December 2007

PORTLAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
MINUTES FROM DECEMBER 19, 2007 Board of Directors Meeting
www.portlandareachamber.com<http://www.portlandareachamber.com/> www.portlandriverfest.com<http://www.portlandriverfest.com/>

Call to Order: RJ Nicklaus, President

Agenda: Was approved.

Introduction of board members and guests: RJ Nicklaus, Colleen Barricklow, Marilyn Danielson, Gary May(later), and guests: Linda Eden, David and Nancy Binkowski.

Minutes: Accepted.

Treasurer’s Report: No report available.

Still in need of a treasurer. Position requires basically check writing and some limited paper work. The board wishes to again thank Alex for his work done in this position. We do know that we are financially better off than one year ago.

Committee Reports:

A. Communications & Promotion – Director Steve Kahn
1. Web site lagging behind slightly-need someone to carry on. Due to Steve’s job situation, he currently needs to take a step back. RJ will be speaking with him. Interested in feedback from members re: website.

B. Programs & Activities – Director Margery Briggs
1. Breakfast with Santa was a great success. Ed Barr made a great santa.
2. Discussed a possible gift drop in conjunction with the breakfast. Thank you to all who participated.

C. Membership – Director Tammy Beson
1. Social gatherings, Annual Dinner discussed below.
2. Possible Lugnuts game in the summer.
3. Member packets to be distributed. Needs current membership addresses.

D. Organization & Finance – Director Gary May
1. RJ reported that we earned a good financial boost from the gambling event which brought in $2,000. Discussed Texas Hold â€˜Em at Riverfest with potential for $6,000-8,000. Thank you to Lon Platte for great assistance.
2. RJ also reported that a possible mix with the VFW might get more volunteers and more interest.

E. Ambassadors – Director RJ Nichols
1. Legislative lunches continue to be well attended and very informational. Great opportunity to meet representatives on many fronts.
2. Ribbon cuttings
a. Cool City Customs-over 300 people attended with Tommy Hearns as special guest. Event to be on CNN tonight.
b. Sienna Tax Services is scheduled for January 15th at noon. It is located next door to Colwell Banker on Grand River.

Old Business:
A. Chamber Plaques will be going out to members. Statics are not in as yet.
B. We will hold with noon at Cheeky Monkey on 3rd Wednesday of the month.
C. Chamber Ornaments – Gary would like old ornaments as promotion item for Credit Union, as well. There are about 200 older bulbs left. Will gather them up from assorted businesses. Will sell them at cost. Also Riverfest tee shirts are available.

New Business:
A. Board member nominations for January 2008. Colleen and Margery have completed their terms. Alex Moore had to resign, and possible that a change in job position might necessitate Steve stepping down. We would be very interested in anyone willing to step up. It is a 3-year term except to fill vacancies.
1. More discussion followed as director comes on board to fill unexpected vacancies. Challenging but exciting opportunity for projects, PR, helping out in the community, discovering new opportunities, assisting new businesses to Portland.
B. Chamber Dinner-JANUARY 17TH AT THE WAGON WHEEL – OAK ROOM 6:30PM for drinks. 7pm for prime rib. Guests may also order from the menu. We are looking for door prizes-probably 15-20. Also RJ will need help to set up. Jerry Krause will be offering entertainment with a duo. Tickets are $22.50 per person and can be purchased from any director. Director selling the most tickets will win a prize.
1. Anyone may come. Does not have to be a member. Promises to be a great time. Hopefully, all Chamber members will attend.
2. Also, looking for Citizen of the Year, Business of the Year, and Director of the Year. Please email your nominees to RJ.
C. Chamber Book-helpful for new folks coming in to community. Likely Tammy will be handling the printing again. Did a great job, last year. Great way to advertise events from 2008-2010.
D. Riverfest meeting will be held January 16 at noon at Cheeky Monkey. Many important decisions will be made regarding dates, etc. Will need to establish Riverfest Chair.
E. Meeting adjourned 9:05am.

December 2007

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