The meeting was opened by President, Rita Jones.  Minutes from the September meeting were approved as submitted.

            Gary Clark presented the Treasurer's Report, announcing that he had received the $1500.00 payment from the Chamber's half of the Pre-Fair Bar-b-Que. 

            Old Business was discussed.  Rita asked for nominations from the floor for Secretary to replace the former Secretary.  Judy Owens agreed to serve and her nomination and appointment was made unanimously by those present.  

            Reports of Committees came next and the discussion became a bit free-wheeling and did not always follow the agenda.  Therefore, the following synopsis of votes simply follows the discussion as it went.

            1. CITY BEAUTIFICATION: Gary Clark gave his report on the beautification efforts he has led.  New projects were discussed and the Legion Flag was discussed as a painting project.  Handicap handrails for more downtown entrance areas and step access were also discussed but no specific plan was made at the time.  Gary also encouraged everyone to pick up a paint can and continue efforts to paint the fire hydrants around town, spray weeds at the curb areas whenever seen, and adopt a block to keep tidy and neat.  Discussion of how to paint the street signs and the north/south corridor past the grade school ensued and may become a project; funds will be searched for, and the group seemed to agree that a winter indoor  painting party  would be a way to get the street signes painted so Gary will pursue that idea.

            SPRING FLING: Gary announced that the clean-up of the "Springs"(for the natives) will occur on March 22nd and the Chamber will need to get notices around the area for volunteers.

            PARK PAINTING PROJECTS: Gary announced the date of March 6, 2008, as the date for painting projects at the park. 

            COMMUNITY  BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE Task Force report.   Rita reported that her committee had come up with several suggestions and asked Gary Clark to take on the leadership of that group, which will merge its efforts with those Gary has been heading up with the Chamber.  Gary will head this committee.  Among the items at the top of that list is the beginning of the effort to clean up substandard lots around town which will eventually lead to action by City government to enforce the city codes against property owners who are not maintaining their properties.

            2. WEBSITE COMMITTEE: Bob Prangley reported for Scott Vanderford as follows:

            a. There will be a featured Chamber Business on the web site which will rotate out each month.  Scott will take care of the set-up.

            b. Scott will update city information available for all users to see.

            c. Proposed website advertising rules for the Chamber to peruse were handed out.  A decision on said rules should be placed on the agenda for the November meeting.

            d.  Payment to Scott Vanderford for maintaining the Chamber website was proposed.  Moved and seconded to pay $35.00 per month to Scott Vanderford for the upkeep of the website.  Approved unanimously.

            3.  GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE.  Ben Blechea heads this committee and was not present.  Rita explained his plan to have a handout done and it was decided that a mock-up should be prepared for the Chamber to see.  The Chamber members agreed to pay $300.00 for the mock-up before taking further action on any handouts.  Rita will tell Ben to take care of getting it done.

            4.  FUNDING.  Nothing new was reported.

            5. BENKELMAN HOUSING TASK FORCE.  Jim Owens reported.

            a. This task force suggests that the City of Benkelman seek a funding program from the USDA, probably using the services of West Central Development Corporation to manage the program, for low and  moderate income grants for upgrades to current and habitable housing stock.

            b. This group is also discussing the development of an investor group to purchase lots for re-development but nothing firm is in place at this time.  Discussion continues.  They do urge the cleanup efforts suggested by the clean-up committee.

            c.  Habitat for Humanity will be contacted but it is unclear who will do that.

            6. COMMUNITY RETIREMENT;  Bob Prangley reported that his efforts in working with a group from Denver seeking affordable housing for a retirement community will continue but that it is going at glacial speed.  It was noted in a discussion that ensued that there is insufficient infrastructure to support a large influx of new people and that those needs must be addressed.

            7. BUSINESS RETENTION AND DEVELOPMENT TASK FORCE COMMITTEE: Pat Rotherham chairs this group and reported as follows:

            a. The group determined that the first priority is to focus on existing businesses with a retention and growth plan.  To that end, this group will seek to pull together a package of information containing the necessary names and places to contact to enable anyone seeking funding for continuing or expanding business to find the help he/she needs to accomplish it.   In addition, this Committee believes that mentors must be available to be of help to these brave entrepreneurs and will actively seek community members with various talents and expertise to VOLUNTEER these tools to the tool kit being prepared.  The group believes the Chamber of Commerce must serve as the central office for locating this information so will work on how to achieve this part of the plan.

            b. Formation of a co-operative to supply a readily available source of funds was also discussed.  A co-operative or a for-profit corporation to develop a co-operative store to supply items no currently availabe in town was also discussed and will be pursued in future meetings.

            c.  DUNDY COUNTY ADVERTISING MUGS.  Pat Rotherham presented a mock-up coffee mug he made to suggest a promotional idea for helping FBLA raise funds while learning all about a business and marketing plan which will also  promote Benkelman and Dundy County,   including the newly-merged school district.  The Chamber members discussed making the cups available for individual sale and for promotion to those seeking information about the city and its amenities.  Further discussion will ensue on this topic.

            8. SWNCBC: No report.

            9.  PA System: No report.

            10. POPULATION AND BUSINESS GROWTH: No report.

II.  NEW BUSINESS

            1. CHRISTMAS PROMOTION: Rita led the discussion.

                        a. Past promotion efforts were covered.  Discussion of Christmas, 2007 promotions ensued with these results:

                         b. Saturday, December 15, and Thursday, December 20, 2007, will be the dates for the Chamber of Commerce Christmas promotion efforts.  The following committees or individuals will head up activities:

            c. Joya Neville will work to get promotion ads completed with necessary   information containing dates and activities.

                        d. Nicole Sis and Gary Clark will head the committee to gather prizes for all give aways.

            e. Rita Jones will contact Randy Raile concerning the ping pong bash and announcing.

            f. Nicole Sis will chair the kids movie committee and be certain a projectionist is on hand to show the movie.

            g. Linda and Gene Jones will serve and Mr. and Mrs. Claus for the candy give away.

            h.  Bob Prangley will head the Christmas Kettle promotion.  He offered to take photos and take care of the web site promotion.

            i. Jim Owens will chair the Drawing details, including getting the ambulance, which contains the PA system.  He will also ask Sheriff's Dept to block off the street.

            j. Linda Melchert and  Linda Jones will chair the Poker Walk .  The Chamber members voted  unanimously to put $100.00 into the pot to start the poker prize money.

            k.  Joya Neville will chair the business lighting contest with prizes remaining the same as last year, 1st prize: ____________; 2nd prize: ____________ 

            2.  Chamber Bucks will have expiration date.  Two weeks to spend, two weeks for the businesses to return to the Chamber.  Those handing out the bucks need to be certain to remind the participating businesses of this fact.

            3. Miscellaneous discussions followed:

                        a..  Gary Clark and Nicole Sis will chair a committee to look into new Welcome signs and poles for the downtown corridor.  No date for report.

                        b. Bob Holland asked the Chamber of Commerce to consider promotion of hunting in the area and to be added to Outdoor Network.  The group agreed he should look into what it would take to do this and report back.

            No further business was discussed.  The meeting adjourned after President, Rita Jones, announced the date for the next meeting as November 1, 2007, at 7:00 p.m. City Community Building.