| Minutes: September 2011 |
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Fulton Chamber of Commerce
Present: Chuck Dykstra, Heather Bennett, Edie Lenz, Jami Smith, Marsha Norman, Phyllis Housenga, Kim La Shelle, Greg Naftzger, Tim Wright, and Patti Housenga. Guest: Nathan Bergerhouse, community involvement student.
Welcome: Nathan Bergerhouse is a Community Involvement Student from Fulton High School that will be working for the Chamber & City Tourism Department this year. Nathan will be in the office every other day from Noon to 1:10pm.
Minutes: A motion was made by Edie Lenz and seconded by Patti Housenga to approve the minutes from August 9, 2011. Motion carried.
Treasurer's Report: The August report was provided by Treasurer Linda Hollis and reflected revenue as $554.57 and expenses of $762.28, leaving an ending balance of $5,294.49. A motion was made by Jami Smith and seconded by Phyllis Housenga to approve the August report. Motion carried.
Budget Update - Bennett provided the year-end financial report (September 1, 2010 through August 31, 2011. Total revenue for the year was $32,407.62 and total expenses were $33,717.95 leaving an ending balance of ($1,310.33). Most donations for the Reagan marker were deposited in the previous fiscal year while the expense for the marker was included in the current fiscal year.
Executive: The Executive Director's monthly meetings report was provided. Bennett provided copies of the membership renewal information that was mailed to 300+ businesses. The deadline for renewals is October 18, 2011, but it was noted a second notice is usually made after that date to at least a third of the membership. Greg Naftzger and Patti Housenga will meet with Randy Balk and Mayor Larry Russell on September 14 @ noon to review the chamber's annual commitment. This year, the chamber must reimburse the city $6,200 for part of the Executive Director's expense.
Tourism & Promotions: •· City Tourism Committee - the tourism theme for 2012 will be River Connections. Various groups and organizations planning events and programs are asked to compliment the theme. The Education Committee at the Windmill Area has finalized curriculum for 2012, with a goal of seeing 1,000 children. In 2012, 700+ children toured the windmill area. The Volunteer Millers monthly programs have been well attended and they will continue to do a program each month in 2012. FACE (community foundation) will be unveiling their second installment of Leaving a Legacy Panels during Fall Festival. The panels provide photos and history of Fulton's philanthropic citizens. The Fulton Historical Society will be doing programs in September, October and November featuring information on Fulton's north bluff area. The Early American Crafters are busily preparing for both Fall Festival and the Beggar's Night. Naftzger and Bill Blecha continue to have ongoing discussions with the Army Corp. of Engineers regarding a docking facility near the base of the windmill. •· Shop Hop - set for November 4 & 5 and November 11 & 12. It will include Lanark, Mt.Carroll, Savanna and Fulton. Eight businesses in Fulton will be participating. Bennett helps put together the maps and business listings for the shop hop event. A committee consisting of individuals from each of the four towns meets monthly to discuss details and promotions. •· Summer Nights -The final summer night event co-sponsored by the Fulton Chamber was a tremendous success. Crowd estimates were around 600 and the car cruise-in was a nice addition. Barb Suehl-Janis put Bennett on the spot (via microphone) and asked if the Chamber and Kiwanis would do it again next year. Bennett said, "yes." •· Fall Festival - the schedule of events was provided. Board members were asked to volunteer at various activities. •· Christmas Walk - Dec. 2 from 5pm to 7:30pm in downtown Fulton. Patti Housenga offered to help Bennett plan the event. The board liked the idea of continuing the public art project. Bennett and Housenga will come up with a theme and public art event for this year's walk. Government Affairs: Forty people attended the Legislative Luncheon with State Senator Mike Jacobs on August 16 at Manny's Too. Member Relations: The September E-Newsletter was emailed out to all chamber members and is available online. Bennett contacted Wayne Larkey, Clinton Herald, regarding a site tour. Wayne was open to the idea and would get back to Bennett with a date.
Downtown: Fulton Retail Development Group meets quarterly, but there is no news to report. The group is unable to sell their current building and can't seem to find another building in downtown Fulton to purchase at this time. The group will hold their annual shareholders meeting on November 16, 2011. Chuck Dykstra reported Wendy Ottens has purchased his downtown building at 1106 4th Street. Chuck would like to rent Wendy's former building from Musk, but a rental price has not been agreed upon. Nancy Kolk's downtown newsletter can be found online under the "Shopping" tab at http://www.cityoffulton.us/.
Old/New Business: FACE will host a Fulton Forum on September 24 @ 8:30a.m. This is the second time the forum has been held and much of the information is educational. In addition, FACE will be offering a grant opportunity for those in attendance. Bennett plans to attend on behalf of the Fulton Chamber of Commerce. FACE encourages two representatives from each organization. If any other board member is interested in attending, please contact Bennett. Naftzger reported the Chamber needs to come up with one or two fundraising ideas for 2012. Some ideas included a trivia night and Pizza Ranch tips night. The Board encouraged Bennett to inquire with Pizza Ranch regarding their tips night. Bennett mentioned she would not be in the office the week of October 3 due to sinus and septum surgery.
Next Meeting: October 11, 2011 @ Noon @ Corner Treasures & Treats. (CANCELLED) Next meeting is November 8, 2011 at Cousins Subs.
Adjourn: A motion was made by Smith and seconded by Patti Housenga to adjourn the meeting at 12:45 p.m. Motion carried.
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