Fulton Chamber of Commerce
Minutes from February 9, 2010

Present:  Linda Hollis, Bill Wilkin, Kim LaShelle, Heather Bennett, Greg Naftzger, and Steve Owen.  

Absent:  Deb Schaver, Phyllis Housenga, Paula Rogis, and Bill Stoermer.   

Minutes:   A correction to the minutes was made noting the next meeting was February 9 not January 12.  A motion was by Wilkin and seconded by LaShelle to approve the minutes from January 12, 2010, with the noted correction.  Motion carried.

Treasurer's Report:  Hollis reviewed the January Treasurer's Report:  revenue as $15.32 and expenditures of $4,277.42 leaving an ending balance of $8,234.32.  A motion was made by Owen and seconded by Naftzger to accept the January Treasurer's Report.  Motion carried.  Bennett provided a year to date budget to actual report. 

Executive:    

•·         Bennett read a thank you card from Phyllis Housenga. 

•·         Bennett provided a copy of her monthly meetings report for January 8, 2010, thru February 4, 2010. 

•·         The February E-newsletter was emailed to all members, but also can be found online. 

•·         Notes from the chamber's planning session were provided for the board's review.  Many of the ideas brought forth by members pertained to community appearance of parks and city buildings.  While suggestions were good, the board did not believe it was the responsibility of the chamber to enhance the parks or city buildings.  Ideas to pursue include:  researching membership to bus group associations to acquire mailing lists of tour group operators, placing a large sign along Highway 84 on Legion property or the vacant property next to the health clinic, requesting Kiwanis Club consider planting perennials around the four entrance signs, attracting newcomers to Fulton via the prison initiative, revisit with local merchants on the visitor inventory spread sheet, and assist with a public art event (tin cup) for Fulton's 175 years.  The chamber will continue with their annual program of work:  Fall Festival, Christmas Walk, HWY 30 Support, Site Tours, Ribbon Cuttings/Biz, Legislative Luncheons, Communication, etc.  

•·         Members of the Fulton Association for Community Enrichment (FACE) recommend a letter be sent to the local taxing bodies stating the chamber and FACE do not plan on organizing another clean-up event.   Neither the chamber nor FACE believes it is within their responsibility to continue annual hazardous and e-waste disposal programs.  It will be up to the city, township, and fire department to continue as they see fit.   The board agreed it was okay to proceed with the letter.

Tourism & Promotions:  The Suite Retreat Package was cancelled due to no reservations.  The tourism committee will discuss if the promotion should be attempted again.  Bennett has been in discussion with J.T. Cullen for creating tin cups for a public art event this summer.  Designs and costs have not been finalized.  The KROS trivia night will be held February 26 and board members are encouraged to enter a team.  Proceeds from the trivia night will be split between the Showboat Theater and Windmill Cultural Center.   Lynne Loerop has scheduled the following bus trips:  Cubs vs. LA Angels on June 19 and Amana Colonies dinner and theater for July 7, 2010.  The City of Fulton will be hosting a volunteer appreciation event on April 10 from 2pm to 4pm at Manny's Too.  The Fulton Chamber Board of Directors will receive an invitation.  Letters to seven organizations have been sent seeking a $500 sponsorship of the Reagan Family historical marker.  The organizations include those affiliated in some way with the family plot or Reagan history:  River Bend School District, Fulton Township, Whiteside County Republicans, Immaculate Conception Church, Fulton Chamber, Flikkema Grant, and an anonymous Donor.

Government Affairs:   Bennett will follow-up with Bill Stoermer regarding dates in March to host a legislative luncheon with the state representative candidates.  No new information on the Thomson Prison initiative was shared.   Highway 30 coalition members have planned a trip to Washington, DC on March 3.  Bennett will be unable to attend because of city travel cuts; however, she has offered to complete all appropriations paperwork for our federal legislators. 

CCI Initiative - The Complex - Central Bank must know at the end of March where pledges stand for The Complex.  The Complex has the building on contract from Central Bank. 

CCI Initiative - Riverfront Corridor Action Team - no meeting, nothing to report. 

CCI Initiative - Senior Services Team - Will cosponsor a Biz After 5 event with Whiteside County Public Transportation on February 25 at the Robert Fulton Commons.  During the Biz, the senior team plans to share results of the senior survey.

Member Relations:  A ribbon cutting for Elk River Merchant (Cindy Cram) will be held February 11, 2010.  A Biz After will be held with the Fulton Senior Services Action Team and Whiteside County Public Transportation on February 25, 2010.  A Site Tour of Fulton Corporation is scheduled for February 24, 2010.

Downtown:  As an FYI, Nancy Kolk's Downtown Newsletter is available for viewing online at http://www.cityoffulton.us/ under Fulton Shopping.   A new pool store will open in the recently sold Gravert building.  Matt Peterson has purchased the business from his father, Dallas Peterson.  Chris Ward is the new postmaster in Fulton.  The Fulton Retail Development Group held a planning session in January.  The group plans to keep their efforts within the two block area of downtown Fulton and pursue a pocket park near Peterson Plumbing.  At such time as they sell the theater building, they would like to purchase another building for the "right" price.

Old/New Business:  None

Next Meeting:  March 9, 2010 @ Cousins.  Lunch on your own.

Adjourn:  A motion was made by LaShelle and seconded by Wilkin to adjourn the meeting.  Motion carried.  The meeting adjourned at 1:00 p.m.