Meeting called to order by President Helen Thomson
Present: Kathy Grace, Tami Barikmo, Pat Huck, Rory Kempf, Dorothy Nimmer,
Doug Nelson, Jeff Liebzit, Michelle Malek, Jane Waninger, Deb Bartel,
Helen Thomson, Nancy Messenger, Brian Gibbs, Tim Scheider
Approval of minutes – Motion made by Deb Bartel, second by Jeff Liebzit to approve the minutes of 2/7/2008
Adopt agenda – Motion by Tami Barikmo, second by Jeff Liebzit to approve the agenda.
Secretary’s report – Kristin Ramthun has resigned as secretary due to ill health. An ad will be in the March 12th issue of the Winneconne News. Deb Bartel and Mary Jo Winkenwerder will do the interviewing. Any interested parties can drop a resume at the Chamber office.
Treasurer’s report – Question arose as to why there was a negative number under expenses for insurance. It was explained that a refund was received. Motion by Doug Nelson, second by Jeff Liebzit to accept the treasurer’s report.
President’s Report: Helen reported that there are now chairs for all the committees. Helen introduced Michelle Malek, our representative from AT&T. Helen had directed Michelle to see if any money could be saved by the Chamber. Michelle reported that if the Chamber were to keep two phone lines (fax and phone) they receive a discount for lines and calls and could save about $18.00. If the fax line was eliminated the Chamber would get unlimited calls and could save about $26.00 over present costs. Discussion ensued regarding need for fax line. It was decided to track the use of the fax line for the coming year. Motion by Doug Nelson, second by Deb Bartel to retain two lines and to sign up for the savings plan advocated by Michelle. Michelle also noted that any business that would refer a business to AT&T for service would be eligible for up to $100 in referral fees.
Old/New Business: Helen stressed that a goal of the Chamber for 2008 is to not ask business owners for extra money other than their dues, to become self-sufficent.
Kathy Grace reported that there is a new calendar on the website and John Bartow will be setting up accounts so that organizations can input their own events. Web site design and management has been moved to the April meeting.
Doug Nelson reported on Ice Breaker III which is to take place at Critter’s Sport Shop on March 8th & 9th. If it works out they will look at a Ice Maker in December.
Reminder: Wine on the Wolf is Sunday, March 9th.
Doug also reported on a sports show in Rockford and advocated the Chamber doing some publicity in the Rockford area.
Regarding the 4th of July fireworks: It has been the custom of the Chamber to honor a person during the fireworks. For 2008 a letter will be sent to clubs, organization, and groups asking them to nominate volunteers to be honored. A committee of three chaired by Doug will review the nominations and select the person to be honored. Helen volunteered Kathy Grace to write the letter.
Roy Kempf from Smallcityguides.com reported on a web site that they will be creating for Winneconne. This is a completely commercial site and he will be contacting local businesses for ads to the site. He said that every business in Winneconne will be listed in a directory listing. The introductory price for businesses is $75.
Deb Bartel reported that the rummage sale will be two days this year, May 17th & 18th and the carnival will be May 16th, 17th, & 18th. The carnival will be at Waterfront Park, weather permitting.
She also reported that in 3 years $12,500 worth of gift certificates had been sold with $2,700 being redeemed. $1100 of certificates is over a year old.
Tim Scheider reported that the board voted to allow non-profit organizations to join the Chamber for $50. He also reported that there will be pro-rated membership rates at 6 months for businesses joining the Chamber.
Helen reminded people that there will be Economic Development Workshops presented by the Village on Mar. 20th & 27th and that there is a Smart Growth meeting on Mar. 26th at 6 p.m. She urged businesses to attend. Steve McNeil will be attending the April meeting to answer questions about these topics.
The next Chamber meeting will be April 3rd at 6 p.m. at the Village Hall.
Motion by Jeff Liebitz, second by Doug Nelson to adjourn.
Meeting adjourned at 1:09 p.m.
- Minutes taken by Kathy Grace