Dundy County Chamber of Commerce & Development
Meeting Minutes € Thursday, August 2, 2007 € Community Building
The meeting was called to order by President Rita Jones at 6:01 p.m. with
Gene and Linda Jones, Joya Neville, Harlan Cansler, Ben Blecha, Richard
Bartholomew, Bill Lewis, Gary Clark, and Bob Prangley present.
MINUTES--Ben made a motion to approve the minutes of the July 5
meeting. Bob asked for an addition of one word to a line in the minutes:
(additional word in quotation marks) It was stated that the Chamber
window-cling decals that had not been "fully" distributed would be left at
the newspaper office for members to pick up. Ben modified his motion to
include Bob's change. Bob seconded the motion and it carried.
TREASURER'S REPORT--The treasurer's report was reviewed. Rita read
a thank-you note from LaNeta Carlock of the Haigler Country School Project.
Ben made a motion to approve the treasurer's report. Gene seconded. Motion
carried.
REPORTS--Gary provided a report and handout for the Community
Improvement Action Group and talked about the library project, grant funding
to be received, paving projects, fire hydrants that need painting, Community
Redevelopment Authority and Tax Increment Financing, and the West Portal
Project.
Website Communications needs news, photos, and text such as Chamber and
Action Group projects to keep the site current and to replace data that has
become static.
Gene and Linda provided a handout for the Housing group report which
includes a listing of properties for rent or sale that are not listed with a
Realtor.
Bob reported that the Funding Action Group is working on things that must
remain confidential at this time.
Bob asked those in attendance to give some thought to the Retail Action
Group and the need for nominations of possible candidates for consideration
for the leadership position of that group.
Brief discussion was held on graphic communications between Bob and Ben.
Ben reported that he had recently attended a SWNCBC meeting. He is still
unsure as to the status of having two representatives from Dundy County on
the board and hopes to gain some further analysis about the concern at the
end of the month.
Rita reported that she is working to get a cost estimate for the handrail
project as proposed for the post office area. She will also present the idea
to the city council for consideration and approval.
No report was available on the status of the repair to the west entrance
sign.
Ben and Rita reported that much more needs to be done for the proposed
highway signs project: a decision as to message(s), number and size of
signs, agreements with landowners for placement, permit from the county, and
permitting and approval from the state.
The Chamber slogan was again discussed with a proposed change to "Be
loyal, Buy local." It was in general agreement that no change to "Try local,
Buy local" be made at this time.
Bob reported that analysis continues on the feasibility of the proposed
downtown public address system. He said that details on a way to generate
revenue from the system may be available at the September meeting.
On the alumni address listings, Linda reported that it will soon be
completed for Dundy County and the listings for Benkelman, Max, Parks, and
Haigler are finished.
Bob reported that a membership recruiting effort is soon to begin and
that he expects to have a report on the effort for the September meeting. He
also expects efforts to progress on a major mailing soon in an attempt to
attract alumni to return to the area.
TOURISM GUIDE LISTINGS--Rita, with form in hand, stated that if
the area has an event to be printed in the 2008 Travel and Tourism guide, it
needs to be submitted by August 15. The form was given to Gene for
consideration of the car show for next year.
PLAN FOR BUSINESS GROWTH--Bob encouraged any and all active
Chamber members to submit a written outline for a plan to increase
population and business growth for discussion at a future meeting. He asked
that members refer to an e-mail he sent on May 16 that included a model he
had prepared.
CHAMBER MEETING LOCATION--Discussion was held on the meeting place
of the Chamber as there are prospective members who could host the meeting
but because of the nature of their business, they cannot get away to attend
a meeting (i.e. Strikers and Zeke's Too). It was decided to give this issue
some further thought and consideration and to re-address it in the future.
CITY GOVERNMENT--Harlan informed the group of happenings in the
city government and a Nuisance Abatement Program that has been designed
through Governor Heineman's office to help communities like Benkelman with
the handling of nuisances such as junk cars and unkempt properties. He said
the City will become a member of the West Central Nebraska Development
District so as to take advantage of the services it can provide. He asked
for the Chamber's support and help with setting a town hall meeting date to
get public involvement.
Rita offered to have Chamber representation at the next regular monthly
city council meeting (Monday, August 20) to provide support and input as to
joining WCNDD and setting a town hall meeting date.
Ben made a motion that the Chamber show support of the Benkelman city
government and the City's people by encouraging membership in WCNDD through
a newspaper ad and/or a prepared brochure. Motion seconded by Bob. Motion
carried.
NEXT MEETING--The next meeting date of the Chamber was set for
Thursday, September 6, at 6 p.m. at the Community Building. Rita stated that
she will not be able to attend on that date because of a prior commitment.
There being no further business to come before the Chamber at this
meeting, it was adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
Richard Bartholomew € Secretary/Treasurer