March 1 , 2007 Meeting Minutes

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

The meeting was called to order at 6:05 p.m. with Glenda Bartholomew, Rita Jones, Joya Neville, Harlan Cansler, Roger Windholz, Bob Holland, Bill Lewis, Rod Wiese, Bob Prangley, Gary Clark, Gene and Linda Jones, Richard Bartholomew, Jerry Preston, Ben Blecha, and Scott Vanderford in attendance. Pat Rotherham arrived at 7 p.m. Bob Holland left the meeting at 7:20 p.m.
MINUTES AND TREASURER'S REPORT--Minutes of the February 1, 2007, meeting were reviewed with Ben making a motion to approve. Joya seconded. Motion carried.
Upon review of the treasurer's report, Rita said that the SWADC organization had some financial commitment to website development yet to be settled, and once complete, the merging of the funds could take place. Jerry made a motion to approve the treasurer's report with Bob P. seconding. Motion carried.
P.A. SYSTEM REPORT--Roger reported that a bid had been obtained from BWTelcom for the proposed downtown public address and sound system. The cost for the balanced, permanently mounted, eight-speaker system including installation was $4,053.72. General discussion followed with reference to a simple drawing of the speaker locations. Noting the limited resources of the Chamber, the proposal was tabled with finance and possible funding sources to be further researched.
WARD BOND FESTIVAL--The Ward Bond Festival event was discussed in that Richard stated that if the Chamber is going to sponsor the festival, planning for it needs to begin now and someone needs to step forward to chair the event. Bob P. made a motion to drop the festival idea. Linda J. seconded and the motion carried.
SIGNAGE--A short report was given on the revised signage (from "Awesome Territory" to "Realize Our Potential") and comments shared.
COMMITTEES--Copies of the proposed Action Groups were handed out and Bob P. explained his ideas and understanding of group interaction and makeup. Gary Clark voiced his thoughts and observations for the Community Improvement group and its integration with others.
RECRUITMENT--Bob P. introduced Bob Holland who provided a report on business recruitment efforts and possible site location needs.
COFC MEMBERSHIP--A copy of the current membership list was handed out to those in attendance who wanted one. Bob P. displayed samples of chamber membership recognition decals and asked everyone in attendance to choose a size, color combination, and layout as they departed the meeting. The cost for the decals is $7 each for a single color and $9 each for two-color.
Review of the Chamber's membership application form was held and modifications made to update it, after which it was given to Joya as a member of the Retail Action group.
Rita presented an application for membership from a company located in Kissimmee, Florida. Following discussion, Bob P. made a motion to reject the membership application from Billy Boys Travel of Kissimmee, Florida, and return the check submitted. Seconded by Jerry. Motion carried.
SPUCC ATTENDANCE--The topic of our Chamber's representation at SPUCC meetings was discussed, with Rita referring to the most recent newsletter. Bob P. and Jerry are planning to attend the April meeting of SPUCC and report back to the general membership.
BUSINESS REPORT--Pat informed the group that work continues on the possibilities of retaining a local lumberyard business since the recent announcement that League Builders Supply is closing its Benkelman outlet.
Ben proposed that maybe a cooperative could be formed to maintain a local lumberyard in that there are many small carpentry and construction businesses operating in the area.
CORRESPONDENCE--A request for a testimonial from Eric Schrader and his business, Sites by E Web Design, was read by Rita. She volunteered to respond to the request to which an affirmative reaction was provided by the group.
WEBSITE--Discussion was held on the need to update the benkelman.org website and to work to merge the SWADC site with that of the Chamber and City of Benkelman. Scott Vanderford offered to work on updates and data input but preferred to not work on Web design. The Communications action group will take on the task and report to the membership at the next meeting.
NEXT MEETING--The next meeting of the Chamber was set for Thursday, April 5, 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