Wednesday, February 7, 2018

WARREN AREA CHAMBER MEETING
Wednesday, February 7, 2018

Lunch provided by Kim’s Katered Affair
Prayer led by Paul Burris

Introduction of chamber members and guests
Minutes of Previous Meeting
Treasurer’s Report

Business Spotlight – Son-Rise Bakery

• Krista Fornal noted that Son-Rise Bakery has a new address – 114 N. Wayne St. – and an updated menu with soups at lunch; menus were available to chamber members. She mentioned they will expand their lunch menu in the spring and will add espresso drinks. They have recently added chai teas to their menu, as well.

Old Business:

• Downtown Park – Jeff Souder stated they are working with contractor and they have obtained wood. Construction will start when weather allows.
• Member Applications 2018 – Nicole mentioned that applications are still available but need to be turned in no later than February 15^th to be featured on monthly spotlights and website.
• Wine/Beer Tasting Committee – Nicole noted that we still need help as well as committee members.
• Chamber Bucks – Nicole stated that chamber bucks will be reprinted at Bippus from now on. All member businesses will be listed on checks. Chamber bucks can be used to pay gas bill, cable bill, used at area restaurants, etc. as they work like a check.

Updates:

• HCUED – Mark Whickersham noted there has been 12 industrial projects in the last year producing $24 million in private capital. He also mentioned that Lime City Corp is now maintained by Reber Enterprises and Eco Lab will be making an investment in Huntington soon.
• HC Chamber – Steve Kimmel stated there will be a Legislative Session at the Huntington Library from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, February 10^th. He also noted that they are looking at the committee structure and its impact to the community. NE Indiana Works is now working with veterans to find work and there will soon be a mentorship program available in Huntington Co. to help support businesses at all stages.
• HC Community Foundation– Michael Howell mentioned that scholarship applications are due March 26^th and grants are due April 16^th.
• HCCSC Board – Matt Roth mentioned that all administrative offices are now at Salamonie until they decide on permanent placement. Redistricting is now complete and there are about 100 new students at Salamonie. There will also be some moving around of staff as Horace Mann will be reopening.
• United Way – Joy Koch and Kyle Metzger said they were closing in on their goal on $578,000.00 and on March 14^th there will be a “Thank You” luncheon to wrap up 2017.
• Warren Town Council – Ethan Stivers noted that 46 lights and poles will be replaced downtown with led bulbs and breakaway poles. 11^th Street project is estimated to be complete in 2019.
• Historic Warren – Becky Souder stated that Donkey Basketball will be on October 11^th.
• Salamonie Summer Festival – Cheryl DeWeese noted there will be a meeting on February 13^th at 6:30 p.m. at KBC. Parade is scheduled for June 29^th.
• Creative Arts Outreach – Josh Heim noted that Bruce Winters has started offering painting classes.

 Announcements or Additional Comments:

• Kim’s Katered Affair – Valentine’s Day Special. Dine in or carry out.
• Solid Rock – Ash Wednesday service 7 p.m.
• Gebhart’s – Mugs for sale for Valentine’s Day with or without flowers.

There were 53 members and guests in attendance at the February meeting.  The next meeting will be held on March 7.