WARREN AREA CHAMBER MEETING
Wednesday, September 6, 2017
Lunch provided by Wagon Wheel
Prayer led by Paul Burris
Introduction of chamber members and guests
Minutes of Previous Meeting
Treasurer’s Report
Business Spotlight – Bippus State Bank and Rufener Financial
- Kendall Green of Bippus informed us that Bippus was started 106 years ago and that the Huntington North location is the main branch, with branches in Roanoke, North Manchester and Warren. It is a local bank that offers many different products – loans, deposits, checking, CDs, and IRAs to name a few. Bippus is up to date on technology and offers online banking as well as a mobile app. Bippus also offers an investment division 2-3 days a week.
- Jeremy Rufener with Rufener Financial stated that Rufener Financial is with LPL, a large brokerage dealer. Rufener Financial offers financial planning and can help to reduce fees and help you work with lawyers.
Old Business:
- Website/Social Media – Nicole Johnson stated that the website is now up and running. Nicole shared the process with how the businesses of the month work and encouraged everyone to share the postings. Nicole also mentioned if there is an event coming up, to email her and she will put it on the website.
- Flavors of Fall – Event will be held September 30th from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Posters are ready and a few more volunteers are needed to help serve. There are also still tickets available. There will be a silent auction and it was encouraged to share postings on Facebook regarding the event.
- Scarecrow Festival – Rose shared we are working on the festival and that Gina Canady will be doing the advertising. The committee will meet by the end of the month and volunteers are still needed. The Festival is scheduled for October 27th from 6 to 8 p.m.
New Business:
- Nominating Committee Volunteers – Rose asked for volunteers to serve on the board. If interested, let a board member know.
Updates:
- HC Chamber – Steve Kimmel mentioned the Lunch and Learn on September 27 regarding Drug Issues in Huntington County. He also mentioned the Learning Center has over 102 adults taking classes and that on September 28th there will be an open house at The Learning Center from 4 to 6 p.m. On October 11th, Huntington North High School will hold their career day for all freshmen and seniors and October 21st will be Huntington Night at the Komets game.
- HC Visitors Bureau – Tina Bobilya noted they were finishing up summer promos and that fall promos will be starting soon. She also mentioned to let her know of any events and she will get them posted.
- HC Commissioner – Tom Wall gave praise to The Learning Center and noted there is exciting things to come at the development site by the highway. He also noted there was around $38 million in Economic Development in Huntington County last year.
- HCCS Board – Brian Warpup stated they will send about 96 kids from Lancaster to Salamonie. He also noted they will be building a new elementary school in Roanoke and that there will be major upgrades happening at Riverview. He also mentioned that $4.9 million bond was approved for new upgrades and repairs.
- United Way – Kyle Metzger introduced himself and stated he has now been at United Way for 3 months. He noted they are wrapping up the Pacesetter campaign and September 20th will be the Kick Off.
- Historic Warren – Becky Souder stated that they received grant for $28,800 and work will be starting soon on the stage. She also noted that November 17 from 5 to 8 p.m. will be the Festival of Trees Walk and to get with her if you would like to participate. There will be a soup dinner by the Warren Arts Council at the Festival.
- Salamonie Summer Festival – Cheryl DeWeese noted there will be a meeting on September 12th at 6:30 p.m. at KBC.
- Boys and Girls Club – Have 30 kids enrolled from Salamonie and will be having a “Trunk or Treating” event at Salamonie and are hoping to have the event on October 30th, open to all kids in Warren.
There were 39 members and guests in attendance at the August meeting. The next meeting will be held on October 4.