July 14 , 2005 Meeting Minutes

Benkelman Area Chamber of Commerce, Inc.

Meeting Minutes

Thursday, July 14, 2005 – Dundy County Hospital Conference Room

President Rita Jones called the meeting to order at 7:09 pm. Others in attendance were Linda Jones, Bonnie Mullanix, Phyllis Gardner, and Janice Edwards.

The minutes of the June 9, 2005 meeting were reviewed. Motion by Phyllis to approve minutes as recorded. Second by Bonnie. Motion carried.

Following review of the treasurer’s report dated July 14, 2005, Bonnie moved to approve. Second by Linda. Motion carried.

Entries for the Benkelman Area Chamber of Commerce slogan contest were reviewed and discussed. All 5 members agreed on the selection of a slogan submitted by Shane Sis, “Your Voice in Our Community”.

Discussion was held on the series of Chamber-sponsored community survival “think” messages which ran earlier this Summer. Motion by Phyllis to run 4 more consecutive ads at a price not to exceed $35 per ad and revisit at the next regular meeting. Second by Linda. Motion carried. Bonnie will provide copy to the Benkelman Post for these ads.

Benkelman Realty was identified as a new business in the Benkelman Area. Rita will contact the owner regarding chamber membership and any grand opening / promotional activities.

Phyllis Gardner reported on a project she is working on with Jerry Preston and the Dundy County Commissioners. This project is for a windmill park to be constructed at the west entrance to Benkelman. This is a “Transportation Enhanced Program” through the Department of Roads. An “Intent to Apply” was submitted and accepted. The draft application is due August 12 th with the final application due in September. Phyllis will continue to work on this project with Jerry Preston and solicit help as needed.

The upcoming Dundy County fair was discussed. It was decided that Linda and Gene Jones will provide a car and Rita will construct a banner that can be attached which showcases the new Chamber slogan. It was also decided to throw out candy which has been labeled with stickers promoting the chamber. Motion by Bonnie to allocate up to $50.00 for Candy that can be thrown from the car. Second by Phyllis. Motion carried. Rita will get the candy ordered.

The proposal for renovation of the Ward Bond Memorial sign from the city park was discussed. The estimate of $400 from Barb Cobb was acknowledged. Motion by Bonnie for the chamber to contribute $200 toward this project. Second by Phyllis. Motion carried. Further discussion continued focusing around the upcoming re-release of one of the Ward Bond movies and the creation of a documentary on his life. Phyllis noted that Ward Bond appeared in nearly 135 movies and that he acted in the movie “Miracle on 34 th Street”. It was suggested to consider establishment of a “Ward Bond Festival” that could feature a cowboy/western theme and be modeled after the communities who sponsor the renaissance festivals and the Dundy County Centennial days from the past. Organizations throughout the community could be polled about their interest and ideas.

President Jones discussed some conflicts of meeting times due to her recent appointment to the Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department Board. Motion by Phyllis to change the meeting night from the second Thursday to the first Thursday of the month. Second by Bonnie. Motion carried.

Phyllis discussed another project that may enhance tourism in the Benkelman area. There is a plan to develop a scenic byway along highway 34, moving into Colorado, and connecting to highway 183 in Edison. This is another project through the Nebraska Department of Roads at no cost to the communities. Motion by Phyllis to draft a letter of interest from the Benkelman Area Chamber of Commerce regarding this opportunity. Second by Linda. Motion carried. Phyllis will provide the contact information to Rita and Richard for drafting of the letter.

The next regular meeting of the Chamber is scheduled for August 4th at 7:00 p.m. in the Dundy County Hospital Conference Room.

There being no further business to come before the Chamber at this meeting, it was adjourned at 8:26 p.m