May 2008

PORTLAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
MEETING MINUTES
MAY 21, 2008
8AM AT JERRY’S

Present: President, RJ Niklas, Gary May, Mike Judd, Margery Briggs, Nick Bengel, Marilyn Danielson, and guest Katie Ulryck(?) from DDA

Agenda: approved and Board members and guests introduced.

Minutes: Emailed to Angie. Should be going to all members of the Chamber. Discussion and approval of minutes.

TREASURERS REPORT:

Linda Eden unavailable today but has all information-formal report on its way. RJ will check in with Linda.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

A. Communication & Promotion-Tammy Beson (absent)
1. Website hosting- business in town willing to do website updating for no charge.
a. RJ will email company name to membership. Company just joined Chamber.
b. Director Mike Judd said an easily updated website is very important, so that all info is current.
c. Website will be able to link businesses, which will be a great advantage for businesses.

B. Programs & Activities-Margery Briggs 517-285-2659
1. 4th of July events
a. Talked with Sara. King and Queen events are in progress.
b. Parade will be started at 6:30pm from Middle school. Line up there.
1. Brings parade closer in time to fireworks.
2. There will be a pre-meeting soon.
3. Insurance for the parade is separate from fireworks. Still needed. Fireworks are covered, however. Margery and RJ to get insurance situated.
4. Marilyn to speak with Margery re: teens on bikes to do stunts-ok?
c. Forms for events will be on website.
d. Many volunteers are needed to man the parade and give directions for the lineup. Will like to get Main Street involved in the events.
e. Email blast will be sent to membership.

C. Membership-Mike Judd
1. Plaques and stickers are distributed.
2. Would like to plan a big outing for members.
3. Lugnuts outing still brought forward as a possibility. Sounds like fun.

D. Organization & Finance-Gary May
1. Golf outing was rescheduled. Likely a Friday in September or early October, possibly in connection with Octoberfest? Want to really plan and advertise. Great fun. Want lots of prizes and involvement.
a. Some discussion as to where to hold it. Want to be fair to both Golf courses in town, but currently only one is a member of the Chamber. Other has made a commitment to be a member.
b. Gary has some people he would like to use to drum up teams of four. Eighteen teams is the goal. These folks are good resources for prizes, etc.

E. Ambassadors-RJ Niklas
1. One Grand Opening this month at the Galleria de Art-discussion.
a. Interesting business. Lots of artists-should come to chamber.
b. Art lessons offered. Lots of opportunities to learn various art forms. Rxed this info be placed in the Chamber newsletter.
c. A great place to advertise for Portland. Very unique.
2. No grand opening scheduled.
3. Legislative luncheons continue to be well attended and very interesting. Hoping to get candidates out for questions. Meets 2nd Monday of the month at noon at Jerry’s. Always informative. 10-12 people attending regularly.

F. OLD BUSINESS:
A. Chamber book is out. Looks great. Very well done.
B. Chamber storage-to drop off Chamber inventory, use sign out sheet for key from Angie at office or contact RJ for help.
C. Riverfest meetings going on. Much help needed. Any help, expertise, information, ideas, etc. Please attend next planning meeting Tuesday, June 17th at 6:30pm at Jerry’s. This is a tremendous task, and it takes many to make the Riverfest a wonderful event. We encourage all members to get inspired, get excited, get involved.
1. One thing to address will be placement of booths re: noise or other factors that might affect another vendor or presenter.

G. NEW BUSINESS:
A. Chamber offered congratulations to Katie on the new facades on the boardwalk. Katie reported that much credit should go to Mel, her predecessor. There will be small signs on the buildings.
1. Free gutter heat tape will be provided for these businesses.
B. Discussed possibility of working off dues at Riverfest or other Chamber events.
C. Octoberfest on the first weekend of October. Already being worked on.
D. Portland Pay Day begins June 1st-28th. All businesses are invited to participate. Trying to include more businesses off Kent Street and within the city. Theme is Save Money, Shop Local with a $1500 grand prize.
E. The city is also working on signage for the construction to make it as positive as possible. A ER committee has already been formed for this.
F. Discussed having a tax person explain residential taxing in Portland as a good informative meeting.
G. Rodeo is coming to town! June 13th-16th. Hopefully, the Chamber will get involved with this. At one time, Portland was the rodeo capital of Michigan. What part can Chamber play in this. For contact person, call Sue Platte.

Mike Judd moved to adjourn. Meeting lasted less than 1 hour!!

Next meeting is June 18th at 8am at Jerry’s.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilyn Danielson, Secretary

Written by admin · Filed Under Chamber Minutes

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