The California Area Chamber of Commerce Board meeting was held Thursday, Feb. 13, in the City Hall meeting room. The minutes from the Jan. 9, meeting and the treasurer's report were reviewed and approved.
The board approved cashing the Ham & Turkey Festival CD located at Peoples Bank and $30,000 will be set aside for the new California sign on the highway. Remainder of the monies will be reinvested after receiving bids from all banks who are members of the chamber
The secretary's report was distributed by Diane Eulinger.
Newcomer baskets were discussed. It was determined any business who wishes to continue sending advertising products to place in the baskets may do so. The executive secretary has designed a list of all chamber businesses with name, contact, address and telephone number to place in the baskets.
A list of members who have and have not paid dues for 2014 was given to the board. The executive secretary will send a reminder post card to non-paying members before the March meeting. Members that have not paid their dues by March 31, will be removed from the list.
Thank you notes were received from Bill and Penny Campbell and the Putnam staff for the ribbon cutting, from Diane Eulinger for the plaque in memory of her mother and from Anna Parry for receiving spring scholarship money.
President Becky Lawson went over the list of standing committee members for 2014. Changes included adding Rita Hammerly as chair for the annual dinner, Dwight Sanders as chair for the golf tournament, Becky Lawson as chair for the by-laws committee and adding Bonnie George to the scholarship committee.
During the annual dinner report it was noted the silent auction items generated a good amount for scholarships. Attendance was down and one reason could have been the lack of advertising. Next year invitations will be mailed to each business. Doris Hardy thanked the board for the cleanup efforts after the dinner. She said we left the center in excellent condition.
Tom Winters, Sign Committee, stated he is working with the City of California to coordinate efforts with MoDOT for agreements that must be signed. Other items being worked on include wording, geological information to set footings, contracts and electricity.
Commerce Bank will coordinate the Annual Easter Egg Hunt event on Saturday, April 12, with a rain date of April 19.
The annual golf tournament has been set for Wednesday, June 11, at the California Country Club.
Brad Baer, Ham and Turkey Festival chairman, stated the first planning meeting will be Monday, March 3, at 5:30 p.m., in the City Hall meeting room. Everyone is welcome.
The board agreed to give four - $750 scholarships to deserving seniors graduating in May.
The next board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 13, at 8 a.m.