Chamber to offer six scholarships to CHS graduates

The California Area Chamber of Commerce board met Thursday, Feb. 14.

The chamber voted to offer six scholarships in the amount of $750 to graduates of California High School.  More information will be required for the application process. Each applicant will be asked to share about their community involvement, chamber involvement and plans after they graduate from college.  The high school counselor will be given information to implement the change.

Barb Mannering and Carol Barbour shared information about Phase II of the Moniteau Christian Ministries Center with the board.  Phase II requires approximately $120,000 to complete with $75,000 still needed.  The phase will add electricity, plumbing, heating/air conditioning and interior walls.  Currently the 60' by 120' building has been constructed and is debt free.  Housed in this facility will be Project Share, Buddy Packs, local Food Pantry and the Mobile Food Pantry.

The board tabled its request for assistance until after the Ham & Turkey Festival.

A list of businesses was given out showing what dues have been received for 2013.  The chamber secretary will mail reminder postcards for those who have not paid dues.  At the March meeting businesses with unpaid dues will be assigned to the Ambassador and Membership Committees for follow-up.

Diane Eulinger, executive secretary, distributed a written report in the member's packets. She mentioned she has been working on a Policy and Procedures manual for the Ozark Ham & Turkey Festival.

Dolores Burger reported the annual dinner went well.  Roberta Rothstein was named the 2012 Citizen of the Year and Rackers Manufacturing, Inc. was named the 2012 Business of the Year.  Brenda Opel was named the Volunteer of the Year posthumously.  Attendance was down from previous years, but in excess of $4,000 was raised for scholarship money.

Rothstein was voted to be an honorary member of the Chamber.  It was noted the Rackers, were already honorary members of the chamber.

Melanie McDonald, Commerce Bank, announced the date has been set for the annual Easter Egg Hunt. It will be held Saturday, March 16, at Proctor Park with a rain date of Saturday, March 23.  Commerce Bank will sponsor the event.

Brad Baer, Ham and Turkey Festival chairman, reported the first meeting was held on Monday, Feb. 4, with 20 people in attendance.  Some changes are pending with Kids Corner, t-shirts and programs.  This year's theme will feature the 1954 fire truck restored by the California fire fighters. Meetings will be held the first Monday of each month in the City Hall meeting room at 5 p.m.

The next board meeting will be held Thursday, March 14, at 8 a.m., in the City Hall meeting room.