The California Area Chamber of Commerce approved its slate of officers to be voted on in the near future at its December board meeting.
The approved slate of officers for 2020 is as follows: Brandy Brockes, president; Kayle Kiesling, vice president; Rita Hammerly, secretary; Pamela Pearon, treasurer. The slate will be voted on at the Chamber's upcoming annual meeting, which is set to take place Jan. 25, 2020.
Additionally, all of the Chamber's board members have agreed to serve another term.
The Chamber also approved its budget for next year, which looks similar to what was proposed entering 2019. In line with budget items for the new year, the Chamber approved a motion to sponsor students for participation in the Missouri Boys and Girls State programs held during the summer, diverting money from the Chamber's general fund. Typically, the Chamber's Boys and Girls State sponsorships come out of its Ham & Turkey Festival or scholarship budgets.
The Chamber spent some time discussing Christmas in Proctor Park, which was receiving great feedback as of the Dec. 12 Chamber meeting. As of this date, the Chamber was still getting requests from new area businesses to jump in and participate, with the Chamber trying to fit in as many as space allows.
Chamber members agreed this likely sets the stage for an expanded event next year, with some possible additions for subsequent editions to account for increased participation and the logistics of the viewing route as park goers drive through Proctor Park.
For this year, the Chamber approved $150 from its general fund to help pay for a nicer sign marking the end of the drive route, which can then be used in subsequent years.
Proctor Park lit up the same weekend as the city's Christmas parade, which took place Dec. 7. The Chamber completed judging for both parade participants and its Home and Business Decorating Contest during the past week or so.
The Chamber's next regular meeting will take place at 8 a.m. Jan. 9. The Chamber's annual dinner will take place later the same month, beginning with a social hour at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 25.