WARREN AREA CHAMBER MEETING
Wednesday, October 4, 2017
Lunch provided by Kim’s Katered Affair
Prayer led by Ben Renkenberger
Introduction of chamber members and guests
Minutes of Previous Meeting
Treasurer’s Report
Business Spotlight – Star Insurance and United Way
- LeAnn Buzzard with Star Insurance noted that Star Insurance has over 12 locations and that the staff in the Huntington office has over 100 years combined experience. Star Insurance offers insurance in many different areas including farm, crop, personal, life, and commercial.
- Kyle Metzger and Joy Koch from United Way informed us September 20 was the campaign kickoff. Information was available regarding donors, cards with resource numbers, and prescription savings cards. United Way’s areas of impact are financial stability, education, and health and wellness. They stated they were very thankful for a supportive community and played a short video about United Way and the impact donating has. There are volunteers canvasing the county regarding donating to United Way. It was also noted that October 21st was Huntington Night at the Komet’s hockey game and that with every ticket purchased a portion of the proceeds will go to United Way.
Old Business:
- Flavors of Fall – Nicole shared that the event went very well and the silent auction was a hit, around $5,800 was made from the event. There is wine available for donation as well as some mugs. Rose thanked all the volunteers.
- Nominating Committee – Rose asked for volunteers to serve on the board. If interested, let a board member know.
- Scarecrow Festival –Gina Canady passed around signup sheet for booths, set up and tear down. 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:
- Billboard Opportunity – Rose mentioned there are 2 billboards available for any business and to contact Greg Witkamp if interested.
Updates:
- HCUED – Mark Whickersham noted they were working more with workforce activities and Huntington Chamber. According to Indeed.com, there was 504 jobs within 30 minutes of Annex building. There was $18 million in capital investment this year in Huntington County. Mark thanked everyone for their support of the Brickley Project.
- HC Visitors Bureau – Tina Bobilya noted they were finishing up summer promos and that they were looking at doing a visitors guide. She also mentioned to let her know of any events and she will get them posted.
- HC Community Foundation– Michael Howell mentioned they received 35 applications for the Lilly Endowment Scholarships and applications are due October 16th.
- Warren Town Council – Ethan Stivers noted that next meeting is October 9th at 5 p.m. and grant was received for $637,425 to repair roads in town, entire project is estimated at $1 million.
- Historic Warren – Becky Souder stated they are planning the Festival of Trees and forms are due October 18th if you would like to participate. Event is November 17th from 5-8 p.m.
- Salamonie Summer Festival – Cheryl DeWeese noted there will be a meeting on October 10th at 6:30 p.m. at KBC.
- Boys and Girls Club – “Trunk or Treating” event at Salamonie on October 30th from 5-6, open to all kids in Warren. Volunteers are still needed.
- Park – Jeff Souder mentioned that issues with contractors has been resolved and stage will be started this year.
Announcements or Additional Comments:
- Warren Health and Fitness – Brittney Miller shared their benefit dinner will be October 14th from 5-8 p.m. with 50% of proceeds going to new lighting and 50% going to memberships for low income families. There will be a raffle, auction, bake sale, and band. October 28th will be their Enchanted Acres 5K.
- Son-Rise Bakery – Moving to The Flower Pot location, hope to be moved by Scarecrow Festival.
- Gephart’s – Christmas Open House will be on November 4th from 9 to 5 and November 5th from 1 to 5.
- Renkenberger’s – Ben and family will be moving the end of the year to Alabama to join Big Fish Ministries. Ben stated he has been honored to be a board member for the past 3 years.
There were 31 members and guests in attendance at the September meeting. The next meeting will be held on November 1.