WARREN AREA CHAMBER MEETING
Lunch provided by Wagon Wheel
Prayer led by Rusty Strickler
Introduction of chamber members and guests
Minutes of Previous Meeting and Treasurer’s Report approved at Chamber Board Meeting
Spotlight Business/Speakers:
- Parkview Hospital Foundation – Mike Perkins spoke on behalf of the Foundation that he has been with for the past 10 years. The new expansion will enhance the hospital’s Rehabilitation and Wellness Center as well as adding on a new wound clinic. The expansion was approved by the board in 2017. A layout of the expansion project was on display and Mike explained that majority of the room will be for adult rehab, but that they will be expanding pediatric rehabilitation to eight times its current space. This adds on 27,000 square feet of additional space to Parkview Huntington. There will also be a sensory gym for children with autism as well as private consultation and therapy rooms. The Center for Wound Healing will be about 3,000 square feet and will be able to provide healing in a more effective manner. The wound clinic was opened this past December and majority of the wellness center is open as well. When expansion is completed in April, there will be a grand opening.
New Business:
- Chamber Applications – Jeff Souder stated that applications are due January 31st and can be dropped off at Citizens to Joanie or Jane.
- Chamber Bucks – Jeff noted that Chamber Bucks are available at Bippus.
- Huntington County Business Expo – This event will be held by the Huntington Chamber on March 16th, please let Board know if interested.
Old Business:
- Bylaws – Bylaws were reviewed and approved for year.
Updates:
- Downtown Park – Jeff stated that summer events need to be scheduled. Tom Wall mentioned that if possible to hire person to help schedule events, to talk to Roanoke, and network with them as well. Businesses or Chamber can sponsor events.
- HC Community Foundation – Michael Howell stated that applications are open for spring scholarships and that $400,000 has been put back into the community.
- HC Commissioner – Tom noted that new officials were sworn in this past Monday and that he will start bringing them to chamber meetings. Economic wise, county is doing well. There is interest in property in Markle, but stated we are still needing more people/workers in the county. There are talks of possibly building a new jail or adding on.
- United Way – Joy Koch mentioned that applications are open for funding in their impact areas.
- Historic Warren – Becky Souder mentioned they have received forms for downtown Warren to be recognized by Indiana Landmark.
- SSF – Cheryl DeWeese noted that next meeting is January 8th at 6:30 at Civic Center. Programs will be printed in May, theme is picked, and volunteers are needed.
- Beer/Wine Tasting – Sponsors are being finalized for event on May 4th. Volunteers are still needed.
The next meeting will be held on February 6th.