Shelly Hampton, Chamber Board president, called to order the California Area Chamber of Commerce Board meeting held Thursday, Jan. 12.
After review, Norris Gerhart made a motion to accept the minutes from the Dec. 8 meeting. Marla Wright seconded and the motion carried.
Plans are nearing completion on the Annual California Area Chamber of Commerce Dinner to be held Saturday, Jan. 28, at the California Nutrition Center. The event will start with a social hour starting at 5 p.m., with music provided by Phil Lewis and refreshments by Coca-Cola.
During committee reports Hampton reported the California Eagles Aerie 4027 will provide the meal consisting of brisket, ham, mashed potatoes, corn, green beans, dessert and drink. The Eagles will also provide hors d'oeuvres during the social hour. Tickets are available in the Chamber office for $15. Invitations were mailed to past recipients of the Citizen of the Year and Business of the Year awards, past Presidents and current Chamber members. Reservation deadline is Wednesday, Jan, 25. All are encouraged to reserve their tickets now so there can be a count of how many meals to make.
Businesses are being contacted to give donations for the auctions at the Annual Dinner. Businesses are encouraged to ask their vendors for donations. Proceeds from the auctions go towards the scholarship fund.
Reporting for the nominating committee, Hampton reported she would be working with Executive Secretary Diane Eulinger on updating the Chamber Board membership list. A revised list will be presented at the Annual Dinner for approval. It was noted Wright will be representing Spieler's Incorporated.
Hampton also reported the awards committee met and has chosen the 2011 Citizen and Business of the Year which will be announced and honored at the Annual Dinner. This year the entertainment program will focus on honoring the business and citizen awardees and the auction.
During the treasurer's report, Melissa Bonecutter, Chamber Board treasurer, reported the Chamber Scholarships for the spring semesters had been paid.
Wright moved and Melanie McDonald seconded to accept the treasurer's report as presented and the motion carried.
Executive Secretary Diane Eulinger included a written secretary's report which was approved as presented. In it, Eulinger reported the response to an e-mail she sent to area businesses regarding donations for welcome baskets went very well. Eulinger received 16 names of newcomers for the month of December. She sent personal letters with the new Discover California brochure.
New Chamber members include Higgins Asphalt and Paving, Co., Inc., Flag Spring Baptist Church and Pamida.
Eulinger notarized five documents in December and helped contact local businesses about the meeting with Senator Roy Blunt at Burgers' Smokehouse.
In old business, Hampton sent letters of thank you to David Jungmeyer, Dr. Don Vanderfeltz and the Kiwanis for their help with the Christmas California Style event.
Hampton is also working on a letter to the California Democrat to encourage new businesses to join the Chamber.
Dolores Burger asked about the status of having the Chamber name officially corrected and moving forward in applying for a sales tax exemption. Eulinger will follow up with the attorney working on this.
In new business, Commerce Bank will again sponsor the Easter Egg Hunt. McDonald will find a date to host the hunt and notify City Hall to reserve Proctor Park.
Bonecutter moved to go into closed session. Baer seconded and the motion carried.
In closed session, it was approved Eulinger be given 10 days off without pay to go on a mission trip in London, England. Eulinger will also be given a raise of 50 cents per hour.
Wright made a motion the meeting be adjourned, Lawson seconded and the motion carried.
Board members present were Brad Baer, Bonecutter, Burger, Gerhart, Hampton, A.J. Henry, Becky Lawson, Chris Long, McDonald and Wright. Also in attendance were Dr. Todd McCluskey, Capitol Region Medical Center and Eulinger.
The next scheduled Chamber Board meeting will be at 8 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 9.