June 1, 2006Meeting Minutes

Benkelman Area Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
Regular Meeting Minutes
Thursday, June 1, 2006 ­ Benkelman Community Building

     The meeting was called to order by President Rita Jones at 6:04 p.m. with members Phyllis Gardner, Joya Neville, Richard Bartholomew, Harlan Cansler, Bob Prangley, and Gene and Linda Jones present. Janice Edwards arrived at 6:10 p.m. Ben Blecha was a visitor, and visitors Jason and Cindy Preston arrived at 6:57.
     MINUTES AND TREASURER'S REPORT--After a review of the May 4, 2006, meeting minutes, Phyllis made a motion for approval. Seconded by Bob. Motion carried. The treasurer's report was reviewed with discussion about the age and amount of Chamber certificates redeemed. Linda made a motion, seconded by Bob, to approve the treasurer's report. Motion carried.
     SPUCC MEETING--A review of planning and scheduling for the Tuesday, June 13, SPUCC meeting was begun with an overview of what the South Platte United Chambers of Commerce organization represents.
     Janice Edwards arrived at the meeting.
     In further discussion it was decided to add a tour of the C-Clear Ice business to the schedule of events available to SPUCC meeting attendees. Meal options were selected, the area information sheet was analyzed, and route balloons and a welcome sign was discussed. It was also decided, in addition to meeting postcard notices to Chamber members, that an article be put in the newspaper to encourage members to attend the social hour and meal and meet the SPUCC board.
     TOWN HALL MEETING REVIEW--A short review of the May 4 town hall meeting and the progress of the Community Pride Project was held. It was stated that although there are a few nay-sayers, they are definitely outnumbered by those in support of the project with many positive comments received. More than 20 people helped on the last workday, May 20. Rita offered to prepare a thank you to be published expressing appreciation to the workers and donors of that second workday.
     WARD BOND FESTIVAL--Phyllis reported that because of the planning for the SPUCC meeting, not much had been formalized for the Ward Bond Festival to be held on September 16. She said that more preparatory work will be done later so as to not overlap other activities of the day (the Benkelman Fall Festival).
     CERTIFICATE--It was mentioned that a First Dollar of Profit certificate presentation needs to be coordinated with The Flower Pot business (formerly The Garden Room).
     BUSINESS UPDATE--Bob gave an update on the trucking businesses' activities indicating that a local cooperative has been formed and that some of the staff from the former Lee Ohrman Trucking, Inc., will continue with certain services.
     PRODUCE STAND--Ben Blecha, a former Benkelman resident, was introduced to the group and given the floor. He stated that he has recently moved back and is working to establish a prosthesis manufacturing business. His observations were that something (like a produce stand) needs to be created along the highway corridor to get passersby to stop so that offerings and attractions of the area could be presented in some fashion.
     Jason and Cindy Preston arrived at the meeting.
     General discussion by all was held about Ben's ideas.
     Joya excused herself from the meeting at 7:13 p.m.
     Following some further discussion, Phyllis made a motion that the Chamber lend its support of the idea and help by providing informational materials about the community and the surrounding area for distribution if the proposed produce stand becomes a reality. Motion seconded by Gene and carried.
     FOURTH OF JULY--A short update report on an Independence Day fireworks drive was given. At this time, there has been no organized effort by the Chamber to sponsor any activities on the Fourth of July.
     PHOTOS--Bob asked that anyone with good photos of events and activities in our area to provide them for consideration of being posted on a website about Dundy County.

***

     The next regular meeting date was set for Thursday, July 6, 2006, at 6 p.m., at the Benkelman Community Building.
     There being no further business to come before the Chamber, the meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m.

Richard Bartholomew € Secretary/Treasurer
***

     A town hall meeting was held following the Chamber meeting. The Community Pride Project Committee set the next workday on "The Cliff" for Saturday, June 10, from 8 a.m. to noon. It was decided to set the next town hall meeting in September with the time and location to be determined at a later date.