Newly elected president of the California Area Chamber of Commerce Jason Witt called the monthly meeting to order Thursday.
Minutes from the January board meeting were reviewed and approved.
Jenny Brown, treasurer, presented the treasurer's report, as well, as the annual dinner and scholarship budgets. Auction items and cash donations received netted the scholarship fund $5,071.25. Witt recognized the annual dinner committee and chairperson, Rita Hammerly, for an excellent job in planning and executing the dinner.
Upon review of funds it was decided to move $5,000 from Central Bank to a Scholarship CD at Peoples's Bank of Moniteau County for six months at three percent interest.
Diane Eulinger, Executive Secretary, distributed a written report in the member's packets listing events at the Chamber office for the previous month.
The board decided to send honorary membership letters and certificates to the newly named Citizen of the Year, Phil Lewis, Business of the Year, Don Vanderfeltz and Volunteer of the Year, Diane Eulinger.
An audit of the chamber books will be scheduled for a year and a half audit covering 2014 and half of 2015 at the end of Eulinger's position with the board.
Stefani Thompson and Sally Humphrey from Central Missouri Community Action (CMCA) shared opportunities with the board in the hopes of getting more businesses involved to help local people with job training. This supports their motto of "a hand up - not a hand out."
Subsidized employment is an on-the-job training program for CMCA participants wishing to gain specific job skills. Under this program CMCA will pay hourly wages up to 240 total hours during the training period, assist with needs such as transportation, work, clothing or childcare and will ensure potential employees will be adequately prepared for the job.
Another program is the Work Experience Program where participants can work unpaid for a chance to master specific work skills, improve their employability, gain positive references and build work history.
CMCA is also offering a Moniteau County Community Action Team meeting to be held March 18 in the city hall meeting room from 5:30-7 p.m. This will be a group discussion about strengths, concerns and opportunities in Moniteau County. Any questions can be directed to Thompson or Humphrey at 573-796-3238.
Witt received a letter from the Boonville Area Chamber of Commerce asking that California Area Chamber of Commerce join their Chamber to promote better communication and collaborate on events. John Agliata mentioned he will be the Tipton Area Chamber of Commerce President and would be interested in this as well. Witt will contact Boonville and Tipton to discuss how this might work.
Witt reviewed the list of committees and noted those who wished to remain on the committee or names were added as needed. A final copy of the list will be given to board members at the March meeting.
Cale Brown, Commerce Bank, announced the date for the Easter Egg Hunt is March 28 with a rain date of April 4. It will be held at Proctor Park at 1 p.m.
Brad Baer, Chairman for the Ozark Ham and Turkey Festival, shared the festival will be held Saturday, Sept. 19. Regular monthly planning meetings will be held the first Monday of each month starting with March 2 at 5:30 p.m. in the city hall meeting room. All persons interested in helping with this event are encouraged to attend.
Upon recommendation from the Sign Committee, Witt was assigned to work with the City Council on the "Welcome to California" sign project.
The next California Area Chamber of Commerce Board meeting will be held Thursday, March 12, at 8 a.m. in the California City Hall meeting room.