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APRIL 2004 MINUTES
Word Doc
Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce
Minutes of April 1, 2004 meeting – held at the Mt. Airy Fire Hall
President Tim Barkley called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m.
Introductions followed with the following in attendance:
Audrey Stapf, Stapf Crafters
Tim Barkley, Barkley Law Office
Jim Gill, JMG
Steve Wantz, Carroll Community College
Todd Frager, MAES PTA
Archie Roger, Rogers Engraving
Kerry Turner, Frederick News Post
Ray Miller, New Horizon Van Lines
Kevin O’Neill, Kevin & Co. – REMAX Realty Group
Carol Blackburn, The Gazette
Kaye Kolb, Rohrbaugh’s
Paula Wilhelm, Lorien Mt. Airy Assisted Living
Denny Ahalt, NWB
Ross Levin, New York Life
Howard LeRoux, Mt. Airy Dent Repair & Touch Up
Ellie Bonde, Blossom & Basket Boutique
Keir Knight, Plain English
Robbie Smith, Inspired Relocations
Ann Donovan, Inspired Relocations
Andrew Williamson, Chiropractic First
Andrea Williamson, Chiropractic First
Paul Clay, Long & Foster Realtors
Rob Scranton, Catonsville Homes
Carol Cahall, The Main Event
Deb Harker, Barger Harker Agency
Jackie Bingham, Patches Quilting
Cassandra Lidin-Lamon, Acupuncturist
Mary Schultz, Chocolate Treasure Chest
Joyce Picard-Busse, The Entrepreneur’s Source
Meet Someone New: Brief networking opportunity to meet a new contact.
Introductions: Self introductions with a comment on the Mt. Airy Business
Fair – how to improve next year. Some of the comments:
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It was a rousing success. Next year we should pre-book appointments for
the breakouts
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Have some outside space designated for demonstrations
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Public Service Announcements on radio stations
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More help at the Registrar’s desk
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Have 2 sessions: 1 for business to business, and one for general public
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Less time (3 vs. 4 hours)
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Place a sign on Rte. 27
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Bigger Facility
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More parking
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Re-name the event to make the focus more clear
Junior Girl Scouts Appeal: Jaime Berlett and Jessica (?) presented their
upcoming project to travel to Florida to complete their manatee research
project. They submitted their appeal to the membership for funding support for
their trip, and passed out letters of request and commitment.
Student Ambassador Appeal: John Davenport presented his appeal for
financial support for the "People to People" program that President Eisenhower
founded in 1956 to promote good will between different countries cultures. He
will be participating in this summer as a Student Ambassador to the British
Isles and Ireland. He left a sign-up sheet at the display table for potential
sponsors to indicate their interest.
Minutes:
Tim Barkley reminded the membership that the minutes are posted on the Web
Site. Both the Minutes and the Agenda for the upcoming Chamber meeting
will appear on the web on the Tuesday (2 days) prior to the monthly Chamber
meeting. All New Business Agenda items must be submitted to Tim Barkley 2 days
prior to the Chamber meeting as well. It was moved to accept the minutes of the
March meeting and seconded. The minutes were unanimously accepted by voice vote.
Committee Reports:
Scholarship Presentations: Debbie Harker presented a donation of $1000 to
Steven Wantz of Carroll Community College for the general scholarship fund and
to $1,175.66 to Todd Frager of Mt. Airy Elementary School for the newly
renovated Computer Lab.
Treasurer’s Report: Dennis Ahalt reported as of March 31, 2004.
General Account: 8,086.71
The Treasurer’s Report for 03/31/2004 was accepted.
Social: Andrea Williamson, Donnis Klein
The next business card exchange will be a joint exchange from 4-7 pm at
Lorien Mt. Airy, co-sponsored by Blossom and Basket Boutique, The Gazette
Newspapers, The Main Event and Weekenders. Another Business Card Exchange will be scheduled for the fall.
Membership: Audrey Stapf
The total of new members during the month of March is 14. Two members were
removed who had not paid their 2004 dues, and one because of a bank merger. Thus
the total membership is 96, with only 4 more to reach the goal of 100!
Government Relations: Michael Zimmer
Mike was not in attendance to report. Since nobody has stepped up to develop
the legislative agenda for the Mt. Airy Chamber, it was suggested that we
"piggyback" on the Carroll County Chamber’s Legislative Agenda. Mike Zimmer is
on the Legislative Committee of the Carroll County Chamber. John Medve,
President of the Mt. Airy Town Council, is also a member of the Maryland
Municipal League.
Carroll County Chamber Report: Carol Cahall
Carol reported that the new Carroll County Chamber Directory has been
released.
The monthly newsletter was circulated, with the following events highlighted:
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Membership Luncheon April 8 at Martin’s West
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Seminar: Disney’s "Keys to Excellence" will be presented on May 4, 2004 at
the Turf Valley Country Club, sponsored by the Maryland Chamber of Commerce
and Carroll County Chamber of Commerce.
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The annual Golf Outing will be at the Wakefield Golf Course on October 1,
2004.
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The Annual Business Fair "Spring Fest" on Saturday, March 13 at the Towne
Mall of Westminster was the best ever, with crowds exceeding holiday crowds.
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Bonnie Grady, President of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce will be
presenting an informational / educational meeting regarding the upcoming
(Allegheny) electricity deregulation process on Friday, April 23 at 12:00 noon
at the Olive Leaf Café. All commercial and industrial customers must select
their energy provider by September 30, 2004, and the costs of electricity are
expected to increase from 16-30%. Options for joining or establishing a
business co-op as a buying group to maximize cost efficiency will be
discussed. Call Audrey Stapf for reservations.
Ambassadors: Ellie Bonde
Packets for new members have been prepared, and 20-25 packets have been
distributed to various businesses. Ellie has requested that when providing
brochures and informational materials, please deliver the exact number
requested, so that there will be no leftovers. Thanks to Ellie and to Kerry
Turner and Dennis Regulinski, who assisted in the process.
Advertising/Marketing: Keir Knight
Business Fair photos are on the website, and can be viewed on the laptop on
the information table. Next month we will take a vote whether or not to
advertise with the local fairs and the Community Guide. Please distribute the
brochures / applications for the Mt. Airy Chamber of Commerce.
Keir also announced that local business owner, Frank Illiano has proposed to
develop 88 acres for playing fields, to be named, "Jerry Johnson Park" in memory
of Mt. Airy’s former mayor, who recently passed away.
Old Business:
BUSINESS FAIR REPRISE: Many thanks to Carol Cahall, Donnis Klein and Keir
Knight for their time and efforts in re-starting this valuable marketing and
networking tool, which was a huge success! The total profit to the Chamber is
$1,617. Additional constructive comments can be forwarded to the committee by
responding on the web site. It is time to begin thinking forward to next year,
with a "seamless" transition. Please consider joining in for the post-event
wrap-up and to begin planning for next year’s Business Fair, which is scheduled
for April 2, 2005.
COMMITTEE VOLUNTEERS: The web site will list the various committees, with
"job descriptions". All members, particularly new members are encouraged to join
a committee. Ellie Bonde has the current list. Please contact her for more
information.
BULK MAIL PERMIT: Last month, Andrew Williamson introduced the benefits of
bulk mailing for reaching new clients for business. He reiterated the benefits
of utilizing bulk mail for sending information to area residents and businesses.
Here are the details:
1st Year: $300 set-up fee
Annual Fee: $150
Rate for First Class Postage to Zip Code 217_ _ is .248 each
Rate for First Class outside the above Zip Codes is .268 each
To "saturate" a route (there are 20 routes in Mt. Airy, not personally
addressed), .12 each
Minimum 200 pieces.
Kevin O’Neill proposed that the Mt. Airy Chamber of Commerce purchase the
"membership fee" for bulk mail, so that businesses interested in this service
can share in the cost. Debbie Barker seconded the motion. The Executive
Committee will set up the Rules and Regulations for this service. This was also
moved and seconded.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY COMMITTEE: Paul Clay, Chair to the Joint Committee on this
project with the Kiwanis Club, reported that they are gathering information
regarding costs, and are developing a time line. The goal is for distribution
around January 1, 2005.
New Business:
PAYABLES: were proposed for approval by the membership.
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A recognition plaque for Linda Koons, who has served for five years on the
Executive Committee, and who has had to resign her membership from the
Chamber. 32.50
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Letterhead for the Chamber (1000 sheets) 85.00
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South Carroll Business Association Membership Fee 50.00
Dennis Regulinski moved to pay these bills; Ellie Bonde seconded the motion.
The motion passed by voice vote.
CANDIDATE FORUM: for the 3 positions open on the Town Council will be held on
Tuesday, April 13 at the Mt. Airy Senior Center. The doors will open at 6:30 pm,
and the Forum will run from 7:00 – 8:00 pm. Carol Blackburn has compiled a
preliminary list of questions to ask the candidates. Additional questions may be
submitted to Carol by Monday, April 5. The questions will be submitted to the
candidates prior to the panel discussion, and Keir Knight will be the moderator.
Members or the Chamber are urged to attend, and bring light refreshments.
SUMMER PICNIC: The proposal of a summer picnic for the Chamber members and
their families was met with little or no interest.
NOMINATIONS FOR CORRESPONDING SECRETARY: Two members have been nominated for
this position, which has been vacated by Linda Koons:
Jim Gill of JMG Marketing Enterprises and Marketing Group
Joyce Picard-Busse of The Entrepreneur’s Source
Elections will be held at the next Chamber meeting, May 6, 2004. Nominations
may be made from the floor at that time, but be sure to have asked permission of
the person before submitting his/her name.
THANKS: Denny Ahalt expressed thanks for the cards, thoughts and prayers sent
during his recent illness.
DINNER: Dennis Regulinski announced the Turkey/Oyster/Ham supper from 11:30
am – 4:00 pm
SEMINAR: Paula Wilhelm announced the free Macro Assets Perspective Seminar by
Ross Levin at Lorien Mt. Airy on April 6 from 6:30 – 7:30 pm.
The Meeting was adjourned at 9:15 a.m.
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