The California Area Chamber of Commerce met for its monthly board meeting March 10 in the California City Hall Meeting Room.
A presentation was given by Connie Walker of the Moniteau County Library explaining the need for a 2-cent levy increase in library tax that will appear on the April ballot for the city of California.
The Annual Chamber Easter Egg Hunt, sponsored by Commerce Bank, will take place at 1 p.m. March 19 at Proctor Park. Due to construction where the hunt is usually held, it will be moved to the area near the Boy Scout Building.
Plans are underway for the 26th Annual Ozark Ham & Turkey Festival scheduled for Sept. 17. Chairperson Brad Baer reported that a meeting of interested individuals was well attended. A theme and logo were discussed, and ideas for additional activities were presented. Additional seating throughout the festival and a shuttle were discussed and will be researched. A sponsor will need to be found for the South Stage. The next Ham & Turkey Festival meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. April 4 in the City Hall Meeting Room.
Executive Secretary Sandra Ratcliff reported that there are several businesses that have not yet renewed their chamber membership. Reminders will be sent to those businesses. Several new members were recognized: Kusgen Construction, Midwest Factory Outlet, Brockes Tire and Auto Repair, Sam's Club of Jefferson City and Wright Printing and Promotional Advertising of Versailles.
Susan Burger, CPI director, gave an update on the Shop Spring event planned for March 19 by the Promotions Committee of Old Town California. Old Town and chamber businesses are participating in the shopping event. Details are available through advertisement and flyers and at participating businesses.
Applications for the California Area Chamber of Commerce Scholarship are available to California High School seniors, Chairperson Becky Lawson said. They are due by April 1. Contact the counselor's office at the high school for more information.
The next monthly meeting of the California Area Chamber of Commerce will be at 8 a.m. April 14 in the City Hall Meeting Room.