Many Moniteau County residents are interested in volunteer opportunities, but may lack the connections or awareness of where their efforts could be effective.
Rep. Sara Walsh, R-Ashland, encouraged the California Area Chamber of Commerce to consider ways to bring awareness of what civic organizations exist in the area and how to get potential volunteers connected.
Chamber members expanded on the idea, considering ways to expose youth to not-for-profits and organizations. Members asked Superintendent Dwight Sanders to identify a local high school student to join the chamber board.
The chamber members hoped other organizations might follow suit.
In other business, the board:
Heard California High School senior Carson Ash discuss attending Missouri Scholars Academy in June at the University of Missouri-Columbia, helped by a scholarship from the chamber.
Acknowledged another successful Ozark Ham and Turkey Festival, with 110 vendors and a good result from relocating the car show to the downtown area.
Discussed supporting California Progress Inc. in holding a meet and greet for new businesses in the area in mid-November.
Learned the parade Dec. 1 for Christmas California Style will have the theme, "A Charlie Brown Christmas." Area businesses are encouraged to hold open houses that day.