Wednesday, May 3, 2017

WARREN AREA CHAMBER MEETING

Lunch provided by Kim’s Katered Affair
Prayer led by Ethan Stivers

Introduction of chamber members and guests
Minutes of Previous Meeting
Treasurer’s Report
Business Spotlight – Gebhart’s Floral Barn and JH Pottery Works

Josh Heim shared information and handouts about the Gebhart’s Floral Barn and JH Pottery Works. Gebhart’s is the only full greenhouse in Warren with many options for pre-made arrangements and flowers to plant. Gebhart’s has many flowers and arrangements for all occasions. JH Pottery Works is a full pottery studio that offers custom work for restaurants and breweries. Classes are also available, such as 2 hour Play In Clay and a six week class session. JH Pottery Works can also services parts and does demonstrations in local schools.

Old Business:

Website/Social Media – Nicole Johnson presented the new badge of the chamber that will be used on posts/social media. Sign-ups for the weekly business spotlights on Facebook will start soon and the new website will be up soon, too.

New Business:

Huntington County Community Schools – Superintendent Randy Harris shared a great deal of information regarding HCCS and had handouts available as well. As of January 1^st, all school board meetings are live streamed on the HCCS website, as well as the school board work sessions. HCCS is one of the larger school districts. Salamonie will not be closing, there is lots of community support and it is the largest elementary school in the district. There is currently around 200 students at Salamonie now. Riverview is at 4 star middle school, with 3 teachers that have been Top Teachers in the state. There are lot of co-curricular programs and also Riverview TV, which allows students to get involved with production. Huntington North High School has a great group of students. Harris shared that he is meeting with all seniors before graduation to get their opinion of the school and district. HNHS offers foreign language, top choir program, 40 dual credit courses and 14 advance placement courses. HNHS also works with the Learning Center and Heartland Career Center. Mr. Harris said e-learning is in the works and there was recently a $1 million approval for maintenance to Riverview.

Updates:

HC Community Foundation – Michael Howell reported that scholarships are done and average scholarship is $2,500.00.
HC Council/Commissioner – Rob ?? noted that the $30 million project in Roanoke came in under budget and that there are lots of road projects getting ready to start, as well as repairs to courthouse.
United Way – Joy Koch reported that goal was met and thank you luncheon was held. Adam Fusselman of Bippus will be the 2017 chair and that campaign dollars are being impacted back into the community.
Warren Town Council – Ethan Strivers noted that trash week was this week and work was being finished on 2^nd

Announcements or Additional Comments:

Kim’s Katered Affair – Rose mentioned that Kim’s was Huntington County’s Business of the Month.
Farmers Market – May 24^th 5-7 pm at new park and $5.00 for stand.
New Park – Raised over $90,000.00, need to do more fundraising and need a name for the park. There will be a contest announced soon.
Salamonie Summer Festival – Monday May 8^th 6 pm meeting at Civic Center. Over $8,200.00 raised at Chicken BBQ and 10% went to Boys and Girls Club in Warren.

There were 47 members and guests in attendance at May’s meeting. The next meeting will be held on June 7^th.