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Fulton Chamber of Commerce
Minutes from December 13, 2011
Present: Heather Bennett, Patti Housenga, Marsha Norman, Kim LaShelle, Phyllis Housenga, Chuck Dykstra, Greg Naftzger, and Edie Lenz. Guest: Nathan Bergerhouse. Absent: Jami Smith.
A complimentary holiday luncheon was held at Cousins Subs.
The Board noted the resignation of board member Timothy Wright, Wagner Pharmacy. Tim communicated with President Naftzger and Bennett that opening another business location has limited his capacity to serve as a Chamber Board Member. He has enjoyed his time on the board and will remain supportive of the Fulton Chamber of Commerce.
Minutes: A motion was made by Dykstra and seconded by Patti Housenga to approve the minutes from November 8, 2011. Motion carried.
Treasurer's Report: The November report was provided by Treasurer Linda Hollis. Revenue was reflected as $4,261.02 and expenses were $3,813.87, leaving an ending balance of $13,249.82. A motion was made by Phyllis Housenga and seconded by Norman to accept the November report. Motion carried.
Budget Update - Bennett provided the year-to-date financial report. The Chamber fiscal year runs September 1 thru August 31. Total revenue for September 1, 2011 thru December 7, 2011 was $22,061.33 with expenses totaling $12,509.32, leaving an ending balance of $14,846.50. The discrepancy between the treasurer's report ending balance and the year-to-date report is due to timing. The Treasurer's report reflects expenses and deposits that are reconciled with the monthly bank statement. The year-to-date report reflects daily transactions.
Executive: The Executive Director's monthly meetings report was provided. Bennett provided a copy of the membership drive status. Board members will make contact with the following non-renewals: 4 Sight Consultants (Patti Housenga), Buck's Barn Resort (Bennett), Golden Wok Chinese Restaurant (Dykstra), Holesinger Law Office (Dykstra), Illowa Thrift Store (Dykstra), Smitty's Welding Service (Bennett), Sunrise Family Restaurant (Dykstra), Tree of Life Chiropractic (Naftzger), University of IL Extension (Bennett), and Warren Wiersema Signs (Norman). The following new members will be pursued by board members: Triple Play Bowling Center (Norman), Fulton Country Club (Dykstra), Country Companies Insurance (Bennett), River City Hair N' Nails (Smith), and Fulton Presbyterian Church (Norman). LaShelle reported Nick's Auto Body Shop may join once they have rebuilt their business. LaShelle provided Urban Chic the membership information but she is not sure they will join. Norman reported Witt's End Styling Salon declined to join the Chamber.
A bowling competition was mentioned again as a good fundraising opportunity, if we can get Triple Play to join. Bennett reported the Chamber was not drawn for the Pizza Ranch fundraising program. Additional fundraising ideas are encouraged.
Tourism & Promotions:
The City Tourism Committee did not meet in November, but instead held a Reagan Trail Dedication Ceremony at the River Bend Senior Center. The Ronald Reagan Trail Committee, several community leaders, a couple of city council members, press and Representative Morthland attended the ceremony. Bill Blecha and Greg Naftzger continue to pursue a boat dock near the windmill. They have received verbal support from the Fulton Flood Control District and initial conversations with the ACOE have been positive. The next step is to meet with the City Administrator, Randy Balk, on grant funding possibilities and engineering plans.
Christmas Walk - was a great success. Crowds were very good and the weather was cooperative. The only complaint was that there were two Santas. The Chamber hires a Santa every year located in the Masonic Lodge. This year, Larry Leonard from Paddlewheel Pizza dressed as Santa and sat outside a block away. The Chamber was unaware Mr. Leonard planned on dressing as Santa.
Member Relations: The December E-Newsletter was emailed out to all chamber members and is available online. While attendance at the Clinton Herald Site Tour was minimal, those attending said it was very informational and interesting. Some felt the time may have prevented some from attending, but the Herald was unable to do a morning site tour.
Downtown: The Fulton Retail Development Group held their annual shareholders meeting on November 16, 2011. The group would like to purchase Penny Zuidema's building (next to BPI Pool Supply) but they are unable to agree on a purchase price with the owner. The building has the only remaining first floor apartment in downtown Fulton. Dykstra reported he has heard BPI Pool Supply plans to purchase the Zuidema building for a show room. If this happens it will be a good thing for the downtown area. The group approved making an offer to Bill Blecha for his vacant lot (corner of 10th Avenue and 4th Street). The group would like to clean up and control the property until the right buyer comes along. The group will offer Blecha $40,000, but he is asking $60,000.
Old/New Business: Suggestions for filling the board seat left vacant by Tim Wright included (no particular order): Linda Hollis, Ed Kolk, Beth Jordan, Bill Brinkman, Karen Abbott, Carrie James, and Angela Maring. Bennett will make some contacts and keep the board updated.
The annual planning session will be held on Thursday, January 26 from 11:30am to 1pm, location TBA. (UPDATE - NOTE - this has been changed to Thursday, February 2.)
Next Meeting: January 10, 2012 @ Noon - location TBA. (UPDATE - NOTE - location will be Cousins Subs.)
Adjourn: A motion was made by Patti Housenga and seconded by LaShelle to adjourn the meeting at 12:50p.m. Motion carried.
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