Fulton Chamber of Commerce
Minutes from March 20, 2007

Attendance:  Lynne Loerop, Paula Rogis, Linda Hollis, Chuck Dykstra, Patti Housenga, Steve Owen, Shirl Wierenga-Huber and Heather Bennett.

Minutes:  A motion was made by Hollis and seconded by Loerop to approve the minutes from February 20, 2007.  Motion carried.     

Treasurer’s Report:  Hollis reviewed report noting expenses and income for the month of February:  $125.04 revenue and $1,485.07 expenses, leaving a balance of $15,126.58.  A motion was made by Loerop and seconded by Rogis to accept the Treasurer’s Report.  Motion carried.  Bennett provided a year to date budget report.

Executive:    The final version of the by-laws was presented to the board noting the changes from the last board meeting.  The by-laws were approved at the February Board Meeting.  A nominating committee of three people needs to be formed to provide a slate of three candidates for the annual board meeting held in June.  A motion was made Loerop and seconded by Hollis for Bennett to follow-up with the suggestion of individuals provided by the board.  Motion carried.  Board member’s terms up include:  Linda Hollis, Paula Rogis and Bill Wilkin.  Both Rogis and Hollis indicated they would be willing to serve another term.  Board members may only serve two consecutive three year terms, and then a year must pass before asked again to serve.  A motion was made by Loerop and seconded by Rogis to approve Steve Owen filling out the term of Gary Floding – expiring June 2008 and Bill Wilkin to fill out the term of Trish Shear – expiring June 2007.  Motion carried.    
           
Tourism & Promotions:    Copies of the February/March advertising were provided.  The windmill has survived the first round of cuts for the Seven Wonders of Illinois competition.  Bennett asked the Board to think of additional suggestions on ways to promote the Wooden Shoe Exhibit.  Bennett provided the board with a list of five printing bids for the community brochure, which will be split with the City of Fulton.  A student from Clinton Community College will be designing the brochure for free, for credit hours.  A motion was made by Dykstra and seconded by Shirl Wierenga-Huber to award the bid to Mor-Huiz Promotions who is a chamber member and was the second lowest bidder.  Motion carried.  The Cubs Baseball Game is scheduled for Saturday, August 4, against the New York Mets.  Another bus trip to the Amana Colonies for dinner and a play is scheduled for Thursday, May 24.  It was noted these trips provide a fun community service.  Bennett provided board with information on the upcoming Lincoln Highway Yard Sales Event.  This event started in Ohio, the second year Indiana joined and this year they are including Illinois.  The event is held the second weekend in August.  The Wa Tan Ye Club holds their community wide garage sale event the first weekend in August and was approached about changing their event to accommodate this multi-state promotional sale.  The Wa Tan Ye Club declined to change their event date.  The chamber board believes this is a great opportunity to promote the community and the Lincoln Highway and believes it would be a disadvantage for Fulton not to participate while OH, IN and other communities in Illinois will be participating.  A motion was made by Dykstra and seconded by Owen for Bennett to attend a Wa Tan Ye Club meeting and further discuss the idea; letting them know we plan to participate with other communities and see if the Wa Tan Ye Club would reconsider and join the event.  Motion carried. 

Government Affairs:     A Donuts & Discussion with City Candidates and possibly School Board Candidates will be held April 12 from 9am to 10:30am. 

Member Relations:  A Biz After 5 will be held for Central Bank’s 100th Anniversary Celebration on Thursday, March 22 from 5pm to 6pm.  The Fulton Bridal Walk is scheduled for Thursday, June 28 from 4pm to 8pm in downtown Fulton.   Rogis noted the spotlights would be ending this summer.  Due to limited participation from the businesses, the Student Summer Workshops have been cancelled.    

Downtown:  Dykstra reported the Fulton Retail Development Group building will be listed with FSBO.Com (For Sale by Owner) at a price of $199,500. 

Old/New Business:    Bennett reported the Greater River Bluff Foundation has changed their by-laws to include the admission of community/city foundations.  FACE has agreed to move forward with becoming apart of the Greater River Bluff Foundation.  This group provides professional services – such as accounting, investing, endowments, marketing, legal and administration services for a 1% fee of gross donations received by FACE.  The Greater River Bluff Foundation employs 5 full time and 4 part-time employees.  FACE has met with other community foundations that utilize the services of the Greater River Bluff organization and has heard nothing but praise and positive recommendations.  Bennett has been asked to speak to the Morrison Lions Club group.  Bennett attended the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs Conference and received information on improving the downtown district and encouraging entrepreneurs.  Bennett asked if the Chamber Board would consider having a float in the Dutch Days Parade.  The board discussed the time and expense of creating a float and decided to participate as a non-for-profit group entry (walking), rather than a float entry. 

A motion was made by Loerop and seconded by Rogis to adjourn meeting.  Motion carried. 
Bennett noted she forgot to get board approval for a fidelity bond issue to be added to the chamber’s insurance policy.  A motion was made by Loerop and seconded by Hollis to reconvene board meeting.  Motion carried.  Bennett reported Huizenga & Wierenga Insurance could add a Blanket Fidelity Bond to our existing policy for $100 with $15,000 per occurrence.  A motion was made by Dykstra and seconded by Owen to approve the Blanket Fidelity Bond for $100.  Motion carried. A motion was made by Loerop and seconded by Hollis to adjourn meeting (for the second time).  Motion carried.  Meeting adjourned at 1:05pm.  

Next board meeting:  Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at Noon