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
3. Maple and Grand River constuction will start after freeze laws.
4. Clean up for sidewalks and alleyways after freeze is over.
From DDA-Joel
1. Loft project -taking applications
F. Ambassadors-RJ Niklas
1. Business networking 11:30am second Mondays with Legislative Lunch following at noon at Jerrys.
2. Ribbon cutting February 3rd,10:45am , PFCU/ST. Pats Branch-for students to be involved.
a. Gary reported may be others started for students in Ionia, Lake Odessa, Portland High School, middle school, and elementary schools.
3. Ribbon cutting Mario Tacos May 2nd at noon
4. Stacie Adams-hair salon-no date set
Old Business
A. Fourth of July Riverfest Planning Meeting Update
1. All events are being set into time slots.
a. Friday, July 3rd
1. Board break, car show, TriCounty movie night, hot air balloons
b. Saturday, July 4th
1. kids games, food, retail, hot dog eating, ice cream eating, bed race, Texas Hold Em, canoe race, poss. recipe contest, chili cookoff, best BBQ, fireworks at dusk, King and Queen at 5pm, Parade at 6pm.
c. Sunday-worship service close
2. Other possibilities need to be sent or brought in soon. Talent show? Pancake breakfast? Entertainment includes band willing to pay without fee. More info to come. Everyone is invited to add imput, ideas, but need to do so soon.
3. Last year, we budgeted $7,500. Had deficit of $2,500.
4. Discussion re: sponsors by large corporations. Poss. bronze, silver, gold, platinum sponsorship.
5. Marilyn to see about generic date banners for across the main streets.
B. Annual Meeting-date change
1. February 20th,2009. 6:30pm at Wagon Wheel for hors d’oeuvres.
2. Choice of entree’s-Carved Prime rib or chicken cord en bleu (spelling)
3. Need nominations for directors, citizen and business of the year.
4. Cost: $25 a person or $45 a couple, or $175 a table of 8.
New Business
A. Discussion and info on ICEA and County Chamber Network.
1. Ionia Business Expo. March 7th
2. Rediscover Downtown Tour, October 20009
3. Proposed County Community Book-2010
B. Next Riverfest/Fourth of July planning meeting February 10th at 6:30pm
Next Chamber meeting Looking Grand Cafe’, WEdnesday, February 18th,2009.
Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Marilyn Danielson, Secretary
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