November 3 , 2005 Meeting Minutes

Benkelman Area Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, November 3, 2005 ­ Dundy County Hospital Conference Room

   President Rita Jones called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. with Bill Lewis, Jerry Preston, Glenda and Richard Bartholomew, and Eric Schrader present.
   As the minutes of the October 6, 2005, meeting were being reviewed, Frank Merklin and Linda Jones arrived at the meeting. Eric made a motion, seconded by Glenda, to approve the minutes of the previous meeting. Motion carried.
   Peggy Parker arrived at the meeting.
   Following a review of the treasurer's report, Linda made a motion to approve. Seconded by Jerry. Motion carried.
   A short review of the recent Halloween activities was held with appreciation extended to the Chamber representative helpers. A positive response about the new registration location signs designed by the FBLA organization was relayed. Of those who helped with the events of the evening, it was noted that "lots of kids" participated in the activities.
   Rita reported that Linda Melchert is continuing with the subscription to the Business Beyond the Farm service and that a Chamber check in the amount of $500 will be delivered to Melchert as a part of the subscription cost. Additional discussion was held on the related topic of alumni directories and addresses. It was suggested that Internet access be provided for alumni update information.
   The next topic was that of planning for the annual Christmas promotion. After a period of reviewing what has been done in the recent past, considering scheduling conflicts, and an expressed desire to make some changes this year, a consensus was reached. Chamber members will be provided with drawing coupons for sales made Friday, November 25, through Thursday, December 15.
   Assuming all contacts, responses, and commitments can be made, the 2005 Christmas promotion would be as follows:
       €Saturday, December 3--10 a.m. Ping Pong ball blast on main street; 11 a.m. drawing coupon entries (names are drawn with certificates earned by making purchases at Chamber businesses from November 25 - December 3);
       €Thursday, December 15--5 to 7 p.m. Businesses requested to remain open to allow for holiday shopping (businesses may wish to run own promotion); 5:30 p.m. free movie for children with Mr. and Mrs. Claus to greet children and distribute goodie sacks as the kids leave the theater; 7 p.m. drawing coupon entries earned by making purchases at Chamber businesses from November 25 through December 15.
   It was decided that a follow-up meeting will be scheduled for Tuesday, November 15, at noontime to see how the planning process is progressing. The location of the meeting will be determined and members notified.
   Following discussion about proposed newspaper advertisements promoting shopping at home, Bill made a motion, seconded by Frank, to place two of the proposed ads in The Benkelman Post at a cost of $99 each. Motion carried.
     It was also in general agreement that the Christmas promotion events be put on the local cable television channel.
   The next regular meeting was scheduled for Thursday, December 1, 2005, at 7:00 p.m., at the Dundy County Hospital conference room.
   There being no further business to come before the Chamber at this meeting, it was adjourned at 9:16 p.m.

Richard Bartholomew
Secretary/Treasurer