California Area Chamber of Commerce complete plans for festival

By PAULA EARLS

Democrat Staff

The California Area Chamber of Commerce Board met Thursday, Sept. 12, for its monthly meeting.

Ozark Ham and Turkey Festival Chairman Brad Baer reported advertising on television, newspapers and radio stations had begun during the week.

The 1953 fire truck will lead the parade with Roberta Rothstein as Citizen of the Year and Rackers Manufacturing Inc., as Business of the Year, as the honorary grand marshals.

The chamber will be hosting a Tuff Truck/Figure 8 Competition that evening. Helpers are needed for the gates. Please contact Shelly Hampton if you are interested in helping.

This year the festival has several new vendors. The committee is appreciative of all the work that has been done in preparation and especially for Tim Burger and all he has done with the entertainment for the festival. The chamber invites everyone to attend this year's Ozark Ham and Turkey Festival, Saturday, Sept. 21.

The minutes and treasurer's report from the August board meeting were reviewed and approved.

Diane Eulinger, board secretary, distributed a written report.

In old business the president reviewed the list of board members who do not want to return for another three years. There are currently a couple of vacancies to be considered and presented at the annual dinner. New officers have been nominated and will also be presented.

The annual dinner will be held in January and will honor the California Rural Fire Department. The Chamber is also seeking nominations for Business of the Year and Citizen of the Year. The Awards Committee is looking to streamline the nomination process.

In new business Tom Winters gave a presentation about signage for California. Winters has been working with MoDOT representatives. The Signage Committee, consisting of Brad Baer, Dwight Sanders and Todd McCluskey, will meet with Winters to determine what needs to happen next. Winters has worked hard on the project and the board is appreciative of his managing this project.

The was notified their website hosting company, Show-Me Computer Services, is no longer in business. The board asked eulinger to secure costs for a new service and report back to the treasurer so budget amendments could be made.

Christmas California Style will be held Saturday, Dec. 7. The committee is working on a theme for the parade and will work closely with area businesses to celebrate Christmas.

The board will meet again Thursday, Oct. 10, at 8 a.m., at the California City Hall meeting room.