The California Area Chamber of Commerce discussed final plans for the upcoming Ham & Turkey Festival, among other topics, at its September board meeting.
Preparations are nearly complete for the 29th Ozark Ham & Turkey Festival. The board discussed finalization of event locations, such as the street space used for the car show, and will be making a push for chamber volunteers at the information booth and across some of the day's events. At the time of the meeting, the count for vendor booths was around 90.
The board heard from Dan Mesey of the Toys for Tots program regarding its initiative to assist the Angel Tree program. Mesey mentioned that though there had been some talk of the Angel Tree program discontinuing, it will still take place as planned - the plan is for Toys for Tots and Angel Tree to work together in a joint effort. Angel Tree will focus more on children's needs such as clothing and shoes, while Toys for Tots will focus on gifts more traditionally categorized as "wants."
The board voted unanimously for the chamber to contribute a $500 donation toward Toys for Tots and Angel Tree's efforts, and also agreed to encourage other area businesses to consider assisting with their own monetary donations. Mesey said at least as far as through Toys for Tots' reach, the program serves around 100 families below the poverty level throughout Moniteau County.
The chamber welcomed three new members this month - Diesel Power Plus, Edge Signs and Graphics and Robertson Cedar Street Properties LLC.
The board also discussed preparations and logistics for upcoming decorations, both for this fall and at the approaching Christmas in Proctor Park. The board approved accepting a donation from an anonymous private resident who wished to help decorate around the city's sign with fall decorations in the near future. Regarding Christmas in Proctor Park, it was reported that 26 businesses, along with the city of California and Chamber of Commerce, have expressed interest in participating. Non-chamber members are welcome to participate, the board agreed. Committee chair Brandy Brockes said the next step will be to confirm commitments from interested businesses and proceed with submitting a plan for any electrical needs to assist with lighting to the city.
The Chamber of Commerce's next meeting will be Thursday, Oct. 10.