Fulton Chamber of Commerce
Minutes from June 8, 2010

Present:  Greg Naftzger, Paula Rogis, Heather Bennett, Steve Owen, Linda Hollis, Bill Wilkin, and Phyllis Housenga.

Absent:  Kim LaShelle, Bill Stoermer, and Deb Schaver.

Minutes:  A motion was made by Rogis and seconded by Hollis to approve the minutes from May 11, 2010.   Motion carried.

Treasurer's Report:  Hollis reviewed the May Treasurer's Report:  revenue as $3,822.24 and expenditures of $1,588.48 leaving an ending balance of $9,177.93.  A motion was made by Wilkin and seconded by Housenga to accept the May Treasurer's Report.  Motion carried.  Bennett provided a year to date budget to actual report - total revenue received $34,395.10 and total expenditures $28,971.65 for an ending balance of $5,423.45.     

Executive:  Attached was Bennett's monthly meetings report.  The June E-Newsletter was emailed out to all members but is also available online.  The Annual Dinner is planned for June 17 at Agri-King.  The board reviewed the draft program.  Paula Rogis, Vice President, would be absence from the annual dinner so Phyllis Housenga volunteered to read the annual minutes.  Bennett would ask Bill Stoermer to give the presentation to the outgoing directors.  Board members were reminded to provide Bennett with their volunteer-of-the-year nominees by Monday.  A total of six businesses have expressed an interest in the USDA/NIU website grant program.  The management team for the grant will meet at the end of June to discuss the application and future initiatives.  Treasurer - Financial activity for the Fulton Chamber has increased tremendously the last 10 years.  Linda Hollis has been Treasurer for the Fulton Chamber the last 6+ years.  With Linda as Treasurer, it has been efficient and worked well to manage the Chamber funds since the Treasurer and Executive Director are located in the same office.  Deposits and disbursements have been handled in a timely fashion.  Prior to Linda Hollis, Bennett would have to mail or drive invoices and deposits to the Treasurer.  It is difficult to disburse funds if the Treasurer is not located nearby.  Bennett requested the Board consider amending the bylaws of the Treasurer's position so that it can include a Non-Board Member.  Hollis has agreed to remain as Treasurer if approved by the Board.  A motion was made by Wilkin and seconded by Rogis for Bennett to draft wording to amend the bylaws.  Motion carried.

Planning Session Goals: 

• Public Art - A total of 25 cups have been sold.  There are 6 cups and 2 hooks remaining.  Board members are encouraged to share their ideas on what to do with the remaining cups. 
• Hwy 84 Sign - Bennett has submitted a grant to FACE to help fund the project.
• 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 as she receives notifications.  The city website has a relocation link on the front page. 

Tourism & Promotions: 

• Bus Trips:  Chicago Cubs vs. Los Angeles Angels scheduled for June 19, cost is sold out.   Amana Colonies with dinner and theatre has been cancelled due to limited response.
• 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.  The Chamber is selling note cards - 5 for $5 as a fundraiser for the project.  The note cards were donated by Nancy Kolk.
• Bridal Walk:  275 letters were mailed out to potential vendors.  The bridal walk is June 24, 2010, from 4:30pm to 7:30pm.  Thus far, 18 vendors have confirmed and 5 more indicated payment would arrive soon.  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.  Bill Wilkin and Paula Rogis offered to help at Manny's Too. 

• 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.  Paula and Greg are organizing activities at the event.  Additional board members are needed to help set-up, tear down, and serve cake.  Phyllis Housenga offered to help set-up. 
• City Tourism Committee - Naftzger reviewed committee activities.
• Lincoln Buy-Way Sales - August 6 & 7, 2010.  The event is cosponsored by the Chamber and Wa Tan Ye Club.  Bennett will contact the Wa Tan Ye Club to confirm the registration dates.

Government Affairs:   Whiteside County Economic Development will host a contracting workshop in Sterling on July 13.  The workshop will be for businesses wishing to become federally certified vendors.  No report from FOCUS 2010. 

Member Relations:  A site tour will be coordinated with Agri-King in August.  The CPR Class in July has not been confirmed, yet.   The ribbon cutting for Corner Treasures & Treats had a great turnout.

Downtown:  Fulton Retail Development Group - no update.  The small back apartment is still 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:  None  

Next Meeting:  July 13 at Noon at Golden Wok. 

Adjourn:  A motion was made by Housenga and seconded by Rogis to adjourn the meeting at 12:45 p.m.  Motion carried.