MARCH 2004 MINUTES

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Minutes of March 4 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:

Ken Matthews, Freedom Carpet Cleaning, Inc.

Audrey Stapf, Stapf Crafters

Ray Miller, New Horizon Van Lines

Carol Blackburn, The Gazette

Cindy Ahmann, Carroll County Public Library

Gina Posey, Frederick News Post

Mike Zimmer, Attorney at Law

Archie Roger, Rogers Engraving

Kerry Turner, Frederick News Post

Billie Wilkinson, F&M Bank

Ross Levin, New York Life

Howard LeRoux, Mt. Airy Dent Repair & Touch Up

Paula Wilhelm, Lorien Mt. Airy Assisted Living

Timothy M. Slane, Sr., Tim’s Lawn & Landscape

Susan Heitmuller, Pathways

Keir Knight, Plain English

Jim Gill, JMG

Andrew Williamson, Chiropractic First

Andrea Williamson, Chiropractic First

Kevin O’Neill, Kevin & Co. – REMAX Realty Group

Linda Koons, Westminster Union

Deb Harker, Barger Harker Agency

Tim Barkley, Barkley Law Office

Ellie Bonde, Blossom & Basket Boutique

Bob Cage, Brahma Technologies, Inc.

Robert Brill, Legg Mason

Carol Cahall, The Main Event

Paul Clay, Long & Foster Realtors

Colby Forrest, Enterprise Rent a Car

Joanna Casson, BDG – Payroll Accounting

Ernie Stepoulos, Frederick Keys

Joyce Picard-Busse, The Entrepreneur’s Source

Meet Someone New: Brief networking opportunity to meet a new contact.

Introductions: Self introductions with a brief description of the business represented.

Frederick Keys Sponsorship:

Ernie Stepoulos of the Frederick Keys introduced a combination advertising/marketing opportunity for businesses, the "Keys Café Season Sampler", the "Gold Glove Program" and the "Gold Glove Plus Program".

Minutes:

Tim Barkley announced 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 January meeting and seconded. The minutes were unanimously accepted by voice vote.

Committee Reports:

Treasurer’s Report: Dennis Ahalt was absent due to medical reasons.

General Account: 6,531.10 (includes funds from the Business Fair booths)

Scholarship Account: 2,174.34

TOTAL FUNDS 6,646.30

Discussion was held regarding donating the Scholarship account to the Mt. Airy Elementary School Computer Fund.

The Treasurer’s Report for 03/03/2004 was accepted.

Social: Andrea Williamson, Donnis Klein

The next business card exchange will be a joint exchange with the South Carroll Business Association, to be held Tuesday, March 23, 2004 from 4-7 pm at the Brick Ridge Inn, sponsored by Todd Bricken of the Brick Ridge Inn and Mike Zimmer, Attorney at Law. Mike Zimmer will supply the door prize.

The May Business Card Exchange will be on Monday, May 24, 2004 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

Our goal for Membership was 80, and we currently have 87! Many thanks are extended to all who have encouraged new and existing businesses to join the membership.

Government Relations: Michael Zimmer

The speaker at the last South Carroll Business Association meeting was Roscoe Bartlett, and the event was well attended. There is an open invitation to all Mt. Airy Chamber of Commerce members to attend the monthly meetings on the 3rd Wednesday of the month. The SCBA member fee is extended to MACC members attending this luncheon - $10.

The trip to the General Assembly of Maryland on Thursday, February 25, 2004 was a great success. Chamber attendees were Tim Barkley, Mike Zimmer and Carol Cahall. The group met with Governor Erlich and presented him with a framed picture representing Mt. Airy.

Carroll County Chamber Report: Carol Cahall

The monthly newsletter was circulated, with the following events highlighted:

• "Connection After Hours" at Century High School (Free networking event) on 3/16/04.

• Networking Breakfast at the Best Western on March.

• The Annual Business Fair "Spring Fest" will be held on Saturday, March 13 at the Towne Mall of Westminster from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Ambassadors: Ellie Bonde

Ellie issued a call for new committee members.

Advertising/Marketing: Keir Knight

Keir reported on the advertising that has been placed in the Mt.Airy Gazette and Messenger newspapers.

Professional Development: Tim Barkley

Billie Wilkinson accepted the position of chairperson for this committee.

Old Business:

"DISCOVER MT. AIRY BUSINESS FAIR": Carol Cahall, Donnis Klein & Keir Knight

Applications for the fair and guidelines are posted on the website.

Donnis Klein is in charge of Registration. Audrey Stapf issued a request for all participating businesses to contribute at least one door prize, so prizes could be given continuously throughout the day. Sponsors are urged to turn in their money as soon as possible, as there are ongoing front-end costs.

WalMart has joined as a "Platinum Level" Sonsor. Current Gold Sponsors are: The Tim Barkley Companies, Chiropractic First, New Horizon Van Lines, Lorien Mt. Airy. Silver Sponsors are: The Gazette, Donnis Klein of Weekenders, USA, and Robert Brill, Financial Advisor with Legg Mason.

BULK MAIL PERMIT: Andrew Williamson introduced the benefits of bulk mailing for reaching new clients for business.

PAYABLES: Tim Barkley addressed payables for the Carroll County Chamber Membership and the bill for the framing of two (2) Mt. Airy Certificates for Gov. Erlich and Congressman Bartlett It was decided that future projects to be paid for by the Chamber should be approved in advance.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY COMMITTEE: Paul Clay, Chair to the Joint Committee on this project with the Kiwanis Club, reported on progress made so far. Keir Knight, Audrey Stapf and Jackie Bingham are serving on this committee as well.

DEBATE FOR CANDIDATES FOR TOWN COUNCIL: Audrey Stapf announced that as a service to the community, there will be debate forum for the candidates for the Mt. Airy Town Council to discuss their views. Local issues and questions may be submitted for debate by way of Carol Blackburn at the Gazette Newspapers.

The Meeting was adjourned at 9:00 a.m.

The following is a list of Committees: Please volunteer for a committee and get involved for 2004!

Membership Government Relations

Professional Development Ambassadors

Finance Business Fair

Public Relations Nominating

Social Charitable Chamber