Fulton Chamber of Commerce
Agenda
February 10, 2009
Noon - Golden Wok

Call to Order

Minutes  (following pages 2 & 3)

Treasurer's Report 
     January Treasurer's Report (handed out)
     Budget Update (attached)

Executive
     Planning Session Results (attached)
     Executive Director Meetings Report
     E-Newsletter Format
     Board Meeting Location
     Executive Director Meeting Report (attached)

Tourism & Promotions
     City Tourism Committee
     Bridal Walk Committee Report

Government Affairs
     Candidate's Forum - March 12 - 5pm to 7pm - Manny's Too
          Meal
     Springfield Lobby Trip
     Focus 2010 (CCI Committee) Update

Member Relations
     Membership Drive Update (attached)
     Member Ed Committee

Downtown
     Fulton Retail Development Group Update

Old/New Business
     Other

Next Board Meeting: March 10, 2009, Noon

Adjourn

Fulton Chamber of Commerce
Minutes from January 13, 2009

No Board meeting was held December 2008.
The January Chamber Board meeting was held at Golden Wok Chinese Restaurant

Attendance: Patti Housenga, Bill Wilkin, Lynne Loerop, Greg Naftzger, Paula Rogis and Chuck Dykstra

Absent:  Bill Stoermer, Linda Hollis, and Steve Owen.

Minutes:  A motion was made by Housenga and seconded by Loerop to approve the minutes from November 11, 2008.  Motion carried.

Treasurer's Report:  In Linda Hollis' absence, Bennett reported November revenue as $3,697.74 and expenditures of $1,382.73, leaving an ending balance of $14,977.58. December revenue was $2,445.35 and expenditures of $3,169.62, leaving an ending balance of $14,253.31.  A motion was made by Naftzger and seconded by Wilkin to accept the November and December Treasurer's Report.  Motion carried.

Audit Review:  Garry Medema performed an audit of the chamber books.  Garry found no discrepancies with our financial records.  Garry did suggest the executive director initial invoices and alphabetize or chronologically file invoices.  Garry offered his services for free but was given a $25 gift card from the chamber. 

Executive: The planning session is set for January 29, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Fulton Masonic Lodge.  A lunch (pizza) will be provided complimentary to chamber member attendees.  Bill Stoermer will facilitate the session.  RSVP deadline is 9am on January 26, 2009.

Tourism & Promotions:  Board members who attended the event were pleased with the turnout, despite frigid temperatures.  The ice carver and kettle corn maker cancelled the day of the event due to the cold weather.  The Fulton Police Chief provided a list of safety concerns during the 2 mile run/walk.  These concerns will be reviewed with Jean Roeder so that we can alleviate problems in the future. 

The City Tourism Committee did not meet in November and December, but is scheduled to meet January 15, 2009. 

Bennett will call a meeting with the Fulton Bridal Walk Committee in February to begin planning for the 2009 Bridal Walk which is scheduled for June 25 from 4:30pm to 7:30pm. 

Government Affairs:  The board discussed hosting a candidate's forum for the city council candidates in March.  Although most candidates are running unopposed and may decline the request to participate, the board believes providing this opportunity to educate the voters/public is still important.  There are two people who have taken out papers to run for Mayor.  Elections will be held April 7, 2009, and the board would like the local media to have time to report the results from the forum prior to Election Day.  A motion was made by Loerop and seconded by Naftzger to host the candidates' forum at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 12, 2009 with a location to be determined - Manny's, Masonic Lodge, or City Hall.  Rogis reported Agri-King's conference room is already booked for the week.  Motion carried.  Bennett will make all the arrangements. 

Stoermer and Bennett will discuss with city administrator, Randy Balk, whether or not a Springfield Lobby Trip should be coordinated in February or March again.  Bennett noted she most likely will not attend an overnight trip this year due to her newborn, but is willing to help organize details/meetings

CCI - Stoermer was not in attendance to update the board on the progress from the CCI Committee, but it was noted attendance at the Community Center & Downtown Public Hearings were good. 

Member Relations:  Bennett provided a listing of non-renewals.  The board divided up the list to contact personally.  Bennett will provide the board, via email, with a dues statement form and listing of the activities sponsored by the chamber.  Currently, 20 members have not renewed and Bennett believes more than half simply forgot to send in their dues. 

Four Ribbon Cuttings were held during Bennett's maternity leave.  The board said all of the ribbon cuttings were well attended.  The Fulton Masons won the $250 drawing in November and Drives won the $50 drawing at the December ribbon cutting.  Drives donated the $50 back to the chamber. 

Bennett said the QuickBooks Workshop scheduled for early October was cancelled due to limited attendance, but was going to pursue coordinating a workshop with the Clinton Chamber of Commerce in February or March.  The QuickBooks Workshop will be held at Clinton Community College and a fee may have to be assessed to attendees to cover materials and the instructor. 

Downtown:    Dykstra reported the old theater building is not listed, but it is for sale.  The sale price is $137,500 with a capitalization rate of 10%.  Currently the building is collecting $1,235 in rent (3 tenants), which Dykstra feels could even be raised under new ownership.  Dykstra shared his plans for renovating his Windmill Cottage and former Journal office building.  To reflect the original appearance of the Journal building, new large windows will be installed as well as the drop ceiling removed in order to expose the tin ceiling.  Currently, Larry Russell's campaign headquarters are housed in the building along with antique storage.  Dykstra would like to eventually sell the building.  The Windmill Cottage will receive a new pitched roof to match the roof being installed on the new windmill museum.  Dykstra is also debating on color choices for painting the shutters of the cottage. 

Old/New Business:  None

Next Meeting:  February 10, 2009, at Noon.  Location to be determined. 

Adjourn:  A motion was made by Dykstra and seconded by Loerop to adjourn the meeting at 12:55 p.m.  Motion carried.