Fulton Chamber of Commerce
Minutes from August 8, 2006

Attendance:  Lynne Loerop, Gary Floding, Linda Hollis, Chuck Dykstra, Heather Bennett, Shirl Wierenga-Huber, Patti Housenga, Paula Rogis, and Trish Shear.

Minutes:  Loerop noted a small correction – the Drury Lane Dinner Theatre trip is scheduled for November 2 not November 12.  Noting the correction, a motion was made by Rogis and seconded by Housenga to approve the minutes from July 11, 2006.  Motion carried.   

Treasurer’s Report:  Hollis reviewed report noting expenses and income for the month of July:  $789.37 revenue and $3,206.98 expenses, leaving a balance of $5,843.21.  A motion was made by Housenga and seconded by Rogis to accept the treasurer’s report.  Motion carried.  Bennett provided a year to date budget report that included explanations for each line item.  The Chamber of Commerce operates on a zero-balanced budget ending August 31st.  Bennett provided the Fiscal Year 2007 Budget Proposal.  The proposal includes revenues and expenses of $29,012.  A motion was made by Dykstra and seconded by Floding to approve the FY’07 Budget Proposal.  Motion carried. 

Executive: 
Election of Officers: President Loerop called for a slate of candidates to serve as President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary.  The following actions were taken:

• Treasurer:   A motion was made by Patti Housenga and seconded by Chuck Dykstra for Linda Hollis to hold the treasurer’s office.  Motion carried. 
• Secretary:  A motion was made by Lynne Loerop and seconded by Gary Floding for Paula Rogis to become secretary.  Motion carried.
• Vice President:  A motion was made by Patti Housenga and seconded by Chuck Dykstra for Chuck Dykstra to remain as Vice President.  Motion carried.
• President:  A motion was made by Chuck Dykstra and seconded by Paula Rogis for Patti Housenga to become President.  Motion carried. 

The new officers will take effect on September 1, 2006. 

Chamber Office Renovation:  Bennett provided a final renovation report.  To date, the chamber has received $2,975 in donations, $326.79 in reimbursements and spent (including some estimates) $3,709.79.  The chamber has not received an invoice from Visual Imaging for the lettering on the door – this was estimated at $60.   

Tourism & Promotions:    The National Night Out & Car Show event was well attended despite the heat.  Bennett reported two downtown business owners believed the sidewalk sales went very well and there was a lot of traffic in Fulton.  The Chicago Cubs bus trip was sold out and the Cubs even won.  The next bus trip will be to the Drury Lane Dinner Theatre in Oakbrook on November 2, 2006.  The visitor incentive program and gateway greetings program information was mailed out July 24 and businesses are signing up.   The City of Fulton approved a Heritage Canyon Sponsorship Program for businesses and individuals to donate towards Heritage Canyon’s upkeep and progress. 

Government Affairs:   Steve Haring has agreed to participate in the Candidate’s Forum but Representative Boland has not responded.  Bennett suggested even if Boland does not wish to participate that a Q & A could be held with Steve Haring. 

Member Relations:  August spotlights include Berg Pharmacy, State Farm Insurance, and others TBA.  The August workshop, “Change is Good….. As Long As It Doesn’t Affect Me” is scheduled for August 17 from 11:30am to 1pm, City Hall Council Chambers.  Bennett will be mailing membership dues the first part of September. 

Downtown:  The Fulton Retail Development Group had no report this month.   The City Council approved the Heritage Area Ordinance on July 17, 2006 and the façade grant application program on August 7, 2006.  A grant review committee consisting of Heather Bennett, Rhonda Moeller, and Paula Ensinger will meet prior to façade grants being accepted. 

Old/New Business:  Bennett read a thank you letter from a visitor to Fulton last month.  The letter noted Fulton as a wonderful community.  Board members thought it would be a good idea to see if the Fulton Journal would run the thank you.  Bennett would like to schedule a picture of the board and its new officers.  Bennett will email board members with some dates and times to choose from.  Gary Floding asked about transportation for seniors in Fulton.  Bennett would investigate and inform the board on what she found out.  It was thought there was still a bus through Harbor Crest available for seniors.  Patti Housenga also mentioned the use of the Whiteside County Senior Center. 

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

The next meeting will be held Tuesday, September 12, 2006 at noon at the new chamber office.