Fulton Chamber of Commerce
Minutes from May 10, 2011

Present:  Patti Housenga, Greg Naftzger, Heather Bennett, Chuck Dykstra, Phyllis Housenga, Tim Wright, and Edie Lenz

Absent:  Jami Smith, Kim LaShelle and Steve Owen

Minutes:  A motion was made by Dykstra and seconded by Patti Housenga to approve the minutes from April 12, 2011.   Motion carried. 

Treasurer's Report:  The April report was not available as the Treasurer was on vacation.   Bennett provided a year to date budget to actual report - total revenue received $28,835.78 and total expenditures of $26,841.10 leaving a balance of $1,994.68.

Executive:  The Executive Director's monthly meetings report was provided.  The annual dinner is scheduled for June 30, 2011.  A motion was made by Lenz and seconded by Wright to have the annual dinner at Buck's Barn Resort featuring a luau theme.  Motion carried.  A motion was made by Dykstra and seconded by Patti Housenga to approve Eric Johnson, Randy Clary and Paula Rogis to the nominating committee.  Motion carried.

Tourism & Promotions: 

•·         City Tourism Committee - Naftzger reported he and Bill Blecha have drawn up a preliminary proposal for a boat dock in front of the windmill.  Naftzger and Blecha plan to talk to Albany leaders about their marina and then discuss options with the Army Corps. of Engineers.  The Volunteer Millers have been hosting monthly programs and the Windmill Area Education Committee has been busy providing tours to school groups.       

•·         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.  The planning committee meets again May 11 to review vendor contacts. 

•·         Reagan Marker Application - The dedication ceremony had a great turnout and we received front page headlines from the Clinton Herald.

•·         Shop Hop - set for November 4 & 5 and November 11 & 12.  It will include Lanark, Mt.Carroll, Savanna and Fulton.  Participant forms will be sent out the end of May since there will be advance promotional opportunities in certain publications. 

•·         Dutch Days Float - Paula Rogis and Bennett decorated the float and it turned out well.  First Gateway Credit Union participated with the Chamber and handed out candy. 

•·         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.  

•·         Biz - the Ronald Reagan Trail Committee would like to host a Biz After 5 in Fulton, but no date has been set.  Bennett contacted Boonstra Heating & Air to ask if they would like to do a Biz for their new location, but they did not confirm. 

•·         FACE Grant - There is a potential to apply for more FACE grant funds but the deadline is May 20.  Bennett asked the board if they had any ideas.  Bennett recommended we submit a grant to help refurbish the welcome signs or to paint the downtown benches and trash receptacles.  No additional suggestions were provided. 

•·         Lincoln Buy-Way Sales - scheduled for August 5 & 6, 2011.  Harbor Crest Auxiliary has decided not to manage the registration for the buy-way sales.  Helen Buikema offered to assist the chamber with registration.  Since the chamber organizes and prints the map, it makes sense to handle the registration which will assist in covering the promotional costs. 

Government Affairs:     The next Legislative Luncheon will be scheduled with Senator Jacobs sometime this summer.

Member Relations:  The June 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.  The Advertising/Cross Marketing Workshop held April 28 was well attended and the information presented was useful.  Another workshop will be held in July.  A Regional Economic Development luncheon/workshop with area Economic Developers will be held at the end of June.  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 meets quarterly.  An offer was made to purchase the old telephone works building (next to Township building) but no response was received from the property owner.   Nancy Kolk's downtown newsletter can be found online under the "Shopping" tab at http://www.cityoffulton.us/. 

Old/New Business:  Dykstra reported he spoke with Bill Brinkman and Bill is willing to use his fork lift to install the Christmas lights on the downtown light poles, IF he has volunteers to assist.  This will save the city and chamber $500 each on lift rental costs. 

Next Meeting:  June 14, 2011 @ Noon @ TBA. 

Adjourn:  A motion was made by Dykstra and seconded by Lenz to adjourn the meeting at 12:38 p.m.  Motion carried.