| Minutes: September 2009 |
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Fulton Chamber of Commerce
The Annual Board of Directors photo was taken. All board members were present, but Deb Schaver had to be excused immediately following the picture.
Present: Bill Stoermer, Linda Hollis, Greg Naftzger, Heather Bennett, Kim LaShelle, Phyllis Housenga, Bill Wilkin, Steve Owen, and Paula Rogis.
JoCarroll Energy Presentation: Heidi Weber and Ken Sievertsen from JoCarroll Energy gave a presentation about the Cap/Trade Legislation. They encouraged board members to write their legislatures asking for a fair, affordable, and achievable bill. For more information on the Cap/Trade Legislation visit http://www.ourenergy.coop/.
Minutes: A motion was made by Stoermer and seconded by Rogis to approve the minutes from August 11, 2009. Motion carried.
Treasurer's Report: Hollis reviewed the August Treasurer's Report: revenue as $7.13 and expenditures of $613.80, leaving an ending balance of $5,272.43. A motion was made by Housenga and seconded by Stoermer to accept the August Treasurer's Report. Motion carried. Bennett provided a year to date budget to actual report. Gary Medema has provided an annual audit of the books in the past and Bennett would like to request his service again. A motion was made by Wilkin and seconded be Rogis to ask Gary to audit the chamber books. Motion carried.
Executive: Bennett provided a copy of her monthly meetings report. A sample of the Membership Dues letter was provided to the Board. No changes to the letter were recommended. The letter will be mailed next week. A copy of the September E-Newsletter was provided. Kathy Kingery, manager of Manny's Too, would like to host a breakfast/brunch fundraiser for the Fulton Chamber on a Sunday. In order to get a headcount, the board would need to sell tickets to the event. The Board was agreeable to the request but would like to hold the event in the spring, after some chamber events have concluded (Fall Fest, Workshop, and Christmas Walk) and the weather is nicer.
Tourism & Promotions: The City Tourism Committee will set their 2010 goals at their next meeting. The Evaluation meeting for the Fulton Summer Night Events will be held September 17 at noon. Hollis reviewed all of the activities set for Fall Festival on October 10 in the downtown area. Several volunteers are needed to help ensure the success of the event.
Government Affairs: Bennett reported on meetings set with the IL Highway 30 Coalition and Senator Jacobs, IDOT, and City of Morrison. The Coalition would like to follow-up and touch base with IDOT and Jacobs in order to move the CAG (Community Advisory Group) process along quicker. Stoermer reported the CCI program may be on hold due to the state's budget issues. The Riverfront Corridor Action Team continues to meet and hopes to hear on an award from the State to contract with PEDC. The Complex continues to raise funds and is investigating both the Wildwood Farms building and other locations. The Senior Services Advisory Team has begun meeting and includes members from Harbor Crest, seniors within the community, churches, and the mayor.
Member Ed Committee - Ashford University Instructor Bill Davis will be the guest speaker at a Lunch & Learn Program on November 12 at 11:30am - location TBA. Bennett has submitted a request to Agri-King for the room since a PA system and PowerPoint will be needed for the workshop. The Fulton Fall Clean-Up day will be held September 26, from 9am to 11am at the former Fulton Fire Station. Volunteers will be needed to help manage the disposal items. The ribbon cutting for Tree of Life Chiropractic was well attended. A ribbon cutting will be held for Lisa Seaman (soap maker) on October 29. The Seniors vs. Crime Luncheon on August 25, cosponsored by the chamber and Kiwanis, had over 60 attendees. The JT Cullen Site Tour is scheduled for September 16, 2009.
Downtown: The Fulton Retail Development Group (FRDG) has the theater building listed for sale at $149,900 on FSBO.com. The FRDG has made an offer to purchase Penny Zuidema's building - only first floor apt. building left in downtown Fulton. Bennett reminded board members to check out Nancy Kolk's downtown newsletter - it is available online http://www.cityoffulton.us/ under the shopping page.
Old/New Business: The Fulton Historical Society is not able to fund or is interested in organizing the fundraising for the Illinois State Historical Marker for the Reagan Family Plot. Bennett will pursue grants and additional donations from local groups to help pay for the historical marker, which will be part of the Reagan Centennial Celebration in 2011. The Fulton Historical Society has agreed to work on a historical walking tour brochure of Reagan's connections in Fulton. Barb Mask has extended an offer to have a Fulton Chamber Board meeting at the Fulton (Martin House) Museum. The board agreed to have the October Board meeting at the Martin House and Bennett will order box lunches from Cousins.
Next Meeting: October 13, 2009, at Noon, Fulton Martin House Museum.
Adjourn: A motion was made by Stoermer and seconded by Housenga to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 1:12 p.m.
The October 13, 2009 Board Meeting was cancelled. |