Fulton Chamber of Commerce
Agenda
December 11, 2007
January 8, 2008
Noon - Golden Wok Chinese Restaurant

1. Call to Order 
2. Minutes  (following pages 2 & 3)
3. Treasurer's Report  
   1. November Treasurer's Report (see Excel attachment)
   2. December Treasurer's Report - handed out at meeting
   3. Budget Update (see Excel attachment)
4. Executive
   1. Executive Director Meeting Report November/December (see MW attachment)
5. Tourism & Promotions
   1. Advertising Publications (available for review at chamber office)
   2. Update City Tourism Committee Report to City Council
   3. Christmas Walk Update
   4. Annual Bald Eagle Watch
   5. Fall Festival Committee - looking for volunteers
6. Government Affairs
   1. Springfield Lobby Trip - February 27 & 28, 2008
   2. Washington, DC - US 30 Lobby Trip - first week in March, 2008
7. Member Relations
   1. Membership Drive (see MW attachment)
   2. Membership Education Committee - Nancy Kolk, Alisa Sharpe, and Andrea Feller
   3. Bridal & Anniversary Walk - June 26       4:30pm-7:30pm
8. Downtown
   1. Fulton Retail Development Group Update
9. Old/New Business
   1. Next Board Meeting - February 12, 2008
   2. Other
10. Adjourn

Fulton Chamber of Commerce
Minutes from November 13, 2007

Attendance:  Chuck Dykstra, Patti Housenga, Shirl Wierenga-Huber, Linda Hollis, Lynne Loerop, William Stoermer, Paula Rogis, Bill Wilkin, and Heather Bennett.

Absent:  Steve Owen

Minutes:  A motion was made by Housenga and seconded by Loerop to approve the minutes from October 9, 2007.  Motion carried.     

Treasurer's Report:  Hollis reviewed report noting expenses and income for the month of October:  $10,061.02 revenue and $2,977.05 expenses, leaving a balance of $17,665.21.  A motion was made by Bill Stoermer and seconded by Bill Wilkin to accept the October Treasurer's Report.  Motion carried.  Bennett provided a year to date budget report. 

Executive:    The Annual Planning Session report was provided by Bennett.  Upon review by the board, the report will be sent to the chamber membership.  Some specific tasks the chamber board will accomplish from the planning session are encouraging more members to have a float in the Dutch Days Parade, organizing a children's activity for Dutch Days on Saturday, organizing a Springfield Lobby Trip, forming a Fall Festival Committee, and forming a Membership Education Committee to assist with workshops, programs and speakers.  Bennett noted Nancy Kolk has volunteered to serve on the Membership Education Committee.  Bennett noted her quarterly report to the city council on November 5 and the request from one alderman to see the chamber fund more of the Executive Director position.  After some discussion, the board decided to address the issue at such time when there was formal action by the entire city council.  

Tourism & Promotions:    Copies of the September/October advertising were provided.  Bennett provided a listing of the Christmas Walk schedule planned for Friday, December 7, from 5pm to 7pm in the downtown district.  

Government Affairs:     Bill Stoermer, Heather Bennett, Randy Balk, and Kent Campbell met prior to the chamber board meeting to discuss a lobby trip to Springfield, IL sometime in February.  More details will be provided as plans are finalized, but the first trip will most likely be a small group averaging around 10 to 15 people mostly from Fulton and a few from Clinton.    

Member Relations:  Rogis provided a copy of the spotlight binder that will be provided at different waiting areas in Fulton.  The binders will be completed before the end of the year.  Bennett provided an updated list on the membership drive.  Board members chose certain businesses to call for renewing their membership.  Ribbon Cuttings were held at Kreative Rentals and the Golden Wok Chinese Restaurant. 

Downtown:  Dykstra was pleased to report the Fulton Retail Dev. Group purchased their second building from David Vander Vinne.  The building currently houses Great River Gymnastics and two upstairs apartments.  The FRDG anticipates restoring the façade to its original theatre appearance as well as some minor interior repairs.  Great River Gymnastics will remain in the building until the first of May, 2008 and possibly longer if the building is not sold or an agreement can be reached.  The FRDG held their annual shareholder's meeting at the Golden Wok Chinese Restaurant on November 14, 2007.  The group has also planned to have small brass plaques made for building owners who have made historical improvements to their buildings. 

Old/New Business:    The December board meeting lunch is usually complimentary for the board.  The board unanimously chose Golden Wok Chinese Restaurant for the December meeting.       

Adjourn:   A motion was made by Loerop and seconded by Dykstra to adjourn the meeting at 1:12pm.  Motion carried.     

Next board meeting:  Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at Noon.