February 1 , 2007 Meeting Minutes

Dundy County Chamber of Commerce & Development
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, February 1, 2007 ­ Community Building

President Rita Jones called the meeting to order at 6:06 p.m. with Glenda and Richard Bartholomew, Ben Blecha, Rod Wiese, Bob Prangley, Harlan Cansler, Joya Neville, Linda Melchert, and Jim Kier present. Roger Windholz arrived at 6:09 p.m. and left at 7:10 p.m. Jerry Preston arrived at 6:15 p.m.
MINUTES AND TREASURER'S REPORT--Minutes of the January 5, 2007, meeting were reviewed with a question as to the proposed phrase on the Benkelman entrance signs by Bob P. which was addressed later in the meeting. Linda M. made a motion to approve the minutes with Bob P. seconding. Motion carried.
Upon review of the treasurer's report, the question was asked as to when the SWADC funds would be combined with those of the Chamber. Rita J. replied that it's just a matter of procedure that hasn't been done yet. There followed some discussion as to formally establishing checking account signatories. Linda M. made a motion that President Rita Jones or Treasurer Richard Bartholomew have signatory authority on behalf of the Chamber on accounts at AmFirst Bank in Benkelman. Seconded by Ben B. Motion carried.
Rod W. made a motion, seconded by Linda M., to approve the treasurer's report. Motion carried.
P.A. SYSTEM REPORT--Roger W. updated the group on the status of a quote of estimated costs to put in place a downtown public address and sound system. He stated that he has nothing to present at this time and will contact some additional vendors about the proposed project.
WARD BOND FESTIVAL--Discussion turned to the Ward Bond Festival event. Linda M. informed the group that the Antique Tractor Pull, as organized and coordinated by Jim Russell, has been moved to the Fall Festival day in conjunction with the Masons' tractor, motorcycle and auto show. The Ward Bond Festival is listed in the Nebraska Tourism Guide as a Benkelman Fall Festival event. Bob P. offered to contact representatives of the Masons' organization to see if the Ward Bond Festival can or cannot be included in the day's schedule and report back to the Chamber. No one has stepped forward to chair the event.
SPUCC MEETINGS--The topic of Chamber representation at South Platte United Chambers of Commerce (SPUCC) meetings was revisited. It was in general agreement that probably no individual Chamber member could make all the meetings of SPUCC. Rita J. will notify the Chamber's members of upcoming SPUCC meeting dates and locations to see if someone could attend. Bob P. volunteered to attend the April 10 meeting in Oxford.
ACTION GROUPS--The subject of Action Groups, the establishing of such, recruiting of members and the choosing of leaders was discussed. Bob P. referred to an e-mail message he had composed a few weeks ago that listed many names of individuals who he felt would be good candidates to serve on the Action Groups of Housing, Finance, Community Improvement, Retail, Communications, and Business Development. It was stated that it would be preferable that all members of Action
Groups also be members of the Chamber. Discussion also included funding sources, community survey data, and past efforts of projects. Linda M. made a motion, seconded by Glenda B., to recommend that Bob P. serve as a mentor to the Action Groups. Motion carried.
THOUGHTS SHARED--General information and thoughts about the possible merger of the Stratton School District and Dundy County Schools and the issues facing the local FSA office were shared.
SIGNS UPDATE--Linda M. reported that an estimate of costs to change the slogan on the Welcome to Benkelman signs would total about $700 for the design, materials, and installation. In that there has been much dissatisfaction expressed by local business persons and residents concerning the "Awesome Territory" phraseology of the signs, the Chamber has considered a change of slogan. As was mentioned in last month's meeting, a suggestion as to a new phrase was presented by Ben B. Linda M. made a motion to change the slogan on the city entrance signs to "Realize Our Potential." Seconded by Glenda B. Motion carried. Linda M. will notify Mike Boyson of Hot Brush at Bird City, Kansas, to proceed with the project.
There was some discussion about the maroon and gold "Welcome to Benkelman" pole-mount banners.
CHAMBER MEMBERSHIPS--Richard B. read the list of 2007 Chamber membership dues received as of this date. He said that 82 dues notice letters were mailed on January 19 which asked for a response by Friday, February 23. It was decided that the record of membership attendance for 2007 would begin with the March 1 meeting. This record will then be used for dues notices for 2008.
CORRESPONDENCE--Rita J. presented a review of correspondence and other contacts received; no action was taken. She also informed the group of the ownership change and complete remodeling and upgrade being done at the Benkelman Apartments location on North Cheyenne Street.
NEXT MEETING--The next meeting of the Chamber was set for Thursday, March 1, 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 7:47 p.m.

Richard Bartholomew
Secretary/Treasurer