Fulton Chamber of Commerce
Minutes from October 10, 2006

Attendance:  Gary Floding, Linda Hollis, Heather Bennett, Shirl Wierenga-Huber, Sue Mannix, and Patti Housenga.  Guest:  Jim Gundlach.

Minutes:  A motion was made by Floding and seconded by Wierenga-Huber to approve the minutes from September 8, 2006.  Motion carried.   

Treasurer’s Report:  Hollis reviewed report noting expenses and income for the month of September:  $4,519.30 revenue and $1,829.57 expenses, leaving a balance of  $10,556.17.  A motion was made by Floding and seconded by Wierenga-Huber to accept the treasurer’s report.  Motion carried.  Bennett provided a year to date budget report.   Jim Gundlach suggested the chamber look into putting their funds in a money market account. 

Executive: 
The Annual Planning Session will be held Thursday, November 9 from Noon to 1:30pm at the Fulton Masonic Lodge.  Bonnie Dyson has agreed to facilitate the session.  Bennett will email out the on-line survey prior to the session. 
Trish Shear resigned from the board of directors.  Gary Floding also announced he would be moving to South Carolina very soon and he too would have to resign.  Bennett informed the board that according to our by-laws, a vacant seat can be filled by the Board of Directors. 

Tourism & Promotions:    Copies of the September advertising were handed out.  The bus trip to the Drury Lane Dinner Theatre was cancelled due to low participation.  As a reminder Bennett informed the board of the upcoming Group Tour Workshop.  Bennett provided the schedule for Fall Festival and a list of volunteers needed to fill some shifts.  The Christmas Walk will be held Friday, Dec. 1, 2006 from 5pm to 7pm and Bennett will be working on scheduling several events and activities.  Jean Roeder will be coordinating the Christmas Run/Walk. 

Government Affairs:   As the board was unable to get a confirmation from Representative Boland, the board agreed to have a donuts and discussion with candidate Steve Haring

Member Relations:  Spotlights continue to be recycled in the Fulton Journal by Paula Rogis and Heather Bennett.  Many of the spotlights have been updated and new photos taken.  A ribbon cutting/Biz After 5 for Interiors, etc. will be held Oct. 12.  Bennett provided a list of current members for the new membership year.  At the next board meeting, board members can divide the list and make contact with non-renewals and some new members. 

Downtown:  The Fulton Retail Development Group will hold its annual shareholders luncheon on November 15.  The façade grant approval committee will meet again to review one more grant application. 

Old/New Business: 
FACE (Fulton Association for Community Enrichment) is finalizing their by-laws and is currently applying for their tax exemption status.  It is hoped after the new year, the group will be able to make an official announcement. 

Bennett suggested the chamber include their minutes, once approved by the board, on the city website.  A majority of the board members believed this would be a good idea to provide additional information to the membership.  Gary Floding announced the Millers held their appreciation dinner and viewed a slide show from Henk & June Hielema, donor of the windmills.  Floding noted the collection is very impressive and will be a great addition to Fulton’s tourism and windmill. 

A motion was made by Mannix and seconded by Floding to adjourn meeting.  Motion carried. 
Meeting adjourned at 12:35pm

The next meeting will be held Tuesday, November 14, 2006 at noon at the new chamber office.