March 2007

PORTLAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
MINUTES
Board Meeting, Wednesday, March 21, 2007
8:00 a.m. at Jerry’s Restaurant

www.portlandareachamber.com www.portlandriverfest.com

I. Call to Order: RJ. Niklas, President offered brief comments and asked for any agenda changes.

II. Agenda: motion made by Gary May, seconded by Mike Judd. Approved.

III. Minutes: motion made to approve minutes made by Cathy Parsons, seconded by Margery Briggs. Approved.

IV. Treasurer’s Report: Alex Moore reported that he had some concerns regarding the bookkeeping procedure. Suggested setting books up in Quik Books so everyone will know the status of the budget once a month. Alex has Quik Books software. Also, recommended records be stored in one place. Could Angie make entries after it is set up?

A. Unclear as to actual funds available.
B. Will continue to find spreadsheets, but seem to go back too long.
C. Alex will continue to seek out info re: records.

V. Committee Reports
A. Program & Activities-Margery Briggs
1. Easter Egg stuffing-March 26@ 6:30 at Wagon Wheel. Please come.
2. Working on ideas for 4th of July, investigating bands including high school and other forms of entertainment.
B. Communication & Promotion-Steve Kahn
1. Steve reported he is still feeling his way as to his duties. Will be speaking
with Kathy today re: what is expected.
C. Membership-Tammy Beson
1. Not present, but had spoken about more socials, getting together more
than once a month.
2. Discussion followed re: get togethers sponsored by businesses. Who
would be invited, etc.
3. Concern presented by Colleen regarding the Grand Openings. One business was disappointed with newspaper coverage-wrong phone number, poor picture in the paper, etc. General discussion about
what responsibility belongs to business, Chamber, or paper.
a. Should we look at who makes decisions with the paper and work more closely with them?
b. Should we contract for more space and do dual businesses?
c. How to satisfy disgruntled member regarding poor pr?
d. Steve Kahn offered to take more pictures if we wish to rerun article
D. Organization & Finance-Gary May
1. Mailings went out for golf outing. Date May 11 at 10am-Wild Wood Country Club.
2. A new Taurus will be the grand prize. Other prizes are being solicited.
3. Sent flyers with a cover letter-so far, no responses.
4. Will have different categories, so chances are greater for winning: all men, all women, 2 men and 2 women on a team, etc.
5. Rain check for fall-date will be set, can publicize at this event for next.
6. Prizes will be awarded during dinner after golfing is finished.
E. Ambassadors- RJ Niklas
1. Legislative lunch- really a great opportunity to find out what is going on.
a. Senator Cropsey, Respresentative Calley, Sheriff, Superintendent of schools, city manager, chamber president-all good info people should know- rxed everyone should come and bring a friend.
2. March 31-Ribbon Cutting at Perfect Balance- new location at 1:30 p.m. Bridge Street.
3. Some discussion about what businesses can expect from Chamber Ribbon Cuttings. Usually done on Saturdays-maybe different day better? Maybe offer suggestions to business on how to make it better?
4. Two events were rescheduled due to weather and business not ready.
5. Consensus is that new locations should be celebrated, as well as, new businesses in town.

VI. Old Business:
A. Insurance is paid.
B. Plaques have been discontinued. Possible static signs for windows instead?
1. Project should be delegated to communications and get numbers, cost,
and propose budget for it.
C. Discussion re: sign in front of chamber office.
1. Voted earlier at a different meeting on the sign issue. RJ to check on that.

VII. New Business:
A. Nominated chairperson
1. Nick B? for beer tent
2. Steve ? for balloon blow
B. Next Riverfest meeting-March 29th at 7pm-8pm
C. Discussed Royal Scott Texas Hold ‘Em fundraiser for chamber.
1. Need 4-6 volunteers a night- won’t be dealing
a. Volunteers would tally cash, keeping books, selling chips
2. Need good experienced dealers or each dealer paid $30 for 4 hours.
3. If Royal Scott team does it, covered under their liability shield.
4. RJ encouraged all that can to attend next event at Royal Scott May 25 and 26th. Begins on Friday at 5 p.m. Can make 3-$5,000.
5. Possible event for Riverfest another year, not 2007.
D. Christmas Bulbs
1. Terry Frewen absent-but 150 bulbs will be ordered.
a. Need a simple design. Open for ideas.
b. One color saves 60 cents a bulb. Our cost-$3.32
E. Proposal from Portland Community Fund to offer 50/50 drawing for one of our events. Much discussion. Recommend for the future.
F. Mel Chrisianson announced the boardwalk is open, but ribbon cutting will take place at a later date, possibly when facade is completed. Grand opening may be in a few weeks. Maybe a simple event now and bigger later.
G. RJ requested that all directors contact him once a week, so we can keep communication open and all know what’s going on.
H. Motion made: The Portland Area Chamber of Commerce will apply for a charitable gaming license that can be used four times through January 8th of 2008.
1. Resolution moved by Colleen, seconded by Steve. Vote taken and passed with 5 yeses, 2 absences, and one abstaining.

Next Chamber meeting- April 18@ 8:00 a.m. at Jerry’s

Respectfully submitted,

Marilyn Danielson, Secretary

Written by admin · Filed Under Chamber Minutes

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