WARREN AREA CHAMBER MEETING
Wednesday, May 2, 2018
Lunch provided by Wagon Wheel
Prayer led by Paul Burris
Introduction of chamber members and guests
Minutes of Previous Meeting and Treasurer’s Report approved at Chamber Board Meeting
Business Spotlight – DeWeese Soft Water & Appliance/D&D Bike Shop and Bread of Life Food Pantry
- Cheryl DeWeese informed us that George started in appliances many years ago. Started the business out of their home and bought the shop 33 years ago. Have all appliances for homes, water pumps/softeners, pure wash, drinking water, and they service appliances as well. Bike shop was started 38 years ago. Clean up of building should be done end of this week and new repair shop will open up in the old Coolman Computer building.
- Rose Broyles stated she has been with the food pantry for 7 years. There are 5 food pantries in Huntington County and the Bread of Life Food Pantry has been able to keep the same menu for over 3 years, they are able to do this because of the help from the community. The pantry offers produce and Rose stated if you have any extra garden produce this year, feel free to donate it to the pantry. The pantry will offer a sack lunch to children Monday-Friday this summer from 11:30 am to 12:45 pm at the Knight Bergman Center, they are needing 20 children the first 3 weeks to keep this program going.
New Business:
- SSF Cleanup – There will be a cleanup before the SSF on June 27th at 6 pm downtown, meet outside the chamber building. Bring own cleaning supplies.
- RSVP Reminder – Nicole noted it is important to rsvp to chamber meetings as we have been scrambling in past to make sure we have enough chairs and food. Please rsvp and let someone on board or email Leah if you are going to be bringing a guest.
Old Business:
- Samuel Jones Breakfast – May 18th is the deadline for nominees.
- Spring Clean Up – Nicole thanked volunteers for helping with cleanup of billboard.
Updates:
- Downtown Park – Jeff Souder stated there are some issues with state permits, but they are working on getting them obtained.
- HC Visitors’ Bureau – Jessica noted they are working on the new visitors guide and it will be done soon.
- HC Community Foundation – Michael Howell stated it was decision time for grants and scholarships.
- United Way – Kyle Metzger stated they recently invested $375,000.00 into the community. August 11th is the Sprint Triathlon at the YMCA in Huntington and businesses are able to sponsor.
- Warren Town Council – Ethan Stivers noted that the new fire tank truck arrived last week and the next council meeting is May 14th at 5 pm.
- SSF – Cheryl DeWeese mentioned the parade will be June 29th and festival will run through July 4. Committee is taking donations to help with events and taking t-shirt orders. Dinner on April 22nd raised $2300.00 to help the festival. The Rock-A-Thon will be held May 5th from 9 am to 9 pm and a golf outing will be held on June 2 Next meeting is the 8th at 6:30 pm at Civic Center.
- Creative Arts Outreach – Josh Heim noted Bruce Winters will be starting classes back up soon on Wednesday nights at the Civic Center. Pour painting classes are also available and an art show will be available during SSF with kid events on Saturday night.
Announcements or Additional Comments:
- HCCSC – Joe Wiley stated May 26th from 12-3 there will be a Legacy Day at Lancaster. Salamonie will be close to doubling in size due to closing of Lancaster. Warren Community continues to support the transition and welcome those from Lancaster.
- Downtown Market Place – Starting on Thursdays from 5-7 pm.
There were 39 members and guest in attendance at the May meeting. The next meeting will be held on June 6.