October 5, 2006 Meeting Minutes

Benkelman Area Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, October 5, 2006 ­ Community Building

   The meeting was called to order by President Rita Jones at 7 p.m. Those in attendance included members Roger Windholz, Rod Wiese, Linda and Gene Jones, Joya Neville, Harlan Cansler, Rita Jones, Glenda and Richard Bartholomew, Jerry Preston, Cheryl and Bob Prangley, and Linda Melchert. Visitors included Ben Blecha, Marian Ellis, Margaret Moore, and Vernon and Janice Whetstone.
   MINUTES AND TREASURER'S REPORT--Minutes of the September 14 meeting were reviewed with Jerry making a motion to approve. Seconded by Harlan. Motion carried. The treasurer's report was reviewed with Harlan making a motion to approve. Seconded by Gene. Motion carried.
   HOLIDAY PROMOTION--Further planning and discussion was held on the preparations for the upcoming Christmas promotion with a review of what was done in 2005. There was some feedback from businesses that the Thursday evening and night activities were not as well-received as anticipated. A proposal was made to develop some type of card system (like poker or bingo) to get participants to visit more businesses.
   Cheryl made a motion that the Chamber pay for newspaper advertising space up to business card size for any business participating in the Thursday night, December 14, activities (for example: location, hours, offerings). Rod seconded the motion and it carried.
   Rod volunteered to check on the scheduling of the free movie for the kids on Saturday, December 3. Richard volunteered to coordinate the ping pong ball blast, and Harlan volunteered to be the Santa at the movie conclusion to hand out the goodie bags the Hester Home will again be preparing.
   Bob made a suggestion to have a reverse Salvation Army bell ringer where the ringing bell allows a winner to draw out a ball indicating the prize to be awarded.
   Following discussion, Glenda made a motion that the Chamber sponsor a contest to encourage all businesses to decorate for the Christmas season with prizes of $100 in Chamber certificates for first, $50 in certificates for second, and $25 in certificates for third. Linda J. seconded. Motion carried.
   REPORTS--From the minutes of the South Platte United Chambers of Commerce (SPUCC) for the meeting held September 12, it was learned that the affiliated "Business Beyond the Farm", with Betty Sayers and Nancy Herban as principals, has had a name change to Nebraska Rural Living.
   Linda M. provided a verbal report to the group on the Birding Trail Project and the involvement by the Southwest Area Development Corporation.
   Ben proposed a new or additional slogan for the Chamber and its member businesses: Try Local. Buy Local. It can be used singly or together. Bob added that when Chamber members do print advertising, they should include the line: Member of the Benkelman Area Chamber of Commerce.
   Following further general discussion, Rod made a motion that the Chamber begin promotion of the "Try Local. Buy Local" slogan now. Seconded by Bob. Motion carried.
   Bob and Rita provided an update on the status of designing and printing of new letterhead for the Chamber.
   The topic of the Letter to the Editor recently published in The Benkelman Post that had reference to Chamber officers and action was discussed. It was of general agreement by all in attendance that no response need be made and that we need to move forward and unite with other local organizations with a focus on the future.
   NEXT MEETING--The next meeting of the Chamber was set for Thursday, November 2, 2006, 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 8:50 p.m.

Richard Bartholomew - Secretary/Treasurer