January 4, 2007 Meeting Minutes

Dundy County Chamber of Commerce & Development
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, January 4, 2007 ­ Community Building

The meeting was called to order by President Rita Jones at 6:02 p.m. Others present were Bill Lewis, Joya Neville, Eric Schrader, Glenda Bartholomew, Roger Windholz, Harlan Cansler, Linda Melchert, Jerry Preston, and Richard Bartholomew. Ben Blecha arrived at 7:15 p.m.
MINUTES AND TREASURER'S REPORT--Following a review of the December 7, 2006, meeting minutes, Jerry P. made a motion to approve; seconded by Glenda B. Motion carried.
The treasurer's report was reviewed with comment that it is believed that all Christmas promotion expenses are reflected in the report and that it is estimated that $800 to $900 may be outstanding in Chamber certificates not yet presented for redemption. Linda M. made a motion to approve the treasurer's report. Roger W. seconded and the motion carried.
HOLIDAY PROMOTION REVIEW--A general discussion was held on the topic of the 2006 Christmas promotion with both positive and negative public and business comments presented. A proposed addition to the drawing times for next year would be to invite businesses that have in-house events for prizes to be included with the other Chamber drawings.
REPORTS--Roger W. gave an update on the downtown public address and sound system. He said that estimates for basic equipment, less wiring and labor, were totaling approximately $800 and that the total project would cost about $1,000. It was in general agreement that Roger continue to pursue the project and present a quote to the Chamber at the next meeting.
Rita J. reported that she did not sign a recruitment letter composed by Robert Holland as was discussed at last month's Chamber meeting.
Joya N. reported that she had been asked by Rod Wiese (who had been asked by Phyllis Gardner) to see if someone or a group of members of the Chamber would take on the Ward Bond Festival event. A short discussion period was held but no one volunteered for the position and the topic was tabled for discussion at a future meeting.
Linda M. reported that grant funding has been approved for the financial support to complete the '06 Cliff Project.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS--The floor was opened for the 2007 election of officers. Jerry P. nominated Rita Jones as president. Linda M. seconded. No other nominations were made. The nomination was approved by a voice vote. Rita J. will serve as Chamber president for 2007.
Glenda B. nominated Joya Neville for vice president with Jerry P. seconding. Harlan C. nominated Roger Windholz for vice president with Linda M. seconding. A secret ballot was prepared, taken, and tabulated with Joya N. receiving six votes and Roger W. receiving four votes. Joya N. will serve as Chamber vice president for 2007.  Linda M. nominated Richard Bartholomew for secretary/treasurer. Bill L. seconded. No other nominations were made. The nomination was approved by a voice vote. Richard B. will serve as Chamber secretary/treasurer for 2007.
CofC&D DUES--The subject of setting 2007 Chamber dues was discussed. Linda M. made a motion, seconded by Jerry P., to set business dues at $150; and that if the business has representation at one-half or more of the 2007 meetings, a $50 credit will be applied toward the dues established for 2008. Motion carried.
Linda M. made a motion, seconded by Eric S., to set individual membership dues at $35; and that if the member attends one-half or more of the 2007 meetings, a $10 credit will be applied toward the dues established for 2008. Motion carried.
Roger W. made a motion, seconded by Jerry P., to set dues for a newly-established business at $50; and that if the business has representation at one-half or more of the 2007 meetings, the $50 amount will be credited to the dues established for 2008. Motion carried.
ACTION GROUPS--President Rita J. opened discussion and provided information on the desire to establish 2007 action groups (committees). Proposed action groups would include, but are not limited to: housing, finance, community improvement, retail, communications/website, and business development. She asked those in attendance to consider serving on one or more of the groups. The plan would be to have these groups provide reports and updates to the general membership. The groups could meet, as needed, on their own time or schedule meetings preceding a regular Chamber meeting so as to reduce commitment and travel times for the members.
After a time for consideration, those voicing an interest in the groups were as follows:
         Housing--Harlan C. as a city official and Bill L. as a resource.
         Finance--Harlan C. as a city official and Linda M.
         Community Improvement--Harlan C. as a city official, Linda M., and Rita J.
         Retail--Roger W.
         Communications/Website--Eric S.
         Rita J. offered to put Bob Prangley and Ben B. on the Business Development group.
SPUCC REPRESENTATION--A request was made for a member to be the Chamber's representative at SPUCC meetings. No one volunteered, so the issue was tabled to the next meeting.
FORWARD THINKING--Ben B. addressed the group to encourage forward thinking and to consider changing the welcome to Benkelman "Awesome Territory" signage. He suggested the phrase Realize Our Potential.
NEXT MEETING--The next meeting of the Chamber was set for Thursday, February 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 7:40 p.m.

Richard Bartholomew
Secretary/Tresurer