The March meeting of the California Area Chamber of Commerce was called to order at 8 a.m. on March 9 by Amanda Trimble, past president, due to the absence of the president and vice president.
Members present were: Brad Baer, Melissa Bonecutter, Jenny Brown, Norris Gerhart, Shelly Hampton, Rita Hammerly, Blake Howard, Becky Lawson, Pamela Pearon, Dwight Sanders, Tom Winters and Sandra Ratcliff, executive secretary.
Visitors were welcomed: Sara Walsh, candidate for representative; Brandy Brockes; Becky Wood; and Mike Barnes.
The minutes of the February meeting were approved as written. The treasurers report was accepted as presented.
The executive secretary reported that 105 renewal memberships have been received. New members are Sara Walsh, candidate for representative, and California School-Age Care LLC/Railroad Park Child Care LLC.
The chamber website, www.calmo.com, has been updated with current information, pictures and revised forms. She encouraged those present to view it and let her know if they see changes that need to be made.
New business included the decision to transfer $5,000 from the auction to the Scholarship CD at People's Bank for six months, as the funds will not be needed to pay for scholarships until August 2017.
Brad Baer reported that the Ozark Ham & Turkey Festival committee met March 6 to begin planning for the next festival Sept. 16. All event chairmen have agreed to continue to organize their events.
The logo will feature the Woolen Mill that was located in California where the City Swimming Pool is today. The next meeting will be April 3 in the City Hall Meeting Room.
Becky Lawson reported that the Scholarship Committee has made the applications available to the California High School counselors and graduating seniors. Applications are to be returned by April 1. The committee will meet in April to select the 2017 recipients.
Dwight Sanders announced the date for the 13th Annual California Area Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament. The tournament will be held June 14 at the California Country Club. Tee off at 11 am. The committee will be contacting businesses for teams and for hole sponsors.
Other business included a discussion of holding an event to celebrate the observance of "The Great American Eclipse" Aug. 21. The chamber will host a community event in California so that the community and visitors can come together and see this historical eclipse. Details will be announced as plans are finalized.
The next meeting will be held April 13 at 8 a.m. in the California City Meeting Room.