October 2007

Portland Area Chamber of Commerce
Minutes from October 17, 2007
8 a.m. at Jerry’s

Present: Rj Niklaus, Margery Briggs, Mike Judd, Tammy Beson, Gary May, Marilyn Danielson Guests: Jerry ?, Lon Platte

Added discussion re: Haunted House. Agenda approved.

Board members introduced themselves to the visitors.

Minutes were approved. Secretary-Marilyn Danielson

Treasurer’s Report
A. No formal report available but Alex had worked hard to put it together. Angie has much of the bookwork.
B. Looking for a treasurer following Alex Moore’s resignation.

Committee Reports
A. Communication & Promotion-Director Steve Kahn-not present.
1. The website is up and running. Business links can be added. Some discussion and questions re: banners and buttons to go directly to businesses.
a. Recommend members using the site to advertise upcoming events, etc.
b. Check out the site at www.portlandareachamber.com <http://www.portlandareachamber.com/>

B. Programs & Activities-Director Margery Briggs
1. Breakfast with Santa will take place Dec 8th at the Senior Center at 8:30am
Volunteers are needed. Usually runs to about 10am. Anyone interested should arrive about 7:30am. It is a great time for everyone.
2. Holiday Fest is coming up on November 16-18th Any business interested in participating should contact Katherine Booker, President, Council for the Arts.

C. Membership-Director Tammy Beson
1. There are no immediate plans for a social gathering, however, an informal Christmas gathering is in the works. The Chamber is open for suggestions.
2. To explore the Ionia Chamber network as a way of seeking out financial options?
3. It was suggested that Angie could send out reminders to members of upcoming events.
4. There was discussion regarding placemats for local restaurants with businesses advertised. Jerry offered good feedback, recommending we do not pursue it.
5. Need member profiles for new member packets.

D. Organization & Finance-Director Gary May
1. Christmas ornaments were discussed. Gary suggested that old ornaments and new ones might be purchased outright by a financial institution to offer as a promotional item if they could only be purchased through those businesses or the Chamber. Much discussion. He offered to purchase them for the Credit Union if no other financial institution is interested. This would accomplish 100% of our goals. 1) make some profit 2)get ornaments into the public and let them know the Chamber exists.
a. Much discussion. Agreed that a letter will be sent to all financial institutions in Portland to offer equal opportunity for purchase.
b. Old bulbs are located in several places. Will collect them and find out how many are left. There are about 300-350 new bulbs available.

E. Ambassador-Director RJ Niklaus
1. Legislative luncheons are really great opportunities to find out information on many fronts. Recommend everyone to come and let people know.
2. Ribbon cutting at Raffael’s Marketplace October 19th – 1pm. Other events to follow there on Kent Street across from Jerry’s.

Old Business:
A. Lon Platte reported that Chamber plaques have been ordered. Light oak with slightly bigger plaque with room for 4 more years. Each additional year will cost Chamber 50 cents to be absorbed by the Chamber. Should be in within the month. Easy to order more, no minimum order necessary.
B. Chamber gaming event-Holiday Inn West on Saginaw Oct 18-20.
1. Still could use volunteers to give out chips and collect money. Please participate. Potential to make several thousands of dollars. Need someone for Friday 6-10 shift.
2. Riverfest wrap-up October 24th 7 pm at Jerry’s. Please come to offer input.
3. Reminder to directors. Need quorum to do business of the Chamber.

New Business:
A. Board member Nomination and confirmation for vacancy.
1. Lon Platte agreed to accept position of director and will consider treasurer’s position. Elections will be held in February for new terms.
B. Remember new directory is about to be published. Need profiles from members to enter it in. Great way to advertise. Turn it into chamber office.
C. Chamber Dinner discussion. Will be held on January 17th with cocktails at 6:30.
1. Discussed contest among members to see who can sell the most tickets at $25 per person.
2. Dinner is open to members, potential members, and anyone interested in attending.
3. Discussed entertainment options with possible dinner music provided.

Meeting adjourned at 9:05 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilyn Danielson, Secretary

Written by admin · Filed Under Chamber Minutes

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