Minutes: May 2010
 

Fulton Chamber of Commerce
Minutes from May 11, 2010

Present:  Linda Hollis, Heather Bennett, Greg Naftzger, Deb Schaver, Bill Stoermer, Kim LaShelle, Bill Wilkin, Paula Rogis, and Phyllis Housenga. 

Absent:  Steve Owen and Kim LaShelle.

Minutes:  Correction noting Susan "May" was misspelled as "Many."  Noting correction, a motion was made by Stoermer and seconded by Wilkin to approve the minutes from April 13, 2010.   Motion carried.

Treasurer's Report:  Hollis reviewed the April Treasurer's Report:  revenue as $3,834.35 and expenditures of $6,717.42 leaving an ending balance of $6,944.17.  A motion was made by Housenga and seconded by Schaver to accept the April Treasurer's Report.  Motion carried.  Bennett provided a year to date budget to actual report - total revenue received $30,482.61 and total expenditures $28,006.90 for an ending balance of $2,475.71.     

Executive:  Attached was Bennett's monthly meetings report.  The May E-Newsletter was emailed out to all members but is also available online.  The Board prefers to hold the annual dinner at the Agri-King conference room but if it is unavailable the dinner can be held at the former Fulton Journal office building.  The Board would like the Fulton Meat Market to cater the event.  Stoermer inquired if there were sponsors for the annual dinner but Bennett did not recollect ever having sponsors for the dinner.  The nominating committee has nominated Patti Housenga and Timothy Wright and is looking for a third individual.    Bennett will send out the invitations and petition forms as soon as she receives the third nominee.  Bennett sent an email out to all members regarding the USDA Grant program for website development.  There have been a total of six interested businesses.  An application form will need to be completed by each business and approved by the management team prior to work beginning. 

Planning Session Goals: 

  • Public Art - Tin cup order forms were mailed.  Board members were encouraged to purchase a tin cup and contact other businesses about purchasing a cup.  J.T. Cullen has decided to give all proceeds from the tin cup sales to the Chamber.  Bennett requested the Chamber buy cookies or donuts for the employees.  A motion was made by Stoermer and seconded by Schaver to purchase refreshments not to exceed $150 for JT Cullen.  Motion carried. 
  • Hwy 84 Sign - waiting for permission from the American Legion to place a sign on their property located along Highway 84.  Bennett plans to write a FACE grant which is due June 1. 
  • Group Travel - Bennett has acquired a contact list of 100 tour group operators throughout the 4 state areas.  Information will be sent to the tour group operators on Fulton.
  • Welcome sign plantings - completed.
  • Tourism Inventory Spreadsheet - completed.  . 
  • Thomson Prison Initiative - city staff, including Bennett, continue to attend informational meetings hosted by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.  Bennett will continue to share information with the membership. 

Tourism & Promotions: 

  • Bus Trips:  Chicago Cubs vs. Los Angeles Angels scheduled for June 19, cost is sold out.   Amana Colonies with dinner and theatre is scheduled for July 7; cost is $72/person.
  • Historical Marker:  Thus far, the Chamber has secured $2,500 for the marker project, and $3,500 is needed.    The most recent donation came from Fulton Township.  The River Bend Superintendent suggested a request be given to the school principals.   Because the end of the school year is near, Bennett will make a request in August for the "Lincolns for Reagan" fundraiser.  No word has been received after several requests to the Whiteside County Republicans. 
  • Bridal Walk:  275 letters were mailed out to potential vendors.  The bridal walk is June 24, 2010, from 4:30pm to 7:30pm.  Assistance will be needed the day of the event to prepare the room at Manny's Too and the Masonic Lodge as well as move the tables and chairs back after the event.

  • Summer Nights - the chamber night is July 8, 2010, from 6pm to 8pm near the windmill and Den Besten Park.  The theme for the evening is "Happy Birthday Fulton."  Board members will be needed to assist with set-up and activities.  If you plan to volunteer, t-shirt orders need to be into Bennett or Kolk by May 17 - cost of t-shirts (list summer night sponsors) - $5.00/each or $7.00 for extended sizes. 
  • Dutch Days float - with the help of Paula Rogis, Deb Schaver, and Heather Bennett the float was decorated to replicate a cigar box.   Bill Stoermer pulled the float in the parade and Greg Naftzger, Steve Owen, and Bill Wilkin rode in the float and were dressed like the Dutch Masters.  The float received a ton of laughs.  Thank you to everyone who helped with the float!
  • City Tourism Committee - met at the WCC in April.  The Grand Opening of the WCC was a smashing success.  There will be some demonstrations throughout the summer at Heritage Canyon.  The countertop mats were distributed at visitor friendly businesses.   The Volunteer Millers are hosting three speakers this summer.  The Fulton Historical Society is working on refurbishing the Civil War cemetery markers.  The IL Lincoln Highway Association is hosting their annual conference in Dixon, IL this year and will most likely tour Fulton.  Events are being planned for the 100th Birthday of Ronald Reagan.  Bennett continues to stay involved with the Travel MS River Project Committee, IL Lincoln Highway Coalition, and Blackhawk Waterways CVB.

Government Affairs:   No Report.

Member Relations:  A site tour will be coordinated with Agri-King in August.  The CPR Class will cost around $10/person and will be held in July with a lunch.  The Mayor is trying to coordinate a meeting with Sauk Valley Community College about hosting some classes in Fulton for residents and businesses.  The ribbon cutting for BPI Pool Supply was well attended.  BPI has done a great job refurbishing the building. 

Downtown:  The Fulton Retail Development Group has installed the new entry doors.  The small back apartment is available for rent.  As an FYI, Nancy Kolk's Downtown Newsletter is available for viewing online at http://www.cityoffulton.us/ under Fulton Shopping.   

Old/New Business:  Schmaling Memorial Library is requesting the Chamber cosponsor a Niabi Zoo program on July 1 for $200.  A motion was made by Stoermer and seconded by Schaver to cosponsor the zoo event if it was held in conjunction with the Chamber's summer night event on July 8.  Motion carried. 

Next Meeting:  June 8 at Noon at Golden Wok. 

Adjourn:  A motion was made by Schaver and seconded by Stoermer to adjourn the meeting at 1:15 p.m.  Motion carried.