September 14, 2006 Meeting Minutes

Benkelman Area Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
Regular Meeting Minutes
Thursday, September 14, 2006 ­ Benkelman Community Building

     The meeting was called to order by President Rita Jones at 6:07 p.m. with members Janice Edwards, Rod Wiese, Bill Lewis, Harlan Cansler, Joya Neville, and Richard Bartholomew present. Gregg Loghry, representing the Benkelman Lions Club, was also in attendance.
     MINUTES AND TREASURER'S REPORT--Following a review of the meeting minutes of August 3, 2006, Harlan made a motion for approval. Seconded by Bill. Motion carried.
     The treasurer's report was reviewed and bills discussed. Harlan made a motion to approve the treasurer's report and the bills as presented (Justice Lodge: support of Fall Festival, radio ads for Fall Festival, Halloween promotion, and "Welcome to Benkelman" banner). Rod seconded the motion and it carried.
     REPORTS--Reports were given on: Governor Heineman's visit to the community on August 9, the cancellation of the Ward Bond Festival, commitments to the Fall Festival, the produce stand and handout material, and the status of the A Street Community Pride Project.
     Richard reported that contact with Peggy Parker, Dundy County High School FBLA advisor, had been made and that the Halloween activities for the children will be held as in the past with the Chamber providing the financial support of the pumpkin and costume contest prizes.
     CORRESPONDENCE--Rita read a thank-you about the response provided by the Chamber on the proposal to move the City of Benkelman business office to the Community Building.
     A letter of support, as composed by Richard and Rita, on the subject of a proposed Hiking/Biking Trail was read and discussed. Rod made a motion that the Chamber approve the support letter as composed and also support the proposed Hiking/Biking Trail project. Harlan seconded the motion. Motion carried.
     A letter from Eric Schrader of Sites By E was read about the continuing service for the benkelman.org website even though he has left the community to attend college.
     HOLIDAY PROMOTION--Discussion then turned to Christmas promotion planning and what was done in the 2005 season. Joya volunteered to assume the solicitation role of contacting those who have provided gifts for the drawings, those who were sponsors for the kids' free movie, and other participants as was done the last couple of years by Linda Jones.
     Gregg Loghry reported that the local Lions Club will be sponsoring a visit by the Lions International Mobile Screening Unit on Friday, December 15.
     As a conclusion to the Christmas promotion planning, the prospective dates of Saturday, December 9, and Thursday, December 14, were set but subject to future planning.
     NEXT MEETING--The next regular meeting of the Chamber was set for Thursday, October 5, 2006, at 6 p.m. at the Benkelman Community Building.
     There being no further business to come before the Chamber at this meeting, it was adjourned at 7:15 p.m.

Richard Bartholomew
Secretary/Treasurer