The California Area Chamber of Commerce met for its monthly board meeting, Thursday, Dec. 10, in the California City Hall meeting room.
The board discussed the Annual Dinner to be held Saturday, Jan. 23, at the Centennial Hall-upper level.
The social hour will begin at 5:30 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 p.m.
The citizen, business and volunteer of the year will be announced at the event. To nominate someone for one of these honors please call the chamber office at 573-796-3040 or go by between 8 a.m. and noon, Monday through Friday. All nominations must be received by Thursday, Dec. 31.
The board encourages everyone to attend the event. Tickets are available at the chamber office.
Rita Hammerly, chairperson for the annual dinner, shared the committee had met to finalize the meal, decorations and evening entertainment. More committee meetings are scheduled for early January. Planet Jazz from Columbia will entertain at the Marti Gras themed dinner.
"Save the Date" flyers were e-mailed to all businesses with current emails.
A silent auction will be held to raise funds for the Chamber Scholarship Fund to assist deserving California Seniors with college expenses.
During the treasurer's report, Jenny Brown presented the 2016 budget to be approved by the membership at the annual dinner.
Sandra Ratcliff board secretary distributed a written report indicating she had sent out seven newcomer letters. The membership renewal letters will be going out soon. She made 168 treat bags for Santa to give out during the Christmas California Style as well as performing other office duties.
A proposal from Eleanor Tiefenbrun outlining a starter kit for the new logo was received. The proposal was discussed and tabled to after the first of the year.
Shelly Hampton informed the chamber of a meeting planned by CPI on Jan. 26. The meeting will have speakers Kenny and Natalie Newville sharing about the use of social media for small business owners. It is free to all California business owners and will take place at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 26, in the city hall meeting room. The chamber endorsed the event and instructed Ratcliff to include it in the upcoming events for all chamber members.
The board approved the proposed slate of officers to be presented to the membership at the annual dinner:
Officers for a one-year term - President - Amanda Trimble, Bond Pharmacy; vice- president - Cale Brown ; secretary - Robin Ratcliff, The Flower Shop; and treasurer - Jenny Brown, Hawthorn Bank.
During committee reports Norris Gerhardt, sign committee, shared the contracted company had been given a formal notice to proceed with building of the "Welcome to California" sign with a completion date of the Spring 2016. The City had not heard back from the company regarding the timeline.
During the discussion of Christmas California Style, Trimble, parade organizer, shared with the group the Christmas parade was one of the best. There were more entries and everyone did an outstanding job. Judging was difficult. First Place went to People's Bank of Moniteau County, second to the City Water Department and third to California City Police. A certificate for Honorable Mention was presented to Moniteau County 911. Robin Ratcliff reported judging is being done this week on lighted homes and businesses and winners will be announced Saturday, Dec. 12. It was reported by business owners present the open houses were well attended. The weather was very nice and attributed to lots of people being out and about.
The California Area Chamber of Commerce board will meet again Thursday, Jan. 14, at 8 a.m., in the California City Hall meeting room.