DUNDY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & DEVELOPMENT

January 3, 2008

MINUTES OF MEETING

President Jones called the meeting to order. _____ were in attendance.

Minutes of the December meeting were reviewed and no corrections or amendments were requested. Motion to approve: Cansler; second, Melchert. Minutes were unanimously approved as submitted.

Treasurer's report was submitted for approval. Motion to approve: Preston; second: Neville. Treasurers' report was unanimously approved as submitted..

The minutes of the December meeting and the Treasurer's report, both approved, are attached hereto and made a part of this set of official minutes of the Secretary.

After approval of the Treasurer's report, Linda Melchert reported that the Poker Walk at the Christmas promotion had lost money because the walk sheets were not charged for this year. Nothing was determined but the group agreed that the issue must be addressed before trying it again next year. Participation was up from last year so it is worthwhile.

OLD BUSINESS:

1. Christmas Promotion recap:

A. Some concerns were expressed about the judging standards for the lighting contest but it was determined that nothing could be done about it as it is a matter of the taste of the judge or judges.

B. Someone drew a certificate from the kettle for a discount and, when this individual went to use it, as it expired quickly, the business was closed so the certificate was expired. It was determined that Joya will speak to the business and ask that the redemption period be extended for one week, passing that information along to the participant. The Chamber does not wish to experience negative press for its promotion.

C. Discussion ensued concerning the businesses who so generously contributed big gifts for the drawings. Moved by Lewis, seconded by Melchert, that Joya be directed to place a thank-you ad in the paper, thanking the generous businesses for the drawing gifts. Joya will use her judgment concerning the size of the ad.

NEW BUSINESS:

1. ELECTION OF OFFICERS FOR 2008.

PRESIDENT: Rita Jones was nominated Owens moved the nominations cease and that vote by acclamation for Jones as President occur. So voted.

VICE PRESIDENT: Joya Neville was nominated. Owens moved that the nominations cease and that vote by acclamation for Neville as Vice President occur. So voted.

SECRETARY: Judy Owens was nominated and refused the nomination. Linda Melchert was nominated. Weise moved the nominations cease and that vote by acclamation for Melchert as Secretary occur. So voted.

TREASURER: Gary Clark was nominated. Owens moved the nominations cease and that vote by acclamation for Clark as Treasurer occur. So voted.

All votes were unanimous.

2. 2008 MEMBERSHIP DRIVE.

A lengthy discussion concerning how to increase membership took place. Many ideas were tossed around. It was finally determined that the overall coordination of the membership drive will be handled by the officers.

The issue of dues was discussed at length. After much discussion, two items were specifically decided upon:

a. The policy adopted last year concerning partial rebate of dues was discussed. It reads as follows: Business dues were set at $150.00. If the business has representation at one-half or more of the 2007 meetings, a $50.00 credit will be applied toward the 2008 dues for that business. Individual dues were established at $35.00 and if the individual member attends one-half or more of the 2007 meetings, $10.00 credit will be applied toward the dues established for 2008. Newly established business dues were set at $50.00 and if that business has representation at one-half or more of the 2007 meetings, the $50.00 amount will be credited to the dues established for 2008.

R. Weise moved that the dues for the 2008 period be set at $25.00 for businesses and individuals and that any member requesting a credit from 2007 who is eligible to receive it should receive same. Motion seconded by G. Clark. Passed unanimously.

b. President Jones asked a sense of the group concerning participation in the New Year baby gift. J. Neville moved the Chamber donate a $25.00 Chamber Buck certificate to the promotion; seconded by L. Melchert. Vote to participate was unanimous.

c. L. Jones moved that the membership drive committee(officers) put together an informational handout on Chamber of Commerce activities for the 2007 year and the goals set for the year 2008, and that such information be published in the Benkelman POST. Motion seconded by L. Melchert. Vote was unanimous.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

Next meeting of the Dundy County Chamber of Commerce is set for 6:00 p.m., February 7, 2008, at the Benkelman Community Building,

Respectfully submitted,


Judith L. Owens, past Secretary