May 4, 2006 Meeting Minutes

Benkelman Area Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
Regular Meeting Minutes
Thursday, May 4, 2006 ­ Benkelman Community Building

     It is noted that no regular business meeting of the Chamber was held in the month of April, 2006, but that a town hall meeting was held on Thursday, April 6, at the Benkelman Community Building, which meeting was sponsored by the Chamber.
     MINUTES AND TREASURER'S REPORT--The May 4 meeting was called to order by President Rita Jones at 6:08 p.m. Others in attendance were Richard Bartholomew, Rod Wiese, Bob Prangley, Harlan Cansler, Bill Lewis, and Joya Neville. Following a review of the March 2, 2006, meeting minutes, Bob made a motion to approve; seconded by Rod. Motion carried. (Jerry Preston arrived at the meeting.) The treasurer's report was reviewed. Harlan made a motion, seconded by Bob, to approve. Motion carried.
     SPUCC MEETING PLANNING--Planning and discussion was held on the South Platte United Chambers of Commerce meeting to be hosted by this Chamber on Tuesday, June 13, 2006. The schedule is to have the SPUCC group hold its business and committee meetings at the Max Community Building beginning at 4:30 p.m. A reception and social hour, co-hosted by State Bank and Harlan Cansler, will be held at the Hidden Paradise park from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. A meal will be provided by Cowboy Catering at 6:30. It is estimated that the group will be dispersed by 8:30 p.m. Further discussion was held on the possible needs of the event: help with setup; additional tables and chairs; a Benkelman, one-page information/fact sheet; providing early arriving attendees with a golf outing, and maybe providing a motor tour of the community.
     A short review of the March 18 Left Testicle Festival was held.
     Jason Preston arrived at the meeting.
     Bob informed the group that he is ready to begin the effort to encourage more businesses and individuals to become members of the Chamber.
     TOWN HALL MEETING REVIEW--A review of the April 6 town hall meeting and resultant selected Community Pride Project was held. It was decided to try to involve the community's youth in the project as there may be grant funds available to help with project expenses. Jason reported that Tim Smith, an employee of the City of Benkelman, is in charge of the "engineering" of the project. The plan of the project is quite extensive including plantings of trees, plants, and shrubs, lots of dirt work, and construction of a tiered railroad tie retaining wall along A Street north of the grade school.
     A review of correspondence, e-mails, and other communications was held.
     FALL FESTIVAL--Richard reported that the Masons organization is working on the flyer to advertise the auto/tractor/motorcycle show on September 16. The Chamber has been asked to provide input as to Fall Festival activities so as to be included on the flyer. The idea is to have events that appeal to a wide age/group range for the folks who bring their autos, etc., to town. Activities held in the past were city-wide garage sales, the carnival, Soap Box derby, and a horseshoe tournament.
     It was thought that the Ward Bond Festival activities could be incorporated in the day's offerings. No action was taken.
     Discussion was held on obtaining some kind of identification for Chamber members (visors, name badges with ribbons, etc.) that could be used at the time of community events. The ID would provide a focus for visitors or others with questions and provide a positive exposure for the Chamber.
     The next meeting of the Chamber was scheduled for Thursday, June 1, 2006, at 6 p.m. at the Hospital Conference Room.
     There being no further business to come before the Chamber at this meeting, it was adjourned at 7:20 p.m. A town hall meeting followed.

Richard Bartholomew, Secretary/Treasurer
     It is noted that as a result of the following town hall meeting, the next meeting place was changed to the Benkelman Community Building so as to accommodate another town hall meeting to follow the regular Chamber business meeting.