Fulton Chamber of Commerce

Minutes from September 8, 2006

Attendance:  Gary Floding, Linda Hollis, Chuck Dykstra, Heather Bennett, Shirl Wierenga-Huber, Sue Mannix, and Patti Housenga.

Minutes:  A motion was made by Hollis and seconded by  Mannix to approve the minutes from August 8, 2006.  Motion carried.   

Treasurer’s Report:  Hollis reviewed report noting expenses and income for the month of August:  $2,701.09 revenue and $677.6 expenses, leaving an ending fiscal year balance of $7,866.44.  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.   

Executive: 
Based on the agreement between the city and chamber, at the end of the chamber fiscal year (Aug. 31) the board is to review whether additional monies can be forwarded to the City of Fulton.  The chamber 2006 fiscal year ended with a negative balance of $152.59.  However, the chamber operates on a zero balanced budget.  After some discussion, the board felt at this time they would not be able to forward additional monies to the City of Fulton.  Patti Housenga would draft a letter to the city administrator and city council. 

The Annual Planning Session will be held Thursday, November 9 from Noon to 1:30pm at the Fulton Masonic Lodge.  A motion was made Dykstra and seconded by Wierenga-Huber to approve the meeting date and time.  Motion carried.  Bennett provided sample questions to be included in an on-line survey emailed to the membership.  The board was asked to respond by September 19 if they had any changes or additions to the questions. 

Bennett requested the chamber board apply for their own credit card because a few times a year the chamber has had to use the city credit card and reimburse the city.  A motion was made by Dykstra and seconded by Mannix to apply for a Community State Bank credit card.  Motion carried.

Tourism & Promotions:    Copies of the August advertising was handed out.  There were four businesses that participated in the Gateway Greetings Program and 5 businesses which participated in the Visitor Incentive Program.  The next bus trip will be to the Drury Lane Dinner Theatre in Oakbrook on November 2, 2006 – 8 people have signed up so far.  Bennett provided a volunteer sign-up sheet for Fall Festival and the Fall Festival itinerary.  The chamber board chose “A Country Christmas” as the theme for this year’s Christmas Walk to be held Friday, December 1.  Bennett asked to table the Mediacom advertising item.  Bennett requested some small blue signs be placed in a couple of spots around town to indicate where the chamber office is located.  General consensus from the board was to proceed with purchasing a few small signs through the Public Works Department.

Government Affairs:   Bennett has not received a confirmation from Representative Boland and several messages have been left.  Bennett and the board agreed to have a donuts and discussion with candidate Steve Haring if Boland would decline or not confirm. 

Member Relations:  Spotlights continue to be recycled in the Fulton Journal by Paula Rogis and Heather Bennett.  Membership dues were mailed September 1, 2006 to nearly 300 businesses.  Bennett discussed the idea of having a Fulton Bridal Fair located in the downtown area but also having businesses (not in the downtown district) set-up a booth at the Masonic Lodge.  The idea was mentioned at a tourism meeting based on the many merchants in town who can or already do service weddings and participate in bridal fairs.  Bennett would like to discuss the idea further with Greg Naftzger and see if the Fulton Journal would like to help co-sponsor the event with the chamber. 

Downtown:  The Fulton Retail Development Group had no report this month.   The façade grant approval committee will meet August 16 to review the grant applications. 

Old/New Business: 
Bennett provided the board with a site visit report to the Sterling/Rock Falls area. 

A motion was made by Floding and seconded by Mannix to adjourn meeting.  Motion carried.  Meeting adjourned at 12:50pm

The next meeting will be held Tuesday, October 10, 2006 at noon at the new chamber office.