• Home
• Our Town
• Board of Directors
• What We Do
• Contact Info
• Our Members
  • Become a Member

Subscribe

Minutes, October 21, 2009

<!– /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:”"; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:”Times New Roman”; mso-fareast-font-family:”Times New Roman”;} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {color:blue; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {color:purple; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} –>

PORTLAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

MINUTES

Board of Directors

(All PACC members and public are invited to attend)

Wednesday, October 21, 2009-8am at Looking Grand Café

www.portlandareachamber.com www.portlandriverfest.com

Present-RJ Niklas, Kory Blastic, Kim Thorp, Gary May, Nancy Binkowski, Linda Eden, Lynne Paradiso, Marilyn Danielson, guest: Marjie Boynton

Call to Order-RJ Niklas

No visitors present

Minutes were approved

Treasure’s Report-Linda Eden

A. Linda is working to get final numbers from last year. Has most of financial picture from March, but wants to get final tally

B. Income for 2008 shy $15,000 for whole year.

C. Appears that 2009 income is staying even.

Committee Reports

A. Communication & Promotion- Tammy Beson, absent

1. Strongly encourages businesses to get their profile in-great way to advertise in the R & O.

B. Programs & Activities-Margery Briggs, absent (knee surgery)

1. Breakfast with Santa- December 5^th. 8am to about 10am

a. Cathy Hoort is coordinating

b. Ed Barr is Santa

c. Gary May made generous offer to pay for the food. Receipts to be given to him for payment.

d. Will need helpers. Please arrive about 8am.

e. RJ to check with fire truck

C. Membership-Kory Blastic

1. Plaques years are in. Passed some out at meeting. Everyone renewing this year will receive one. Appears that just about everyone is renewing.

* a note to say that most members have been part of the chamber for over 6 years.

2. Membership letters have been sent.

3. Kim Thorp has list of all Portland area businesses. Will give to Kory

4. Marilyn requested a list of active members of the Chamber, so we can know who to invite to the Chamber.

5. Kory gave short report on the Octoberfest, not sponsored by Chamber,-40 entrants for the Beer Run. Felt it was a good event that needs to grow. Encourage Chamber to participate.

6. Marilyn requested list of active members of Chamber so we can contact those who are not members presently.

D. Organization & Finance-Gary May

1. Golf outing was a great success. Need to make sure sponsors are recognized.

E. City Report-City Manager/DDA Director-absent

F. Ambassadors- RJ Niklas

1. Maria’s Tacos-Dining Room opening-TBD

2. Edward Jones, Kory Blastic, owner, in the Kramer Bldg.TBD

3. Legislative lunch well attended, great chance to ask questions about school, local, and state issues. Very informative. 11:30am Networking, noon Legislative Lunch 2^nd Monday of the Month at Jerry’s.

Old Business

A. Annual Dinner

1. Thursday, January 15, 2010 at the Wagon Wheel.

a. Silent auction-need items, door prizes, etc.

b. Entertainment-Nancy to check with Sherry, MaryAnn, and Rush

1. Discussion of other ideas-wine tasting, etc.

c. Need nominations for:

Citizen of the Year

Business of the Year

Director of the Year

B. Christmas ornaments with Congregational Church on sale for $10 at the church or the Chamber office. Vintage ornaments $5 at Chamber office.

1. Can be purchased at Old Mill Boot Sale-ends Halloween

C. 2010 Community Chamber Book

a. Kenny Kramer awarded contract this year.

1. Some discussion re: procedure. Gary May opposed on principle.

D. Fourth of July Riverfest planning meeting Tuesday, December 1^st

a. Consensus that it should be more kid-oriented

New Business-None

Next Meeting Wednesday, November 18^th at Looking Grand Café

Respectfully submitted,

Marilyn Danielson, Secretary

Minutes, June 17th 2009

<!– /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:”"; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:”Times New Roman”; mso-fareast-font-family:”Times New Roman”;} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {color:blue; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {color:purple; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} /* List Definitions */ @list l0 {mso-list-id:364062717; mso-list-type:hybrid; mso-list-template-ids:-923470122 588520354 1722562758 -16514012 592217750 67698713 67698715 67698703 67698713 67698715;} @list l0:level1 {mso-level-number-format:alpha-upper; mso-level-tab-stop:57.0pt; mso-level-number-position:left; margin-left:57.0pt; text-indent:-39.0pt;} @list l0:level2 {mso-level-tab-stop:1.0in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in;} @list l0:level3 {mso-level-number-format:alpha-lower; mso-level-tab-stop:117.0pt; mso-level-number-position:left; margin-left:117.0pt; text-indent:-.25in;} @list l0:level4 {mso-level-tab-stop:2.0in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in;} @list l1 {mso-list-id:1874657392; mso-list-type:hybrid; mso-list-template-ids:-258277686 596000430 67698713 67698715 67698703 67698713 67698715 67698703 67698713 67698715;} @list l1:level1 {mso-level-start-at:2; mso-level-tab-stop:1.0in; mso-level-number-position:left; margin-left:1.0in; text-indent:-30.0pt;} @list l2 {mso-list-id:1977711918; mso-list-type:hybrid; mso-list-template-ids:-1818703148 -734993360 67698713 67698715 67698703 67698713 67698715 67698703 67698713 67698715;} @list l2:level1 {mso-level-number-format:alpha-upper; mso-level-tab-stop:.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; margin-left:.75in; text-indent:-.5in;} ol {margin-bottom:0in;} ul {margin-bottom:0in;} –>

PORTLAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

MINUTES FROM JUNE 17^TH,2009-8AM AT LOOKING GRAND CAFE`

www.portlandareachamber.com www.portlandriverfest.com

All PACC members and public invited to attend

Present- Directors RJ Niklas, Nancy Binkowski, Linda Eden, Kory Blastic, Margery Briggs, Gary May, Tammy Beson, , Guests: Dave Binkowski, Marjorie Boynton, Lynne Taradiso, Kim Thorp

Call to Order-Rj Niklas, President

Board member and visitor introductions

No minutes taken at last meeting

Treasurer’s report- Linda Eden gathering info. She will have it next meeting.

A. will do cost of events-profits and losses

B. will do report in 3 month segments

C. will be prepared with statements following Riverfest/4^th of July event.

D. Statements will be paid following the event

Committee Reports (not in usual order)

A. Programs & Activities-Director Margery Briggs

1. corrections need to take place for all entry forms-wrong dates, times, etc.

a. all entry forms need to be cut and pasted forward corrected to website.

b. To be done ASAP by event coordinators

2. King and Queen event is being handled by Sara Manning

a.. Will be crowned downtown about 5pm so can be in parade

b. Speaker system will run cord through insurance co. nearby-

Margery to check on that and get stage from Rush

3. Parade info

a. Theme- Freedom-Celebrating the Foundation of America

b. No entry fees for parade or any event

c. Lineup beginning at 5pm at middle school-begins at 6pm

d. Announcers on Kent St

e. Awards given prior to parade

f. Bike parade to be included with parade and will lineup

g. Volunteers needed to keep parade running smoothly

4. Advertising

a. Portland Printing can not print our posters-Tammy Beson

Given 50-75 posters through the R&O.

b. Trifolds for restaurants will be handled by Nancy Binkowski and

Marilyn Danielson.

c. Public tv ads running

5. Details

a. Need volunteers/freebies for prizes and interest

b. Golf carts for judges and Paddles

c. Need volunteers to be Paddles, walk with Paddles

d. Need judges for events-parade, bikes parade, hot dog eating

Chili cook off, water parade, tug of war, bed race

e. Looking Grand will host hot dog eating and chili cook off

f. Bus available for beer tent both nights-remember tip the driver

g. Entertainment is ready for Friday and Saturday night

h. NEED VOLUNTEERS for info booth, go fers, food venders for 2-3 hour blocks.

1. Booth applications-$50

2. set up on Friday with good security throughout the night

3. need to know if electricity is needed

B. Communications & Promotions-Director Tammy Beson

1. Center of R & O to be Portland’s 4^th of July events-concentrated more on

the 4^th than Riverfest

2. Schedule has to be in to be printed. All activities need to be gotten into

Tammy

C. Membership-Director Kory Blastic

1. Members need to realize that all monies go directly back into Portland’s

Chamber. We are interested in your help and will work with people on

membership monies.

D. Organization & Finance-Director Gary May

1. 2nd biggest outing for the Chamber is the Golf Outing to be held August

26^th at Willow Wood Golf Course.

E. City-no report

F. Ambassadors-Director RJ NIklas

1. Legislative lunch well attended-2^nd Monday of the month at noon at Jerry’s

with 11:30am business networking.

2. Member had opportunity to speak with one of the representatives and got

results, so it’s a great opportunity to meet with influential people.

3. Town and Country Title- Grand Opening, August 11^th at noon

Old Business

A. ICEA and County Chamber Network Business

1. Rediscover Downtown Tour October 2009

2. County Chamber meeting July 16^th , Looking Grand Café at noon

B. Proposed County Community Book, 2010

1. Maybe interested if no cost, but not too exciting, Portland has a good one.

2. Chamber Ornament will be powder blue with First Congregational Church

a. Marilyn to furnish small write up about church to be included with

bulbs.

C. Kory Blastic elected as Vice President Interim

New Business

A. Next and last 4^th of July planning meeting is June 23^rd at noon at Jerry’s

B. Working on Portland Chamber book

Next meeting 8am Looking Grand Café, Wednesday July 15^th, 2009- Respectfully submitted,

Marilyn Danielson, Secretary

Minutes, April 15, 2009

PORTLAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

MINUTES FROM APRIL 15,2009

8AM AT THE LOOKING GRAND CAFE

www.portlandareachamber.com www.portlandriverfest.com

Present: RJ Niklas, Kim thorp, Nancy Binkowski, Tom Dempsey, Patrick Reagan, new Director of DDA, Korey Blastic, Margery Boynton, and Marilyn Danielson

Call to Order: RJ Niklas, President

Agenda: Approved

Introductions: Tom Dempsey introduced our new DDA Director, Patrick Reagan.

Minutes: Approved

Treasurer’s

Report: None available. Linda Eden absent re: tax season

Committee Reports

A. Communications & Promotion-Tammy Beson, Director, absent

1. Newspaper profiles-coming up for Riverfest

2. Community clean up April 25^th

B. Programs & Activities-Margery Briggs, Director, absent

1. Special events-Those present for Easter Egg Hunt commented

on it being a great event-lots of kids, may need to purchase new eggs. Good help the week before at Church of the Nazarene. Thank you to Kim Thorp.

2. Some ideas to make EEH even better-buy eggs now at discount in

local stores. Fill out paper work for discounts a couple months

before. Photo opportunities, Advertise sponsors. Get Chamber

name out there.

C. Membership-Mike Judd, Director, absent

1. No report

D. Organization & Finance-Director Gary May, absent

1. Need more fundraisers

2. Consensus that library would be a great scene this year-membership, take some photos for that one great shot.

E. City Report- Tom Dempsey, City Manager

1. Good information regarding 10^th annual clean up. Danby and Portland Townships can participate

a. Hazardous waste clean up May 2-liquids,

Old paint (take off lid to dry out) by fire department.

b. Freon, old tires, and car batteries-need to check with

county.

c. Recycling curly lightbulbs, regular batteries, glass, milk

jugs, magazines, at DPW

d. Need help to clean up Riverwalk April 25^th. Meet at RR

bridge at 9am.

2. Other city events

a. pop can drive April 20-25^th

b. Hoort openhouse-May 7^th 4-7pm

c. June begins Portland Paydays

d. Mid June Rodeo

e. See other city events in the insert of utility bill or ask city to download a copy to you.

Ambassadors-RJ Niklas

3. Legislative Lunch continues to be well attended with business

Networking at 11:30am before lunch at noon. 2^nd Monday of the month at Jerry’s. Great information.

4. Ribbon cutting and Grand opening April 25^th at 11am Town &

Country Title in the Kramer Building.

5. April 18^th was Alpaca day at Alpaca Barbers on Towner Rd. Dave

and Nancy Binkowski, owners.

6. Horse show the second Saturday of September

7. Rodeo June 12-14th

Old Business

A. Easter Egg Hunt as previously mentioned. Ideas to promote businesses

With coupons from locals in eggs, special prizes, etc. Good ideas. Need

better arrangement for 1-3s. Big turnout for all ages. Great fun. Thank you

to Kara Adams, Easter Rabbit. Fire truck did not arrive-problem? Talked

about potential of photos with Easter Rabbit, too, maybe a background set up. MaryAnn Reid has offered to repair rabbit costume.

B. ICEA and County Chamber Network Business-DDA involved.

1. Rediscover Downtown Tour, October 2009, dry run hopefully during Riverfest for Portland.

2. Country Chamber meeting, April 16^th at Looking Grand Café, at noon.

C. Proposed Country Community Book, 2010, likely will be contracted through Great Lakes Printing

D. Chamber Ornament-discussed above. Library would be great feature

E. Election of Officers and Committee Appointments

1. Mike Judd and Nick Bengel had resigned as directors. Tentative new directors Korey Blastic and Nancy Binkowski. Concrete at next meeting if no objections.

New Business

A. The Fourth of July Riverfest Planning Meeting-May 12^th @ noon at

Jerry’s. Every member of the Chamber may want to attend to see how you

can plug your business in and take advantage of an event right in your

own town. Lots of little ways to help. The agenda has been tentatively set.

B. Website update- needs to be done soon to give our Chamber members

Great exposure and offer good information to our citizens.

Adjournment.

Next Board meeting 8am @Looking Grand Café, May 20^th 2009

Respectfully submitted,

Marilyn Danielson, Secretary

Chamber Meeting Minutes, February 2009

PORTLAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

MINUTES

From Wednesday, February 18,2009

8AM at Looking Grand Cafe

PRESENT Linda Eden, Gary May, RJ Niklas, Tammy Beson, Marilyn Danielson, Guests: Kim Thorp and Marjje Boynton

CALL TO ORDER: RJ Niklas, President

MINUTES: Corrected minutes will be emailed to the membership. Wrong date on minutes.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Linda Eden, treasurer plans to give full report with the information she will collect from Angie Wheeler and with what she presently has.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Communication & Promotion-Director Tammy Beson

A. Going to be looking at website update with information on coming events. Will be taking each section at a time

To update including the Easter Egg Hunt, Chamber Annual Dinner, Riverfest, the Main page, all to be done following Annual Dinner.

Program & Activities-Director Margery Briggs-not present

A. Easter Egg Hunt usually costs between $300-$500. Want to do good quality and not skimp on events we do.

Will be checking into getting candy from Sam’s Club. Plan to put eggs together at Congregational Church or the

Credit Union.

Membership-Director Mike Judd-not present

A. Applications have been updated and sent out. Anyone who would like to have one, may call Angie at the

Chamber office.

Organization & Finance-Director Gary May

A. Getting ready to order for next year. Some discussion about scene. Recommended to do something with the river, especially with snow for Christmas. Members are encouraged to find pictures or take pictures of area for

possibilities.

1. It was also recommended to order the minimum amount of bulbs. Gary will cover the cost.

City Report-None available

A. One question regarding the time that snow plows are getting out. Has that changed?

Ambassador-President RJ Niklas

A. Reminder Business networking and Legislative Luncheon at 11:30 the 2^nd Monday of the month

B. St. Patrick’s Grand Opening on February 3^rd was great. Wonderful idea for kids to operate their

Own branch. Kids manage it, and short term loans are made to kids for prom, etc.

1. Hopefully, branch will be opening at the middle and elementary schools, as well. Gary will keep us

Posted.

2. WLNS and Tom Thelen from the R&O were present. Great opening.

C. Maria’s Tacos and Stacy Adam’s will be also celebrating Grand Openings.

1. Maria’s will be May 5^th.

2. Stacy’s date isn’t set as yet.

OLD BUSINESS

A. Riverfest-schedule has been semi-set for events. Some discussion about balloon launch-where? what time?

1 Discussion re: 4 balloonists, Thompson Field, Powers Park, Maple Street, talking with people about it.

2. May be some sponsors for that event with no cost to us.

3. Next Riverfest meeting March 10 at 6:30pm at Jerry’s. Everyone is invited.

B. Annual Meeting February 20,2009 6:30 cocktails, at Wagon Wheel Oak Room .Prime Rib Dinner, with Chicken Cordon Bleu, salad, bread sticks, and vegetable. Need a number for Chopper. Please RSVP

a. Need door prizes

b. Awards and Director Nominations-3 director seats up for nomination.

c. Cost-$25 per person, $45 for a couple, $175 for table of 8.

d. MaryAnn Reid will bring the entertainment and dinner music.

C. Membership Outreach

1. Members need to stop in at businesses and meet them.

D. ICEA and Country Chamber Network Business

1. Ionia Business Expo, March 7^th-more info to come

2. Rediscover Downtown Tour, October 2009-will fall in conjunction with Octoberfest in Portland

a. Likely dress rehearsal for Portland with histories of buildings, etc. in June. Big event.

E. Proposed County Community Book, 2010

1. Likely Great Lakes Printing. We may not have to pay for this. Will need businesses to cooperate.

F. Insurance policy-$1,000 per year. Property liability, etc. Voted and passed.

G. Meeting location-Looking Grand Café- 3^rd Wednesday of the month at 8am. Everyone is invited. Thank you to the Looking Grand for great service and great food.

Meeting adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilyn Danielson, Secretary

Chamber Meeting Minutes, January 2009

Call to order: RJ Niklas

Present: RJ Niklas, Tammy Beson, Gary May, Nancy Binkowski, Linda Eden, David Binkowski, Marjorie Boynton, Kory Hastic, Kim Thorp, Joel VanSlambrook, Marilyn Danielson

Agenda was approved.

Minutes had been sent but not available at meeting. Approved

Treasurer Linda Eden working to prepare a really brief budget.

RJ reported that we really need to cut every corner of extra spending but do not want to cut quality of activities offered to the community.

Committee Reports

A. Communication and Promotion-Director Tammy Beson

1. Website is up and running. Members need to get info into office to update for February.

2. Profiles to be updated and written up sent with membership notice. So far, only one has been turned in. Members encouraged to get those in so info can be published in Member Profile column in R&O.

B. Programs and Activities- Director Margery Briggs-absent

1. Easter Egg Hunt- April 11th.-Last year spent between $300-350. Likely about the same this year. Will need stuffers.

C. Membership-Director Mike Judd-absent

1. Forms were sent out by Tammy and Angie.

D. Organization and Finance-Director Gary May

1. Chamber ornaments now with PFCU

Will pay for ornaments in full and given full authority to use at will.

E. City Report- Joel VanSlambrook

1. Plenty of salt for rest of winter

2. Construction update- only 1-2 weeks behind

Our Mission

We, the Portland Area Chamber of Commerce, shall advance the business community by enhancing all of the community.




• Links

  • Area Townships
  • City of Portland
  • Ionia County Website
  • Portland Community Arts Council
  • Portland Cool City/Main Street Site
  • Portland Demographics
  • Portland District Library
  • Portland Public Schools
  • Portland Running Club
  • Portland St. Patrick’s Catholic School

Log in

Web Hosting & Mgmt Provided By FreshNets