The California Area Chamber of Commerce July 12 heard an update to plans for a first-time Sept. 11, 2001, tribute, which will begin at 6 p.m. outside City Hall.
The chamber agreed to support the event with volunteers and moral support, but not as an official sponsor.
Still being planned, the event may include area emergency responder vehicles on display, the reading of the names of those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks, donations to the Moniteau County Toys for Tots and a freewill donation barbecue.
The chamber board also voted to donate $1,000 to the local Toys for Tots drive, only in its second year. The gift was increased from $500 last year, because of the loss of $2,000 in toys from Toys R Us closing.
School Superintendent Dwight Sanders reported the annual golf tournament fundraiser was a "great day." The one-hour earlier start was a good addition and they had 40 hole sponsors, the most ever. The event raised nearly $4,500.
The Ozark Ham and Turkey Festival Committee will send out letters for event participation soon. The board voted to make a $150 donation to the local Eagles Club Aerie No. 4027, which despite the fire at its headquarters building has committed to continue its normal participation in the festival, including the barbecue contest and washerboard tournament.
The festival committee also noted this will be the last festival for the Kiwanis Club to sponsor the ham breakfast. They are looking for a new organization to take over in 2019.
In other business, the chamber board:
Discussed further the idea of printing a city map.
Lutz Barbecue has been selected as caterer for the chamber's 2019 annual meeting Jan. 26, 2019, at the Westridge Event Center. Tickets were set at $25 each.
Learned that the University Extension has opened an office in California two days-a-week, with an open house planned in the fall.
Supported the Moniteau County Region Economic Development board's decision to hold another LaunchU for potential entrepreneurs.
Discussed the need for landscaping around the new city sign at the intersection of U.S. 50 and Missouri 87.