Fulton Chamber of Commerce
Minutes from January 12, 2010

Present:  Bill Stoermer, Paula Rogis, Kim LaShelle, Heather Bennett, Steve Owen, Greg Naftzger, and Linda Hollis

Absent:  Deb Schaver , Bill Wilkin, and Phyllis Housenga.   

Minutes:   A motion was made by Stoermer and seconded by Rogis to approve the minutes from December 14, 2009.  Motion carried.

Treasurer's Report:  Hollis reviewed the December Treasurer's Report:  revenue as $2,376.06  and expenditures of $4,711.57 leaving an ending balance of $12,496.42.  A motion was made by Stoermer and seconded by LaShelle to accept the December Treasurer's Report.  Motion carried.  Bennett provided a year to date budget to actual report.  The audit letter from Garry Medema was included in the board packet.  Mr. Medema found "no exceptions."  Bennett requested the board consider giving  Garry a donation since he does not charge the chamber to perform the audit.  A motion was made by Stoermer and seconded by Owen to give a $25 gift certificate to Garry Medema.  Motion carried. 

Executive:    Bennett provided a copy of her monthly meetings report for December 4 thru January 7, 2010.  A copy of the January  E-newsletter was emailed to all members, but also can be found online.  Bill Stoermer will be facilitating the annual planning session to be held January 21 from 11:30am to 1pm at the Fulton Masonic Lodge.  Bennett will send an email reminder out to the membership.    

Tourism & Promotions:  The City Tourism Committee presented their 2010 Goals to the Fulton City Council on January 4, 2010.  Some of the items included a trivia night for the WCC, continuation of the summer night program, a ladies day shopping promotion, highlighting the theme "Celebrate Fulton:  1835-2010, 175 years" utilizing hospitality as the focus and emphasizing community appearance, a volunteer appreciation event, and the grand opening of the WCC.  

Celebrate Fulton:  Suite Retreat - a flier for the suite retreat package was attached the board packet.  The event will be held February 19 & 20 and will include one night's stay at the hotel, mini-manicures, massage, dinner, shopping discounts, and a Victorian tea for $95/person. 

Bus Tours - Lynne Loerop has agreed to organize two bus trips in 2010.  Lynne is trying to secure a Saturday Cubs game but cannot do so until after the first of the year, per Wiersema Charter Service.  The other bus trip will include dinner and theatre somewhere. 

Government Affairs:   After the primary elections (2/2/10), Stoermer will provide suggestions on candidates to attend a Legislative Luncheon in March.   Congressman Manzullo has recently scheduled a visit to Fulton on January 18 and asked Bennett to make the arrangements. 

Thomson Prison - On the main page of the city website there is information for relocating to Fulton, Illinois.  At such time the prison is officially sold, Bennett will propose the chamber assist with sponsoring relocation folders.  The folders could be sponsored by businesses to help defray costs and also allow an opportunity for businesses to include information in the folders.    The Mayor of Fulton is also working closely with TCEDA on what communities can do to ready themselves for new residents.  The biggest demand for housing is lacking in many of the surrounding communities, including Fulton. 

CCI Initiative - The Complex -Stoermer reported there was an informational event at Manny's Too and it was attended by 30 to 40 people.  The group has secured the Wildwood Farms Building on contract and is in need of major contributions.  The Kiwanis Club has offered to paint the interior of the building.

CCI Initiative - Riverfront Corridor Action Team - no meeting, nothing to report.  The city has received verbal confirmation that an award ($60,000) from Springfield to hire People's Economic Development Group will be coming soon.  PEDG will assist property owners with tax credits if they make historical improvements to their building. 

CCI Initiative - Senior Services Team - A senior services survey has been included in the Fulton Journal. 

Member Relations:  The ribbon cutting for Wagner Pharmacy was well attended even though there was little room to move around.  Second Reformed Church won the $250 drawing.  The next Biz After 5 will be scheduled for the Whiteside County Transportation Van/Bus on February 25 at the old fire station.  Bennett and Rogis are trying to coordinate a business site tour with Agri-King for late February. 

Downtown:  As an FYI, Nancy Kolk's Downtown Newsletter is available for viewing online at http://www.cityoffulton.us/ under Fulton Shopping.   The new president of the Fulton Retail Development Group is Dan Clark.  Chuck Dykstra will remain on the board in an ex-officio/executive director capacity.  The FRDG will host a planning session on January 20 and has asked Bennett to facilitate. 

Old/New Business:  There will be an H1N1 FREE Clinic at Fulton City Hall on Friday, January 15, from 11am to Noon. 

Next Meeting:  January 12, 2010 @ Cousins Subs.  Lunch on your own.

Adjourn:  A motion was made by Stoermer and seconded by Owen to adjourn the meeting.  Motion carried.  The meeting adjourned at 12:40 p.m.