Fulton Chamber of Commerce
Minutes from April 12, 2011

Present:  Heather Bennett, Patti Housenga, Edie Lenz, Phyllis Housenga, Jami Smith, Greg Naftzger, Steve Owen, and Kim LaShelle. 

Absent:  Tim Wright and Chuck Dykstra 

Minutes:  A motion was made by Smith and seconded by Phyllis Housenga to approve the minutes from March 15, 2011.   Motion carried. 

Treasurer's Report:  The March report was provided:  revenue $658.10 and expenditures of $2,143.66 leaving an ending balance of $14,840.18. A motion was made by Patti Housenga and seconded by Steve Owen to approve the March report.  Motion carried.   Bennett provided a year to date budget to actual report - total revenue received $28,018.65 and total expenditures of $25,658.36 leaving a balance of $8,965.11.

Executive:  The Executive Director's monthly meetings report was provided. 

Tourism & Promotions: 

•·         City Tourism Committee - The historical society and volunteer millers have been hosting many monthly programs.  The Early American Crafters will have a clean-up day soon and are busy getting ready for Dutch Days.  Greg and Bill Blecha are researching boat docking facilities near the windmill.     

•·         Bridal Walk - Jami Smith, Patti Housenga, Greg Naftzger, and Kim LaShelle have agreed to assist Bennett with the Bridal Walk.  The event is set for June 23 from 4:30pm to 7:30pm.  Nearly 300 letters were sent out to potential vendors and chamber members. 

•·         Reagan Marker Application - The sign is at the foundry and the directional signs have been ordered.  The dedication will be May 5 @ 3pm @ the Catholic cemetery.

•·         Shop Hop - set for November 4 & 5 and November 11 & 12.  It will include Lanark, Mt.Carroll, Savanna and Fulton.

•·         Dutch Days Float -  Paula Rogis has agreed to help.  Chuck Dykstra is allowing use of his smaller trailer and truck.  The float will be decorated on Friday, May 6 @ 1pm at the storage sheds along the south side of the north bridge. 

•·         Summer Nights - June 9 (Second Reformed Church), July 14 (First Reformed Church and Fulton Presbyterian Church), and August 11 (Fulton Chamber, Fulton Kiwanis and Community State Bank.)  The events will be held near the windmill from 6pm to 8pm.   Another all sponsor meeting is scheduled for April 15, 2011.

Government Affairs:    

• City Council Elections - Randy Boonstra and Howard Van Zuiden were elected to serve in Ward 4.  Chuck Dykstra was reelected to Ward 1 and Wes Letcher was reelected to Ward 3.  No candidate ran for Ward 2, so there mayor will appoint someone.
• Legislative Luncheons - Representative Morthland was unable to attend the luncheon on April 8 because he remained in session in Springfield.  His Chief Aide, Anthony Holland, attended on his behalf.  The next luncheon is scheduled for April 21 with Senator Jacobs. 

Member Relations:  The May E-Newsletter was emailed out to all chamber members and is available online.  The USDA/NIU Grant is still accepting grant applications for website development.  Upcoming workshops funded by the grant included Internet Marketing 101 & 201 plus Starting a Business scheduled for March 31.  An Advertising/Cross Marketing Workshop will be held April 28.  A Regional Economic Development luncheon/workshop with area Economic Developers will be held May 12.  Western Whiteside County is serviced by 5 different ED groups so the meeting will be used for communication amongst those organizations.    

Downtown:  Fulton Retail Development Group - no report.   Nancy Kolk's downtown newsletter can be found online under the "Shopping" tab at http://www.cityoffulton.us/. 

Old/New Business:  None. 

Next Meeting:  May 10, 2011 @ Noon @ Golden Wok.  Adjourn:  A motion was made by Patti Housenga and seconded by Phyllis Housenga to adjourn the meeting at 12:35 p.m.  Motion carri