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

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