Wednesday, April 4, 2018

WARREN AREA CHAMBER MEETING
Wednesday, April 4, 2018

Lunch provided by Subway
Prayer led by Ethan Stivers

Introduction of chamber members and guests
Minutes of Previous Meeting and Treasurer’s Report approved at Chamber Board Meeting
Business Spotlight – Hy-Line and Gebhart’s Floral Barn & Greenhouse

• Rod Mounsey noted that at Hy-Line they hatch baby chicks. Base location is in Iowa, with Warren branch being built in 1993 and added onto in 2011. Hy-Line has 11 hatcheries across the US and move both eggs and chicks daily. There are 55 employees and 25 layer barns around the community.
• Kari Heim spoke of Gebhart’s and stated that her and Josh bought the company about 4 years ago. There are new flowers this year in the greenhouse and floral show. They offer custom potting and unique planters which can be picked up around Mother’s Day. They will host their Open House April 28^th from 9-5 and April 29^th from 1-5.

New Business:

• Samuel Jones Breakfast – Nicole noted that breakfast would be held on June 29^th at 7:30. They may need help setting up and May 18^th is the deadline for nominees.

Old Business:

• Flavors of Fall Funds and Committee Meeting – Nicole noted that Board agreed to give $2,500 to SSF and there will be a meeting next Wednesday at 12 to discuss the next wine/beer tasting event.
• Spring Clean Up – Nicole stated Spring Clean Up will be held April 21^st at 9 am starting at the billboard. There is a sign-up sheet available.

Updates:

• WHF – Mike Haggerty noted that on May 5^th there will be a Powar Fitness Festival and handouts were available.
• HCUED – Mark Whickersham stated that there are lots of projects in the works and lots of interest in the Brickley property.
• HC Chamber – Steve Kimmel reported The Learning Center has 5 career and tech programs. They are partnering with a score chapter of mentors out of Fort Wayne that will help new and upcoming businesses for no cost. Contact Steve to set up.
• HC Community Foundation – Michael Howell informed us that they received 118 applications for 40+ scholarships and applications are coming due next week for grants.
• HC Commissioner – Tom Wall reported that they are updating blacktop repairs and received 1.3 million to update the bridge over the Salamonie. Early voting starts April 10^th.
• Downtown Park – Jeff Souder stated they are picking out tree for park and working to get started soon.
• Warren Town Council – Ethan Stivers noted they are redoing 11^th Street and choose a company from Celina, OH out of the 5 bids they received, project should be done next year. Next meeting is April 9^th at 5 pm.
• Historic Warren – Becky Souder stated that they are working on free event for SSF.
• Salamonie Summer Festival – Cheryl DeWeese informed us of the dinner at Civic Center on April 22^nd to raise money for fireworks. There will be pulled pork from Yergy’s and a golf ball drop, event is from 11:30-1 and it is a free will donation.
• United Way – Joy Koch stated they raised $575,000 for 2017 campaign and are working on distributing funds back into the community. Team Stanley of JJ’s in Huntington are leading the 2018 campaign. Kyle Metzger added that there is a survey on website and Facebook page and encouraged members to participate.
• Creative Arts Outreach – Josh Heim noted Pour Me A Picture event for adults will be held on April 29^th and you can sign up via Facebook.

 The next meeting will be held on May 2.