WARREN AREA CHAMBER MEETING
Lunch provided by Wagon Wheel
Prayer led by Ethan Stivers
Introduction of chamber members and guests
Minutes of Previous Meeting and Treasurer’s Report approved at Chamber Board Meeting
Spotlight Business/Speakers:
- United Way – Joy Koch stated that the campaign kicked off last week and the goal this year is $580,000. Some local businesses that will benefit from the funds raised are the Bread of Life Food Pantry and the Boys and Girls Club. Joy went on to explain how the funded partners work with United Way. Pacesetters are out and about, businesses are being contacted and receiving packets to donate either through the business or individuals. Money will be matched for new or increased corporate gifts this year to expand and sustain the Kindercamp Program. Brochures were provided and video was shared.
- Bippus – Patti Bustos mentioned that Bippus Bank has been in Warren 2 years this month. Growth has been wonderful in all areas. Bippus offers online services and the Bippus name is over 100 years old. The branch has 3 full time employees – Sherry, Claudia, and Patti with Sandy being there part-time. It was also noted that local businesses can use their digital sign.
- Parkview Physician’s Group – Julie (office manager) and Karen (Director of Operations) informed Chamber that office would be opening in Warren on November 1st and will be located beside WFD. The office will be open 5 days a week, but no provider will be in the office on Monday. Julie Utendorf will be the physician in the office practicing in family medicine and OB. She is currently accepting new OB patients. Whitney Shafer will be in the office Tuesday through Friday for family medicine. The practice offers VFC – Vaccines for Children that are under insured or Medicaid, this is a state funded program.
New Business:
- Board Nominations – There are 3 terms set to expire this year: Josh Heim, Jeff Souder, and Jane Trickle. Jeff and Josh will be back up for nomination as this was their 1st The following were nominated: Patti Bustos, Brain Warpup, Rusty Strickler, and Robert Neuenschwander. We will vote next month. To be eligible to vote, you must have attended 6 meetings and paid membership dues.
- Budget Committee – Please let Nicole know if you would like to be on the budget committee.
Old Business:
- Building Makeover – Building makeover is still underway and there is a possibility we will have to meet at KBC for next Chamber meeting.
- Scarecrow Festival – Sign-up sheet was passed around for help with clean up, set up, and booth location. Each booth is to have a game and treat for kids. Krista Fornal mentioned they are still looking for gift cards for prizes for the scarecrow and chili contests.
Updates:
- Downtown Park – Jeff Souder noted that he wants to purchase 2 signs to set in street for cars to slow down when having events. Jeremy motioned to purchase 2 signs up to $350 and Paul second the motion. There will be a gospel concert on October 14th at 4 pm. Jeff noted to start thinking of events for next summer as chamber will schedule and maintain the park.
- HCUED – Mark Wickersham handed out brochures from FDI Alliance out of London that featured a story on Huntington/Warren. There will be a Board meeting next week and there are currently 9 industrial projects with $20 million invested.
- HC Chamber – Steve Kimmel noted that United Way is the Business of the Month and that Bolinger Propane is celebrating 70 years. Currently partnering with school for Career Day on November 1st for all 8th and 9th November 10th there will be a Veteran’s Day celebration at Memorial Park.
- HC Community Foundation – Michael Howell stated that the committee is working on scoring applications and interviews will start next week.
- Historic Warren – Becky noted that Donkey Basketball is October 11th at 6:30 at KBC, tickets available at Bippus and EOC. Holiday Walk forms are due October 22nd to have your business listed on poster. There are some trees available for decorating if needed.
- SSF – Cheryl DeWeese noted that next meeting is next Tuesday at 6:30 at Civic Center and theme for next year will be Sweet Home Salamonie. There will be a fundraiser on October 23rd at East of Chicago.
- Creative Arts Outreach – Josh Heim noted they will do soup supper again during Walk.
- Beer/Wine Tasting – Josh stated they have Oak Hill Winery and Bad Dad Brewery for event.
Announcements or Additional Comments:
- Concession Stand – $3700 was raised for new building and existing building will come down on October 15th.
- Son Rise Bakery – Now has frozen meat available for purchase.
The next meeting will be held on November 7th.