles Dysktra stated he does not want to be Vice President again as it could be a conflict of interest since his election to the city council.  Linda Hollis volunteered to be treasurer again, if nominated. 

Tourism & Promotions:    Copies of the June/July advertising were provided.  The third meeting of the City Tourism Committee was held on June 14.  Wierenga-Huber reported the committee began by prioritizing goals as follows:  Community Appearance and then the operation, management and support of all city owned museums.   The Tourism Committee came up with a lengthy list of areas within the community in need of landscaping, cleaning, weeding and ground maintenance.   Once all the priorities have action plans, the committee will move forward with a presentation to the city council this fall. 

The Cubs Baseball Game is scheduled for August 4, against the New York Mets, a total of 40 people have signed up.  The Lincoln Buy-Way Sales will be held August 9-11, 2007 and Bennett is working with the Wa Tan Ye Club on promoting and organizing the event.

Government Affairs:     A public hearing will be held on July 25 at the Morrison Odell Library and Community Center to review proposed plans for US Route 30.  Board members are encouraged to attend.

Member Relations:  July spotlights include Exelon, Comfort Inn, Kelly's Food Mart and Wiersema Charter Services.  If everything goes as planned, the spotlights will end mid-August.  The Fulton Bridal & Anniversary Walk had a total of 39 brides and 2 anniversary couples register.  A survey was sent to several vendors and most of them enjoyed the event and would participate again.  The committee will review some logistical issues but is recommending the chamber sponsor the event again next year

Downtown:  Dykstra reported the Fulton Retail Development Group is currently looking for another building to purchase in the downtown area.  The group has toured two buildings thus far, Marc & Catherine Gravert's buildings and Marge Bielema's building.

Old/New Business:    Bennett asked for suggestions for a chamber workshop.  Chuck Dykstra mentioned RK Dixon would like to offer a complimentary lunch workshop on document imaging.  A motion was made by Loerop and seconded by Wierenga-Huber to approve a workshop with RK Dixon.  Motion carried.  Bennett will contact RK Dixon on a date, time and location.  Chuck Dykstra would like to proceed with making personal visits with businesses not currently chamber members.  A list of potential businesses was provided and divided up amongst the board. 

Adjourn:   A motion was made by Wilkin and seconded by Owen to adjourn meeting.  Meeting adjourned at 12:45pm.   

Next board meeting:  Tuesday, August 14, 2007 at Noon.