December 7, 2006 Meeting Minutes

Benkelman Area Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, December 7, 2006 ­ Community Building

The meeting was called to order at 6:07 by President Rita Jones. Others present were Glenda and Richard Bartholomew, Maxine Balderson, Bill Lewis, Janice Edwards, Ben Blecha, Joya Neville, Rod Wiese, Cheryl and Bob Prangley, Jerry Preston, Roger Windholz, Pat Rotherham and Harlan Cansler.
MINUTES AND TREASURER'S REPORT--Following review, Cheryl made a motion to approve the minutes of the November 2 meeting. Seconded by Roger. Motion carried. The treasurer's report was reviewed and Roger made a motion to approve. Seconded by Joya. Motion carried.
CHRISTMAS EVENTS--Final planning on the Christmas promotional events was held (Poker Walk, Christmas Kettle, Hospital Employee Carolers, Ping Pong Ball Blast, Business Lighting Contest, Movie Santa and Concession Workers).
SOUND SYSTEM--Discussion was held concerning a proposal to be sponsored by the Chamber and presented by Roger that would provide a downtown public address and sound system. The system could be used for downtown activities such as the fair parade, the fall festival and the Chamber Christmas promotion. It was in general agreement that the sound system continue to be investigated as to equipment needs, speaker locations, and estimated costs.
CORRESPONDENCE--Correspondence was reviewed to include a letter for recruitment purposes composed by Robert Holland which was read to the group. Mr. Holland asked for the Chamber president's signature on the letter so that copies could be made and used to help with the recruitment of businesses and people to the area. It was in general agreement that Mr. Holland be encouraged to be a part of the Chamber's recruitment efforts but that duplication of effort needs to be minimized so that prospective contacts can be coordinated.
The 2007 dues letter of the South Platte United Chambers of Commerce was read. Rod made a motion to approve payment of $125 dues to SPUCC. Bob seconded the motion and it carried.
SWADC / CofC PROPOSAL--Discussion was held on the merger proposal that would join the Benkelman Area Chamber of Commerce, Inc., and the Southwest Area Development Corporation. Rita provided a report on a gathering held Tuesday, November 21, that was attended by a few members of each organization. It was the general consensus of the members at this meeting that the two groups should unite and it was feasible to combine efforts as much of the economic focus of these organizations and the City of Benkelman are the same.
Pat moved that SWADC (as an organization) go dormant and unite with the Benkelman Area Chamber of Commerce to form a new organization to be called the Dundy County Chamber of Commerce and Development. Bob seconded and the motion carried.
Bob volunteered to set up a mixer (social gathering) for the new organization in January.
Following further discussion, Ben made a motion to send correspondence to the City of Benkelman administration and the Dundy County Commissioners to officially invite them to attend future Chamber meetings and to explain the newly-formed group. Bob seconded and the motion carried. Rita will draft the letter to the city and county officials.
NEXT MEETING--The next meeting of the Chamber was set for Thursday, January 4, 2007, at 6 p.m. at the Community Building.
There being no further business to come before the Chamber at this meeting, it was adjourned at 7:48 p.m.

Richard Bartholomew
Secretary/Treasurer