March 2, 2006 Meeting Minutes
Benkelman Area Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
Regular Meeting Minutes
Thursday, March 2, 2006 DCH Dining Room
The meeting was called to order by President Rita Jones at 6:03 p.m. Others in attendance were Harlan Cansler, Rod Wiese, Glenda and Richard Bartholomew, Joya Neville, Janice Edwards, Bill Lewis, Jerry Preston, and Bill and Donna Hall.
It was noted that another banner, located at the south end of Chief Street on the east side, needed repair or replacement. Richard said he would take care of the banner.
MINUTES AND TREASURER'S REPORT--The minutes of the February 2, 2006, meeting were reviewed with Glenda making a motion to approve. Harlan seconded the motion. Motion carried.
The treasurer's report was reviewed. Jerry made a motion, seconded by Glenda, to approve. Motion carried.
CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP--A review of the current Chamber membership was held. Rita stated that the contact list of prospective members will be provided to Bob Prangley who has offered to contact those not responding to encourage them to become active members of the Chamber.
FUND-RAISERS--Harlan made an offer to provide a host site for fund-raisers for the Chamber, the Dundy County Hospital Foundation, and the Dundy County Hospital tax initiative promotion in mid-September and asked for a committee to help with and coordinate the event. Following discussion, a committee of Joya, Rod, Donna and Bill Hall, and Harlan was established. It was also considered that the proposed event could be coordinated with the annual Benkelman Fall Festival and the Ward Bond Festival scheduled for Saturday, September 16.
SPUCC UPDATE--The question was raised as to whether any planning or follow-up had been done in reference to the Chamber being the host for the SPUCC monthly meeting on Tuesday, June 13. Harlan indicated he would check on the date and the possibility of hosting the event at his "park" near the golf course.
REPORTS--Richard has had some further contact with a company that provides a professional basketball show as a fund-raiser for organizations as mentioned at the last meeting. The proposed date of September 16 was offered which is a date already full of community activities. He will contact company reps to tell them that the proposal will not work at this time.
OTHER TOPICS/ISSUES--Other topics and issues presented included:
€the possibility that if the 3-on-3 softball tournament, coordinated by Shane Sis and scheduled for March 18, is successful, it may be attempted again as a Fourth of July event;
€the Tri-State Initiative for Economic Development annual convention is scheduled at the Imperial Eagles Club on March 22-23;
€a review of correspondence received including the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Biz Find service;
€notice that owners of the Journeyman Restaurant have announced it will be closing on April 15 with an auction being planned to dispose of the building and furnishings at a later date;
€an update as to the activities of the Southwest Area Development Corporation;
€a large dairy operation is looking at our area as a possible business expansion location;
€a question as to whether keno operations could be re-established in Benkelman;
€there is a need to examine the restrictive nature of the rules imposed on the city of Benkelman and the county as a whole by the zoning and flood plain regulations;
€the question was posed as to whether the Chamber and its active members could create a positive plan of action for the future of the area;
€it was in general consensus that the Chamber needs more exposure so that others can see what it is doing;
€it was proposed that the Chamber offer its assistance, such as operating a concession stand, to the Left Testicle Festival on March 18;
€a proposal that the Chamber organize a town hall meeting.
Janice left the meeting at 7:25 p.m.
A motion was made by Harlan that if Chamber members can help with a concession stand at the Left Testicle Festival, the proceeds would be directed to SWADC; seconded by Joya. A lengthy discussion period followed. The original motion made by Harlan and seconded by Joya was amended to direct any proceeds as Shane Sis would recommend. Motion carried.
TOWN HALL MEETING--Another in-depth discussion period on having a town hall meeting was held. A planning and preparation committee of Rita, Joya, Harlan, Jerry, and Donna was formed. This group agreed to meet Monday, March 6, at 6 p.m. at State Bank. Through earlier discussion and consideration, it was in general agreement to schedule the next monthly Chamber meeting in coordination with a town hall meeting on Thursday, April 6, 2006, at 7:30 p.m. at the Community Building if the facility can be reserved.
There being no further business to come before the Chamber at this meeting, it was adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
Richard Bartholomew
Secretary/Treasurer |