| Agenda & Minutes: June/July 2008 |
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Fulton Chamber of Commerce
Fulton Chamber of Commerce
Attendance: Linda Hollis, Bill Stoermer, Shirl Wierenga-Huber, Chuck Dykstra, Paula Rogis, Patti Housenga, Heather Bennett, Bill Wilkin, and Steve Owen. Absent: Lynne Loerop
Minutes: A motion was made by Stoermer and seconded by Housenga to approve the minutes from April 8, 2008. Motion carried.
Treasurer's Report: Hollis reviewed report noting expenses and income for the month of April: $846.82 revenue and $6,495.15 expenses, leaving a balance of $7,482.48. A motion was made by Housenga and seconded by Stoermer to accept the April Treasurer's Report. Motion carried. Bennett provided a year to date budget update. Bennett informed the board that a fraudulent charge of $7.00 (Washington, D.C.) was made on the chamber credit card and Bennett has cancelled the credit card.
Executive: The monthly Executive Director meeting report was provided to the chamber board. Bennett read a thank you from the family of Frances Rus for the memorial made to the Fulton Food Pantry. The bounce house at Dutch Days went over extremely well, but there were several problems with children misbehaving and parents not around. Bill Wilkin suggested next year rather than offering the bounce house for free, we charge a $1.00 and hopefully that may cut down on the misbehavior. The chamber received 2nd place ($35) for their float in the Dutch Days Parade. Thanks to Chuck, Patti, and Paula for helping Heather decorate the float. Bill Stoermer reported a lot of food was left over from the Dutch Dinner and attendance at the dinner and the festival was low. The Annual Dinner is set for June 19 at Manny's Too Banquet Room. Paula and Heather met with Kathy Kingery to work out a menu and cost. General consensus by the board was to approve the menu and fee. Bennett will prepare a picture slide show and the board can review the program at the next board meeting on June 10. Bennett reminded board to email her the volunteer of the year nominees. The board can choose any chamber member including someone from an organization. Shirl suggested before the program begins (after meal) we have everyone briefly introduce themselves.
Tourism & Promotions: Copies of the April/May advertising were provided. The Cubs vs. Cardinals baseball game is set for August 9, 2008. Bennett reviewed the minutes from the Fall Festival Committee. The FF Committee is working to coordinate a run/walk and a juried arts and crafts show. Dykstra inquired if there was anyway the city and chamber could coop the cost of permanent electrical boxes on the downtown light poles with the Dutch Days Committee. For the past several years, Dutch Days pays a large amount of money for temporary hook-ups when it would be cheaper in the long run to just pay for permanent outlets. The outlets are used by the food vendors. Bennett said the chamber could consider donating some money towards the project, but that Fall Festival would not use very many of the outlets. Bill Stoermer and Chuck Dykstra will research the idea with Dan Clark and the Dutch Days Committee. No report from the City Tourism Committee as they did not meet in April. Heather will be meeting with Helen Buikema, Wa Tan Ye Club, to discuss details for the Lincoln Highway Sales Event scheduled for August 8 & 9, 2008.
Government Affairs: Bill Stoermer has made contact with Congress Manzullo's office, Senator Jacobs's office, and Representative Boland's office on coming to Fulton this summer for either a light breakfast or luncheon. Bennett expressed concern on the membership attendance at events. The Donuts and Discussion with the River Bend School District was informative but very little people attended even though it was in the newspaper several times, a direct invite was mailed, and three email reminders were sent. Elected officials asked to come to Fulton need to be given a good turnout among the membership and/or community. Bennett suggested direct phone calls may need to be made by the board to encourage members to come.
Member Relations: Bennett provided minutes from the Member Education Committee meeting. As Bennett stated, the Donuts & Discussion with the River Bend School District was held April 19, 2008, but attendance was minimal. The committee will continue to work on a voter registration program, support the Green Expo, and set-up a workshop in October which were all committee initiatives. Bennett provided minutes from the Bridal & Anniversary Walk committee; to date 21 vendors have signed up to participate. The Brinkman Building Center Ribbon Cutting was well attended. Minutes from the Green Expo meeting were provided. The committee is working to coordinate several vendors and presenters. Exelon/Com Ed and Fulton Ethanol have been secured as two of the speakers. In addition, McEleney Autocenter has agreed to participate with one or two "green" vehicles. Bill Stoermer said he would make contact with Bruce Woods who sells the electric cars in Port Byron, IL. Bill Stoermer also offered to pick-up the energy bike from Blackhawk Community College. Downtown: Chuck Dykstra briefly updated the board on the progress being made to the former Vander Vinne building located in downtown Fulton. The walls have all been renewed on the main floor, including the front office. The upstairs hallway has been painted and the stairway will be renovated very soon. Work on the façade will begin mid to late May.
Old/New Business: Bill Stoermer asked if the chamber should be doing anything to assist the Fulton Ethanol Plant. Bennett said Randy Balk is the lead contact from the city on that project but she could inquire with him if there is anyway the chamber could help move the project along. The chamber and city did go to Springfield and meet with several department heads regarding the ethanol plant in February. The city just received confirmation that the state has accepted us into the Competitive Communities Initiative. Most likely the steering committee will begin to meet sometime in June or July.
Adjourn: A motion was made by Housenga and seconded by Stoermer to adjourn the meeting at 12:55pm. Motion carried.
Next board meeting: Tuesday, June 10, 2008 at Noon. (cancelled) July 8, 2008 at Noon. |