AUGUST 2006 MINUTES
August Minutes

Chamber Meeting 8/3/06In attendance:Carol Cahall – The Main EventTom Neff – MSCCDenny Ahalt – New Windsor State BankKerry Turner – The Frederick News-PostArchie Rogers – Rogers EngravingEllie Bonde – Blossom & BasketPaula Wilhelm – LorienMelinda Byrd – Byrdcall StudiosKeir Knight – Plain English Writing and DesignBob Cage – Brahma TechnologyFilomena Thompson – Events Made SimpleTim Slane – Tim’s Lawn & landscapeHoward & Jeanne LeRoux – Mt Airy Dent RepairAaron Kahn – Eclipse SecurityAmy Green Phillips - Acupuncture Center of Mt AiryGary Crutchfield – Lawn Aide PlusLinda Helton – Promo SpecialtiesWilliam Fries – It’s Got to Be GreenBrendan Madden – All Around Plumbing
Michael Zimmer – AttorneySteve Lopez – Verizon WirelessSandy Shumate – Bezalel Brian Jacobs – Red NoodleMarlene Titus – Carroll Community CollegeAmy Benton – GazetteFrank Johnson – MayorBill Butts – Mid Maryland Health InsuranceBob Brill – Morgan StanleyEd Salmon – Handyman MattersSusan Howes – Long & FosterLast months minutes were accepted as posted.Finance CommitteeAs of 7/31/06 we have $33177.23.Last month there was discussion about a proposed donation to the Jeremy Foundation. The finance committee has recommended a $1000 donation to the Jeremy Foundation, from proceeds of the business fair. This proposal has been taken to the executive committee as well, who agree with the recommendation. Tim Slane asked if the money in our account right now is in an interest bearing account. Denny answered that no, it’s not, but this can be brought up for discussion at the Planning meeting.Social CommitteeThe next business card exchange is at Firehouse Pottery and Concetta’s on 8/28 4-7pm. Please park in the municipal lot.Membership5 new members bring our membership up to 305. FYI – new members can join now for $42.50.Carroll County ChamberIf you are interested in putting a team together for their golf tournament, see Denny,Ambassador’s CommitteeFollowing the September meeting, there will be a new member orientation.New program – starting the 2^nd Tues of September, there will be a drop in lunch opportunity. Just show up! 12:00 at the Greene Turtle – dutch treat.Professional DevelopmentUpcoming seminar - Legal Issues of succession planning – Oct 17 6:30November 15^th – business planning and financial issues affecting small business.Please RSVP to Marlene Titus asap.Nominating CommitteeWe currently have at least one candidate for each officer position, with the exception of Recording Secretary. If you have interest in any position, and especially if you know anyone who might be willing to take on the role of Recording Sec, please contact Bob Cage at 301-829-3146 or bcage@brahmatechnologies.com. Nominations will be accepted through the October general membership meeting, elections will be held at the November meeting.Advertising & MarketingThe press picked up the story on the 300^th member – the 4 local newspapers all covered the story. The group ads have recently run in the Gazette and the Frederick News Post. In July, the website had 816 hits. Please send Keir your profile update.We have established a 2^nd e-mail list (mtairybusinessgeneral) so that businesses can share any info that they wish.There will be an advertising and marketing committee this month.Keir submitted his mid-year budget, which is on track.Planning meetingScheduled for 9/14/06 11-4 at Lorien. Please RSVP to Paula by Sept 1. The chairpersons from each committee should try to come to the planning meeting. Please provide a SWOT analysis of your event or position to present at the planning meeting.Also, proposed budgets are due to Denny by Aug 15.Business Fair CommitteeThe committee has formed for the 2007 event. The next meeting is Aug 17^th at 8:30am. Gala 2007First planning meeting is Thur Aug 10^th. If you are interested in being on the committee, please see Paula.GMACC ShirtsWhat a Stitch is being given the bid. Shirts with the GMACC logo will be available for purchase at the Sept meeting. They will be around $24. Men’s and women’s sizes will be available in both white and navy colors. Bring $ to the Sept meeting because the Chamber will be subsidizing the cost of the first shirts ordered.Administrative HelpThe chamber is going to need some administrative help through the end of the year. Please volunteer if you can – let Carol know your availability.OtherFrank Johnson – The Mt Airy newsletter is now available.

Bob Cage pointed out that the planning meeting happens in Sept, while the elections happen in Nov. We may want to look at that timing next year.