The California Area Chamber of Commerce met for its monthly board meeting, Thursday, Dec. 11, in the California City Hall meeting room.
The board discussed the Annual Dinner to be held Saturday, Jan.24, at the Centennial Hall-upper level.
The social hour will begin at 5:30 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 p.m.
Entertainment will be provided during the social hour and dinner by Mere Mortals, a bluegrass group from Columbia.
The citizen, business and volunteer of the year will be announced at the event. The board encourages everyone to come and enjoy the evening. Tickets are available at the chamber office daily from 10 a.m - 2 p.m.
Rita Hammerly, chairperson for the annual dinner, shared the committee had met in November to finalize the meal, decorations and evening entertainment. More committee meetings are scheduled for early January.
"Save the Date" flyers were e-mailed to all businesses with current emails.
Norris Gerhart, chairman for the silent auction committee, shared a list of businesses to seek items for this auction.
The silent auction is held to raise funds for the Chamber Scholarship Fund to assist deserving California Seniors with college expenses.
The California High School cheerleaders will be assisting with serving and clean-up at this years dinner.
During the treasurer's report, presented by Melissa Bonecutter, the final cost for the new computer system of $1,982.73 was agreed on unanimously by board members. Bonecutter also presented the 2015 budget to be approved by the membership at the annual dinner.
Diane Eulinger board secretary distributed a written report indicating letters had been going out for membership renewal to current members and prospective members. The new computer had been installed and Quicken software updated. Reminder post cards were mailed to the scholarship recipients to get in their Spring 2015 schedules so checks can be written.
The board approved the following proposed slate of directors and officers to be presented to the membership at the annual dinner:
Directors for a three-year term
Brad Baer, Baer Brothers Woodworking; Melissa Bonecutter, Bonecutter Body Shop; Jenny Brown, Central Bank; Becky Lawson, Hawthorn Bank; Todd McCluskey, Capital Region Medical Center; Robin Ratcliff, The Flower Shop; and Dwight Sanders, Moniteau County R-1 Schools.
Officers for a one-year term
President - Jason Witt, Cargill; vice- president - Amanda Trimble, Bond Pharmacy; secretary - Robin Ratcliff, The Flower Shop; and treasurer - Jenny Brown, Central Bank.
During committee reports Tom Winters, sign committee, gave the Chamber office a copy of what the committee had given to the City Attorney. After the City Attorney reviewed the bid specifications the City Council decided to use the Design Build Concept and will be sending out bids soon. It was noted the Chamber committee will be allowed to have input on the selection process.
During the discussion of Christmas California Style, Amanda Trimble, parade organizer, shared the parade went very well with many entries this year. Winners were determined by the theme, "Toy Land."
Some suggestions for next year were to purchase a Santa suit, make certain candy is not thrown from the vehicles, but handed out by people walking with a parade entry.
There was also discussion on announcing parade winners at the lighting of the tree on the court house lawn following. These issues will be discussed again for next year and announcements/advertisements made to remind parade entrants.
Cale Brown, Commerce Bank, shared they made 200 candy bags for Santa and Mrs. Claus to hand to the children.
The California High School Sounds of Joy sang in the bank lobby and a Relay For Life team took photos for a small donation.
Becky Lawson noted appreciation for the California Democrat's coverage and the good job of the parade and open house photos in this week's edition.
The California Area Chamber of Commerce board will meet again Thursday, Jan. 8, at 8 a.m., in the California City Hall meeting room.