Dundy County Chamber of Commerce & Development Meeting Minutes
Thursday, April 5, 2007 - Community Building

   The meeting was called to order by President Rita Jones at 6 p.m. with Stan Jones, Jerry Preston, Bill Lewis, Scott Vanderford, Bob Prangley, Janice Edwards, Glenda and Richard Bartholomew, and Gary Clark present. Margaret Jones, Ben Blecha, Frank Merklin, Linda Melchert, Linda Jones, and Roger Windholz arrived later. Stan Jones, Glenda Bartholomew, and Jerry Preston left the meeting at 6:25 p.m. to attend a special meeting of the City Council in the same building. Janice Edwards left the meeting about 6:50 p.m.
  MINUTES AND TREASURER'S REPORT--Minutes of the March 1, 2007, meeting were reviewed with Glenda making a motion to approve. Seconded by Bob. Motion carried.
   The treasurer's report was given with additional information provided on website expenses and Chamber certificates. Jerry made a motion, seconded by Stan, to approve the treasurer's report. Motion carried.
  FSA SUPPORT--Stan was given the floor and presented a report on actions being taken to record and report local support to retain the Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service offices in Benkelman. The USDA has announced a proposal to consolidate offices that would close the services in Benkelman. Public meetings are scheduled for April 11 at which it is planned that a PowerPoint presentation will be shown. Through discussion, a motion was made by Jerry that a letter of support from the Chamber be composed and signed by Richard and Rita and be sent to the applicable federal offices. Seconded by Glenda. Motion carried.
   SOUND SYSTEM REPORT--Roger reported that the downtown sound system project continues to be modified in that one more block of coverage may be added. He also stated that BWTelcom would finance the project over a three-year period if the Chamber wants to move ahead with it.
   ACTION GROUPS--Following recognition of Bob for his leadership on the Action Groups, reports were given. Gary provided an outline handout and verbal overview of the Community Improvement group activity. (The handout will be attached to and made a part of the minutes of the meeting.) Bob provided a verbal report about considerations for downtown businesses and the possible updated images being proposed. Linda J. provided a handout and report from the Housing committee. (The handout will be attached to and made a part of the minutes of the meeting.)
   Scott gave a report on the needs and development of the website merger and management as a part of the Communications group. After discussion, a motion was made by Bob and seconded by Linda M. to authorize Scott to perform the necessary actions needed to merge the co-owned Chamber and City of Benkelman website with that of SWADC. Motion carried. Scott reported that much work has been done on the preparation of the website merger. He encourages people to view the site at www.bestofneb.com. As a part of the website work, the benkelman.org webmaster, Eric Schrader, has requested a letter so as to provide official record of the transfer of input to Scott. A motion was made by Ben and seconded by Linda M. to provide that all previously established website information and data be transferred to ClubOC Computers, Scott Vanderford manager, and that all previously established contracts, ownership and management activities be terminated. Motion carried.
   Bob requested consideration of the members to help in the Communications area and the production of a brochure or other handout information for tourism, etc.
  MEMBERSHIP DECALS--Linda M. made a motion, seconded by Margaret, to order the static cling membership decals as chosen by the membership at the March 1 meeting and at an estimated cost of $7 each. Motion carried.
  CORRESPONDENCE--Rita reviewed the most recent SPUCC newsletter information with the group. Linda M. gave a short report on Betty Sayers and the "Chicken Dance Trail."
   COMMUNITY ECONOMICS--Roger reported that he is researching the history of the number of businesses in Benkelman and what has happened to that number over the years. His focus is to attempt to educate the local populace on the need to shop at home first. He will continue his project and report to the membership at a future meeting. Ben suggested that the Chamber arrange for a guest speaker from the marketing field to help educate local businesses. There was much discussion on community and area economics.
  NEXT MEETING--The next meeting of the Chamber was set for Thursday, May 3, 2007, 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 7:45 p.m.
 

Richard Bartholomew - Secretary/Treasurer