Due to the resignation of Richard Bartholomew as Secretary / Treasurer for the organization, at this time replacement for the position was discussed.  Motion by Bob to split the position of Secretary / Treasurer into two separate positions and to nominate Gary Clark to assume the position of Treasurer, joining President Rita Jones as signing authority on the Chamber’s bank account, and for Gary to meet with Richard Bartholomew for briefing on duties.  Motion seconded by Jerry and motion carried. 

Discussion continued regarding the position of Secretary.  With no interest shown among the 12 members present, President Rita Jones offered to assume the position if one of the members would agree to hold the position of President.  There was no member present at the meeting willing to assume the role of President.  Bob Prangley noted his feelings that if the Secretary’s position was publicized, perhaps a member or a prospective member not present at tonight’s meeting would be interested.  Bob will handle posting of a notice in the Benkelman Post, providing an outline of duties and a request volunteers.

All in attendance voiced extreme appreciation to Richard for his years of service to the chamber and his willingness to serve in leadership positions over these many years and wished him well in any venture since the sale of the Benkelman Post.  Richard left the meeting at this time.

REPORTS—Gary shared information on activities from the Community Improvement Action Group.  Items that Gary is targeting for future development include formation of a Community Redevelopment Authority (CRA), Local Sales Tax Advisory Group, and Upper Republican Development Area.  Gary went on to explain that the CRA organization is statute driven and provided copy of the statute for review if any are interested in learning more.  Additional information will follow.  Gary shared his support and desire to see the next ballot issue pass regarding a city sales tax.  Gary highlighted the importance of getting the word out to the community and assuring that the community has information on specific budget for use of the added dollars.  Gary explained the concept of establishing an Upper Republican Development Area which would allow cooperation to extend past Dundy County lines and include Stratton.  The recent school merger may provide the opportunity to work with adjacent communities for the common benefit of this area.

Gary noted that he has completed the painting project on 8 fire hydrants thus far. 

Gary presented a bid from Hiatt Bros. Construction for refurbishment of the “Welcome to Benkelman” signs.  The bid includes prepping, priming, and painting on the back sides of the two signs located at each town entrance and the purpose is for preservation.  Motion by Bob to accept the bid of $650 from Hiatt Bros. Construction to restore both signs at the entrances to Benkelman.  Motion seconded by Jerry and motion carried.

Gary shared information on the “West Portal Fun Project” which is scheduled for September 29, 2007, starting at 9am.  Community members will be invited to share in the project which includes general clean up, tree removal and painting.  Gary invited any who can come for even an hour or two to join in the fun.  The event will be publicized and there may be more additions to the project listing.  Motion by Ben for the Chamber to pay for advertisement of the event and show support to the project.  Motion seconded by Janice and motion carried.

At this time, Harlan Cansler asked for the floor to discuss the City of Benkelman’s Town Hall Meeting scheduled for Monday evening, September 24, 2007, 7 p.m. at the Community Building.  This meeting will be organized and led by West Central Nebraska Development District and attendance is desired from all area residents to discuss community needs.  Mayor Cansler noted that the City has already benefited from holding membership with this group well beyond the dues paid.  WCNDD can provide assistance for grant development and project identification.  WCNDD is currently assisting the City with grant funding intended for expansion of Valley Farm Industries.  Harlan discussed the sales tax initiative and the City’s desire to pursue LB-840 which, if passed, will secure some funding for economic development. 

Scott discussed the continued development of the website www.bestofneb.com and voiced his appreciation for residents who have been submitting photos for the website.  Rita noted that she has received emails on the Chamber webmail from area businesses requesting links from the Chamber’s website.  At this time, Rita requested direction from the organization.  Following lengthy discussion, motion was made by Scott that businesses must hold a current membership in the DCCCD to qualify for a link or advertising on the website.  Motion seconded by Gary and motion carried.

Rita presented invoice from CLUB-OC in the amount of $73.85 for domain name hosting and transfer.  Motion by Harlan to approve payment of invoice.  Motion seconded by Ben and motion carried.

Ben reported he has visited with Monica Mercer regarding brochures.  He continues to gather more ideas in order to request a quote.

Bob noted that Pat Rotherham and the AmFirst Bank continue to work behind the scenes to help with funding to local businesses and prospective business owners. 

An updated housing list was provided by Gene and Lind Jones was distributed to the group for review.

Bob continues to recruit for a leader of the Chamber’s Retail Action Group.

Ben and Gary had nothing to report at tonight’s meeting from SWNCBC.

Rita has requested bids from Randy Hudson for additional handrails in the downtown area.  More information to follow.

Bob has been discussing the idea of a multimedia outlet which could utilize and perhaps pay for an updated downtown PA system.  More information to follow.

To date, no plans have been provided to Bob for Population and Business Growth. 

PROMOTION OF FALL FESTIVAL--Fall Festival promotion was discussed.  Motion by Harlan for the Chamber to promote the festival by funding newspaper ads in a total amount of $218.88.  Motion seconded by Bob and motion carried.

Rita has been approached by Teresa Watson from KICX radio of McCook regarding advertisement of the Fall Festival.  $35.00 radio ad includes coverage on stations KICX, KRKU, and KFNF.  Motion by Linda for the chamber to purchase the radio ad from KICX for $35.00.  Motion seconded by Bob and motion carried.

TOWN HALL MEETING--There was further discussion on the SEPTEMBER 24^th Town Hall Meeting.  All members need to encourage attendance from any community members and representatives of all community organizations.  Business owners should attend and get their needs before the group.

HALLOWEEN PROMOTION--The chamber has traditionally provided support to the FBLA sponsored Halloween Promotion in the form of prizes for the pumpkin judging.  Motion by Linda to provide the same fiscal support to this project as previous years.  Seconded by Bob and motion carried.

Ben and Gary discussed opportunities present to FBLA, FCCLA, and FFA to encourage participation in community projects. 

Ben shared the USDA brochure on grant funding opportunities.

NEXT MEETING—The next meeting date for the Chamber was set for Thursday, October 4, 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 8:15 p.m.

                                                Rita Jones, President – Acting Secretary