April 14, 2005 Meeting Minutes

Benkelman Area Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, April 14, 2005 @ Dundy County Hospital Conference Room

     President Rita Jones called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
     Those in attendance were Linda Melchert, Jerry Preston, Glenda Bartholomew, Rita Jones, Phyllis Gardner, Marjorie Wilson, Eric Schrader, Shane Sis, and Richard Bartholomew.
     Minutes of the January 13, 2005, meeting were reviewed. Phyllis made a motion to approve; Glenda seconded. Motion carried.
     The treasurer's report was reviewed with discussion on some of the expense items listed. Shane made a motion, seconded by Glenda, to approve the treasurer's report. Motion carried.
     Under old business, the benkelman.org website was discussed. It was in general agreement that the site has a lot to offer and that if, upon review, changes, additions, or corrections are needed, they be communicated. Some time was spent reviewing established links and those that may yet be needed and developed.
     Following discussion, it was decided that representatives of the Chamber attend the next city council meeting (Monday, April 18) to encourage representation from the City at the Chamber's meetings.
     Under new business, the first item was to do a simple SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis and goal-setting for the future of the Chamber. This agenda item lasted about an hour with all providing input. As a result, an identified goal for this year is to partner with the City of Benkelman and Southwest Area Development Corporation in efforts to market opportunities (like housing, hunting, and telecommunications technology) of the area. It was also decided that the Chamber establish a slogan (i.e.: "Your Business Is Our Business").
     Shane left the meeting at 8:33 p.m.
     A short informational period was held on the "Welcome Wagon" program sponsored and administered by the Dundy County High School FCCLA organization.
     Marjorie left the meeting at 8:38 p.m.
     The next item of business discussed was that of recognizing new businesses with a ribbon cutting, presentation of "First Dollar of Profit" certificate, and consideration of Chamber membership. Linda made a motion that, as a presentation to the community, new businesses that have begun in 2005 and for those beginning in subsequent years will be provided a free Chamber membership for the balance of the calendar year; seconded by Jerry. Motion carried.
     Following discussion, Phyllis made a motion to establish regular Chamber meetings on the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. unless otherwise established at a meeting of the Chamber. Linda seconded the motion. Motion carried.
     It was in general agreement that the public needs to be notified of the benkelman.org website.
     Linda left the meeting at 9:03 p.m.
     After a short discussion, it was decided to table a decision on membership in the South Platte United Chambers of Commerce to a future meeting.
     The group was made aware of upcoming meetings and community events: Thursday, April 28, RC&D meeting at the Prairie Bell Bed & Breakfast; Saturday, September 17, Justice Lodge 180 Classic Iron and Auto Show, and that Barb Horner has offered to try to organize/resurrect a Business Fair and Spring Craft Fair in late February or early March of 2006.
     The next regular meeting of the Chamber was set for Thursday, May 12, 2005, at 7 p.m. at the hospital conference room.
     There being no further business to come before the Chamber at this meeting, it was adjourned at 9:22 p.m.

Richard Bartholomew
Secretary/Treasurer