California Area Chamber of Commerce Board President, Becky Lawson called the monthly meeting to order Thursday, Sept. 11.
The minutes from the August board meeting and treasurer's report were approved as presented.
Brad Baer, Ozark Ham and Turkey Festival chairman, stated the committee met Tuesday, Sept. 2. Festival t-shirts are available for $15 each. They may be purchased at the Chamber office, at the Beauty Bar in Village Green or the information booth the day of the festival. Eighty-five vendors have registered for craft and food booth spots. Entertainment and a list of events are on the Facebook page at Ozark Ham & Turkey Festival. Advertising in newspapers, radio and television is complete. A booklet will appear in the Sept. 17 edition of the California Democrat. Baer stated everything is going as planned for a great festival Saturday, Sept. 20. Baer encouraged Board members to attend and assist with the festival in any way needed.
Rita Hammerly, chairperson for the annual dinner, will meet with the committee and have recommendations at the October board meeting for who will be honored, where the event will be held and who will cater the meal, etc.
George Shelley chairs the committee selection for Business and Citizen of the Year who will be announced at the annual dinner. The dinner is open to the public and tickets may be purchased at the Chamber office.
Christmas California Style will be held Dec. 5-6. Amanda Trimble is the chairperson for the Christmas parade to be held Saturday, Dec. 6. Robin Ratcliff chairs the home and business decorating contest. Diane Eulinger will contact the Chamber businesses to see what specials, open houses, etc. they will offer that weekend.
Board Secretary Diane Eulinger distributed a written report in the member's packets. Ham & Turkey Festival has been the major focus for the last month. Eulinger was called to jury duty one day this month and after consulting with Melissa Bonecutter it was decided to follow City Hall's protocol which was to pay the employee for the day and also let them keep whatever pay the county gave them.
Tom Winters, sign committee, shared that bid specs have been written and the City Council is in the process of reviewing them. Winters hopes that construction will begin on this sign in the spring of 2015.
The Chamber received a resignation letter from Bonnie George. Melanie McDonald will finish George's term on the board.
The next Board meeting will be held Thursday, Oct. 9, at 8 a.m. in the California City Hall meeting room.