| Agenda & Minutes: April 2009 |
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Fulton Chamber of Commerce Noon - meet at Golden Wok
Call to Order
Minutes (pages 2 - 3 )
Ted James, The Complex Board
Treasurer's Report
Executive
Tourism & Promotions
Government Affairs
Member Relations
Downtown
Old/New Business Other Next Board Meeting: May 12, 2009, Noon
Adjourn Fulton Chamber of Commerce Minutes from March 10, 2009
Attendance: Heather Bennett, Linda Hollis, Steve Owen, Patti Housenga, Paula Rogis, Lynne Loerop, Bill Stoermer, Chuck Dykstra, Greg Naftzger, and Bill Wilkin.
Minutes: A motion was made by Hollis and seconded by Loerop to approve the minutes from February 11, 2009. Motion carried.
Treasurer's Report: Hollis reviewed February Treasurer's Report: revenue as $1,029.34 and expenditures of $745.39, leaving an ending balance of $13,603.70. A motion was made by Loerop and seconded by Rogis to accept the February Treasurer's Report. Motion carried.
Executive: The goals from the 2009 Planning Session were prioritized by President Stoermer and Bennett. The five goals are: 1.) mentoring new chamber members (Member Ed Committee), 2.) business leaders breakfast and tours (Member Ed Committee). 3.) downtown summer community nights (City Tourism Committee), 4.) work with merchants on sale specials/shopping events (Chamber & City Tourism Committee), and 5.) management training workshops (Chamber).
Bennett provided a copy of her monthly meetings report.
The city was contacted about purchasing a new computer and printer for the chamber office. Per the city's budget committee, they have asked if the chamber would consider splitting the cost ($1600 total = $800 each). Community State Bank offered to pay for the chamber's half of the cost ($800) if the city was going to pick up the other half. A big thank you to Community State Bank!
The following board members' terms end August 31, 2009: Patti Housenga, Chuck Dykstra, and Lynne Loerop. Each has already served two terms (6 yrs. total) and is not eligible to serve a third term. Per the bylaws, the board must approve a nominating committee who will then seek out three board members to fill the vacancies - term, June 2009 thru 2012. The board would like to proceed with asking Eric Johnson, Randy Clary, and Deb Riggen to serve on the nominating committee. A motion was made by Naftzger and seconded by Rogis to proceed with asking Johnson, Clary, and Riggen to serve on the nominating committee. Motion carried.
The new newsletter was emailed out to chamber members in March. The chamber has received several positive comments on the new format.
Tourism & Promotions: Naftzger reported on City Tourism Committee. Nancy Kolk has contacted several organizations in town regarding "Celebrate Fulton" and is awaiting their response, which is due May 1. Bennett is working with Clinton Herald on a new Fulton visitor guide. Connie Koehn and Bennett are coordinating a hospitality training program for front-line employees. The Early American Crafters are electing new officers and working with Midwest Tool Collectors Association on cataloging and displaying tools in the blacksmith shop. The windmill volunteers are gearing up for a new season and plan to organize some programs this summer focused upon the province of Groningen. Dutch Days will have the Dutch dinner at Manny's Too on Saturday.
The Fulton Bridal Walk Committee met and will be sending out letters to businesses the first part of April.
Government Affairs: Candidate's Forum to be held March 12, from 5pm to 7pm, Manny's Too. A pizza buffet will be available for $5.00 from 5pm to 5:30pm. Barak's Truck Repair and FACE have agreed to be sponsors for the event. All but one candidate, Warren Juist, will be participating in the forum.
Per President Stoermer and City Administrator Randy Balk, the Springfield Lobby Trip will be planned later this spring after the city elections.
Stoermer reported FOCUS 2010 continues to meet and is happy to report two subgroups are now meeting: Riverfront Corridor Committee and the Complex board (recreational facility). The Riverfront Corridor Committee is co-chaired by Sue Mannix and Wendy Ottens. The Complex board is not directly affiliated with FOCUS 2010; they are a private group of citizens. The Riverfront Corridor committee plans to study development ideas from Heritage Canyon to the Marina and from the Fulton Martin House Museum to the river. The Complex board is looking to formally organize as a not-for-profit organization and is researching land and building opportunities. FOCUS 2010 plans to further research senior and affordable housing opportunities.
Member Relations: The Member Ed Committee would like to find additional committee members. Bennett sent out an email notice to several chamber members, but had no response. Urban Chic has not confirmed a date for their ribbon cutting, yet.
Downtown: Fulton Retail Development Group is searching for their next building project. The Fulton Township Office would like to purchase a building that could house their office and large equipment. If the Township is successful, FRDG may consider purchasing the old Township building. Dykstra reported his Journal Office building is coming along nicely and all the windows have been installed.
Stoermer would like to see the chamber office moved to the old train depot building, currently housed by the school district office. The school district has not indicated if they are interested in selling. Bennett noted the chamber does not pay rent or utilities in its current location.
Old/New Business: Bennett will give her quarterly city tourism and chamber report to the city council on March 16. A copy of the report will be provided to the chamber board. Wendy Ottens, Susan May, and Bill Blecha will also be at the meeting to report on the importance of tourism to the community.
Next Meeting: April 14, 2009, Noon, at Golden Wok.
Adjourn: A motion was made by Naftzger and seconded by Wilkin to adjourn the meeting at 12:50 p.m. Motion carried.
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