Wednesday, December 6, 2017

WARREN AREA CHAMBER MEETING
Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Lunch provided by Subway
Prayer led by Ben Renkenberger

Introduction of chamber members and guests
Minutes of Previous Meeting
Treasurer’s Report

Old Business:

• Downtown Park – Jeff and Becky Souder went to Indianapolis to acknowledge the Matching Grant we received from OCRA. There will be a press release soon.

New Business:

• 2018 Board Officers–
  • President: Nicole Johnson
  • Vice President: Josh Heim
  • 2^nd Vice President: Jeff Souder
  • Treasurer: Jane Trickle
  • Secretary: Leah Pursley.
• Bylaws – Proposed updates for the bylaws were made available for the members’ review. They are to be voted on at the next Chamber Meeting.
• 2018 Budget – Jane Trickle presented the budget. Josh Heim motioned that we accept the 2018 budget, Bonnie Boxell seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously.
• Member Applications for 2018 – Nicole Johnson clarified the member benefits for the Chamber. Facebook exposure, business spotlights, voting privileges, etc.

Updates:

• HC Chamber – Steve Kimmel shared that they are in full swing planning for Heritage Days. The theme this year is “50’s Community Strong” and they are planning to involve all 15 High Schools from the 50’s and asking them each to host a float in the parade. They are working hard to develop a 50’s atmosphere!  If you have any ideas, please contact Steve at 260-356-5300.
  • On 12/20/17 from 10:30-11:30 AM Senator Jim Banks will be in Huntington.
• HC Visitors Bureau – Jessica Grossman is the new Executive Director.
• HC Community Foundation – Michael Howell updated that the Learning Center had its first graduation last night, 12/5/17, and they have more approaching graduation in the upcoming months. Current enrollment is 104, up from 54 enrolled a year ago.
• HCCSC Board– Brian Warpup updated that Salamonie School can safely hold about 700 occupancy. The School Board just voted 7-0 to move all of the HCCSC Administrative Offices to Salamonie School, as they will be reopening Horace Mann as an elementary school this fall.  About 20 employees have a meeting this Friday to work out the details, and they plan to have it all moved in January, February at the latest.
• United Way – Kyle Metzger shared that they will be starting their spring soliciting in the next few months. They are currently working to finalize the collection of the 2017 campaign.  They just opened applications to 501c3’s and are asking for “letters of intent” for health and wellness, and financial stability.
• WCAO –The Warren Creative Arts Outreach has decided this was their first annual soup dinner during the Holiday Walk and Festival of Trees; proceeds will be used for the WCAO to fund their upcoming events. They had planned for 75-100, and they served about 180 including kids.  Their new home will be located at the Knight Bergman Center.  Bruce Winters will be offering classes in their new home.
• Salamonie Summer Festival – Cheryl DeWeese informed us the 2018 SSF Theme is “The Spirit of a Small Town” and noted the next meeting will be on January 9^th at 6:30 p.m. at KBC.  The SSF dates are June 29^th – July 4^th, 2018.  Fireworks will be on Tuesday, 7/3/18.
• Downtown Park – So thankful for the lights on the trees at the park, they look beautiful! Thank you to those who helped light those trees.

Announcements or Additional Comments:

• Son-Rise Bakery – Krysta is now serving soup for lunch during the week. She will be closed January 1-6^th, and beginning Tuesday January 9^th will be open Tuesday – Friday 7 AM – 3 PM, and    Saturday 9 AM – 12 PM.  Be sure to visit them in their new location at 114 N. Wayne St.

The next meeting will be held on January 3^rd.