Dundy County Chamber of Commerce & Development
Meeting Minutes € Thursday, May 3, 2007 ­ Community Building

   The meeting was called to order by Vice President Joya Neville with members Ben Blecha, Bob Prangley, Jerry Preston, Gary Clark, Bill Lewis, and Richard Bartholomew present. Also attending was Ann Burge, administrator of Southwest Nebraska Community Betterment Corporation located in Grant, Nebraska.
   MINUTES AND TREASURER'S REPORT--Following review of the April 5, 2007, meeting minutes, Jerry made a motion to approve; seconded by Bob. Motion carried.
   Richard provided a review of the treasurer's report.
   COMMENTARY--Bob expressed appreciation to The Benkelman Post for publishing the summary of Chamber happenings as was printed in the April 25 issue. He encouraged the membership to review the website at bestofneb.com or benkelman.org and pass along updates or corrections to Scott Vanderford at ClubOC Computers as he can do updates easily and timely.
   COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENTS--Gary updated those in attendance on the plans and progress of improvements at, near, and around the Legion Hall. He said that a grant application is being put together in an attempt to obtain funding and that he envisions a three-year time period to complete the improvements as now planned.
   Another project Gary talked about was the downtown area and the need to fix up and clean up around the bases of 15 trees. He estimated that it would cost about $450 to do the tree project.
   Bob made a motion that the Chamber embrace the downtown tree fix-up and clean-up project, encourage merchants to participate, and provide a budget of up to $450 of Chamber funds to support the project. Jerry seconded the motion and it carried. Gary will coordinate the tree project.
   A brief report was given on the status of the 2006 "Cliff Project."
   Gary further discussed enhancements planned along the railroad south of the city park area and the north entrance into town.
   Gary also acknowledged a letter written by Jerry about the proposed FSA office closing.
   COMMUNITY BETTERMENT CORPORATION--Ann Burge was introduced to the group and given the floor. She provided a four-page handout about the Southwest Nebraska Community Betterment Corporation and referenced its board of directors, vision statement, service area (Perkins, Chase, Hayes, Dundy, and Hitchcock counties), service offerings, programs, website address (swncbc@gpcom.net - www.southwestne.com), and telephone number.
   Jerry left the meeting at 7:05 p.m.
   Ann continued her presentation and said that the organization is currently working on new brochures that will be available and will provide more information and education as to what is available at SWNCBC.
   In that more than one position is available on the SWNCBC board of directors, and that there is a need for someone from Dundy County, Bob appointed Ben Blecha to be a representative for our group and serve as a director. Ben accepted, and Ann left the meeting at 7:12 p.m.
   INDEPENDENCE DAY--Discussion was held about the Chamber's participation in some type of activity in celebration of Independence Day on Wednesday, July 4. Some of the ideas voiced included helping with the Left Testicle Festival, music in the park, hamburger/watermelon feed, pie and ice cream, fire fighters' contests, a parade, a costume contest, and involving other county communities and Stratton.
   LETTER--Richard explained a letter being composed to express the Chamber's support in the grant application that Gary discussed earlier in the meeting.
   NEXT MEETING--The next meeting of the Chamber was scheduled for Thursday, June 7, 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 7:26 p.m.

Richard Bartholomew € Secretary/Treasurer