Chambergram

St. Marys Area
Chamber of Commerce
Board of Trustees Meeting
Tuesday, November 17, 2009

President Kimberli Rompilla called the meeting to order. The minutes from the October 27 meeting were reviewed and approved with a motion from Ron Kremer and a second from Doug Burch. Present for the meeting were Aaron Olsen, Anne Larger, Derek Vogel, Doug Burch, Frank C. Murray, Jeremy Rable, Kevin Schmidt, Kimberli Rompilla, Marv Rupert, Robbie Burke, Ronald Kremer, Sandy Matthews and Tim Bigham.
Previously excused or absent were Candy Kuck, Jeff Squire, Joan Novotny, Linda Vogel, Pam Prater, Rick Francis, Ali Khokhar, Mary Riepenhoff, Todd Fleagle, and Tom Hitchcock.
Ron Kremer gave the Treasurer's Report. He said we have set up two new checking accounts at People's Bank, one for the building project and one for general checking. The report was approved with a motion from Robbie and a second from Anne. Sale or give away of the old office furniture was discussed. It was decided with a motion from Frank and a second from Derek that it would be a first come first serve basis and what is left will go to Agape.
Kelly gave her Director's Report. She said that the Christmas trees are in the process of being set up along Spring St. Santa shows up with a parade at 11am on November 27 followed by a Kid's Show at 2pm. The Halloween Decorating Contest was a success and Rustic Haven was the winner. The Ghost and Goblins turned out well even though the rain put a damper on the event. We need to purchase more popcorn next year. We had 3 pounds this year. Kill reported that she has finished cutting the Christmas commercials and has also done one with the other area chambers. She attended an Ohio State Department meeting with Todd Fleagle. Brad Glass will be our 2010 SummerFest Chair. First Financial Bank will be holding a Business after Hours this Thursday from 6pm - 8pm. Kill also attended an Ohio National Guard luncheon and spoke on how the ONG helps in the community. The Chamber has one new member. Vehorn Lawn Care has joined.
Kill began the committee reports stating that she attended a general CVB meeting. No new news to report. Frank reported that we have raised an additional $700 for the office renovation. Frank also reported on the LDC. He said the state issued a press release regarding the cleanup efforts of the lake. It will be a joint effort of the ODNR, EPA, Ag Dept. He also discussed farming run off and that the EPA has no jurisdiction in that area. They can only hand out bigger fines for direct dumping. Kill reported that MECCA meets tomorrow and that the canal is being cleaned up all over Spencerville, Minster and New Bremen as well as here. Kimberli reported that the St. Marys Beautification Committee with 6 students is meeting today to finish up the nativity scene. Robbie stated that we have an upcoming Business after Hours for First Financial from 6-8 on Thursday and one in the next couple months for the Chamber TBA. The Winter Hike is scheduled for February 13 and they have a meeting scheduled for tomorrow. Sandy reported that WiB is off and running and an Executive Committee meeting is set. WiB is holding it's holiday meeting on December 10 and is focusing on "warm wishes". They encourage their members to bring scarves, gloves, coats, etc. to be donated.
The Trustee ballot for 2010 was presented and Frank motioned to accept with a second from Doug.
A new membership fee schedule was looked at. Discussions were had whether to increase membership fees or leave them the same for a third year. Would the new chamber renovation have a negative effect if we raised prices? The increase went to a vote and Frank C. Murray motioned the approval to keep the fees the same and use it as a PR tool with a second from Derek. The Shop Locally campaign is really being pushed to maintain membership for 2010.
Frank reported that the building project is behind schedule by one week but the Open House is still scheduled for Dec. 10. Fowlers donated the front information center.
The next meeting is set for December 15 at the Chamber office.
Sandy motioned to adjourn the meeting and was seconded by Frank. Meeting was adjourned.