Fulton Chamber of Commerce
Minutes from November 14, 2006

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

Minutes:  A motion was made by Hollis and seconded by Loerop to approve the minutes from October 10, 2006.  Motion carried.      

Treasurer’s Report:  Hollis reviewed report noting expenses and income for the month of October:  $6,630.94 revenue and $2,075.91 expenses, leaving a balance of  $15,111.20.  A motion was made by Loerop and seconded by Wierenga-Huber to accept the treasurer’s report.  Motion carried.  Bennett provided a year to date budget report.  

Executive: 
The Annual Planning Session was held Thursday, November 9 from Noon to1:30pm at the Fulton Masonic Lodge.  Bonnie Dyson facilitated the session.  There were 9 members present and those attending reviewed the on-line survey results, current program of work and made additional comments on providing more services to the membership. 

Bennett will email out the on-line survey and planning session results to the chamber membership, and mail to those who do not have email. 

The board anonymously ranked 10 chamber members, via a ballot, who they would like to pursue for filling the vacancies left by Trish Shear and Gary Floding.  The top two people chosen to ask were Bill Wilkin, Fulton Dental Associates and Steve Owen, Bosma-Renkes Funeral Homes – pending their acceptance. 

Bennett requested a small committee be appointed to review and update the chamber by-laws.  The by-laws were revised well over 20 years ago and need to reflect many changes the organization has incurred, including an Executive Director. 
           
Tourism & Promotions:    Copies of the October advertising were handed out.  As a reminder, Bennett informed the board of the upcoming Group Tour Workshop.  Bennett provided the schedule for the 2006 Christmas Walk.  Jean Roeder will be coordinating the Christmas Run/Walk again. 

Government Affairs:   A Donuts & Discussion was held with Steve Haring, candidate for state representative.  The discussion was informational. 

Member Relations:  Spotlights continue to be recycled in the Fulton Journal by Paula Rogis and Heather Bennett.  Many of the spotlights have been updated and new photos taken.  A ribbon cutting/Biz After 5 for Sweet Woodruff will be held December 8.  Bennett provided a list of current members for the new membership year.  Board members divided up the list to contact businesses about joining the chamber again. 

Downtown:  The Fulton Retail Development Group will hold its annual shareholders luncheon on November 15.  The façade grant approval committee met and awarded its final grant to Words of Wisdom for an awning.    

Old/New Business: 
FACE (Fulton Association for Community Enrichment) is finalizing their by-laws and is currently applying for their tax exemption status.  It is hoped after the new year, the group will be able to make an official announcement. 
Bennett informed the board she would be doing a site visit to Bellevue, IA on Friday, November 17, 2006.  Randy Balk asked the chamber to discuss having a committee formed to do a business visit as a way to entice the business to come to Fulton.  The visit would be requested by the city.  Chuck Dykstra, Lynne Loerop, Shirl Wierenga-Huber and Patti Housenga all said they would be willing to do a business site visit when asked by the city. 

Bennett provided information about an international wooden shoe display and a Dutch pewter maker coming to Fulton in the summer of 2007.  Nancy Kolk visited the Netherlands recently and discussed having a wooden shoe exhibit in Fulton from the wooden shoe museum in The Netherlands.  The museum curator was willing to ship about 50 wooden shoes to Fulton for the summer, with Fulton covering the expense of shipment.  In addition, a world renowned pewter maker, who came to Fulton a few years ago during Dutch Days, was also approached about coming to Fulton next summer.  The pewter maker was willing to come to Fulton for 2 weeks free of charge; however, Fulton would need to cover the cost of his airfare.  Bennett asked the chamber board if they would like to assist sponsoring these two attractions.  Bennett has also approached the Millers of the Windmill and will approach the Friends of the Windmill, too.  The chamber board tabled the discussion until its next meeting in December. 

A motion was made by Loerop and seconded by Hollis to adjourn meeting.  Motion carried. 
Meeting adjourned at 1:00pm