November 2006 Minutes
November Minutes

Chamber Meeting Minutes 11/2/06In attendanceTim Slane Sr – Tim’s Lawn & LandscapeGail Slane – Forever FlowersRamzy Nassar - Costco WholesaleLeslie Brenneman - CostcoSteve Rose - Torn 2 ShredzJim Jones - The Credit Card StoreTim Barkley - Barkley LawJennifer Shaffer - Firehouse PotteryKitty McNaughton - Spirit DesignSandy Shumate – BezalelGary Crutchfield – Lawn Aide PlusLaurie Dilks - Juice PlusFrank Johnson – MayorBill Butts – Mid MD Health InsBob Cage – Brahma TechnologiesPaula Wilhelm – Lorien Dennis Regulinski – CPAAndrew Williamson – Chiropractic FirstKeir Knight – Plain Eng Writing and DesignAlice Decker – ICDCDianee Ryan – Jeremy FoundationAaron Kahn – Eclipse SecurityArchie Rogers – Rogers Engraving & StampsEllie Bonde – Blossom & BasketDennis Emerson – Sherman Emerson InsurancePaul Clay – RemaxBrian Jacobs – Red Noodle web designDenny Ahalt - NWSBTom Neff – MSCCCarol Cahall – The Main EventKerry Turner – The Frederick News-Post Colleen Strube - LongabergerKevin Murphy – Browning Reagle InsuranceKeri Rhodes – The GazetteAmy Benton – The GazetteHoward Le Roux – Mt Airy Dent RepairTom Watkins – Watkins LimousinesScott Gardner – The Benefit CompanyMinutes accepted as posted.Finance CommitteeAs of 10/30/06, our account balance is $25730.83. Grant application guidelines are available on the website – these are to go with the grant application.The Finance committee is presenting a grant application from the Historical Society of Mt Airy. Ellie Bonde sponsored. They are looking for a grant of $2000. The executive committee agreed to present this to the membership, provided that a plaque be put up for the Chamber’s donation.Tim Barkley moved that we donate $2000 for the Historical Society, Archie Rogers seconded. Tim asked the question of whether this donation would exceed the funds that the chamber had put aside for charitable donations. Denny answered that yes, this puts us over budget. Howard asked how many people go through the museum – Ellie answered that it is open Friday and Sat evenings. Howard asked if other organizations have contributed – Ellie answered that yes, other businesses have been involved.Archie Rogers called the question.Motion passed.ElectionsCarol Cahall and Tom Neff each took a few minutes to give their speeches about why you should vote for them for the office of president.Ballots were cast, and voting took place.Other candidates were running unopposed. The slate is:1^st VP – Aaron Kahn2^nd VP – Kerry TurnerRecording Secretary – Archie RogersTreasurer – Denny AhaltCorresponding Secretary – (Open)Paul Clay moved that we vote in these candidates. Ellie seconded. Motion passed.Results of the Election for President2007 president will be Carol CahallPhone Book"The membership discussed the possible distribution of funds from the 07 phone book. There was a consensus vote that if there are proceeds from the project, that the Twin Ridge Elementary School will be a beneficiary. Keir asked for this discussion so that he can mention Twin Ridge to advertisers as he sells space."Applications are finished and will be mailed to all 2006 chamber members. This year’s book - current members will get 5% off, and if you were in last year’s book, you get an additional 5% off. New businesses will also be offered 5% off. There will be an expansion this coming year – the Business pages will go out to the surrounding zip codes and rural routes. Please write separate checks for the phone book and the membership applications.Membership3 new businesses joined in Oct, which brings our total membership to 311!Membership is being put in a database, so please fill out the membership application completely when you apply for 2007, even if you are a long time member. Applications are available on the web, and they will be available at the membership drive.Membership drive is Nov 16, 4-7pm at Century Dodge. Membership dues prior to the 16^th are $85, after they will be $95.AmbassadorsDrop in lunch at the Greene Turtle is at noon the second Tuesday of each month. Next year, we may be able to do a lunch business card exchange.Reminder – if you are a member and do not have a name badge, see Archie Rogers. They cost $5.25. New member packets are available for new members.Next new member orientation is in January.Professional DevelopmentThe committee is working on the seminar series for 2007. Next seminar is Nov 15 – business financial planning Scholarship CommitteeHoward LeRoux has visited many colleges and high schools in the area. It is now public knowledge. This scholarship is available to the greater Mount Airy area. Articles on the scholarship have been published in the area newspapers as well.AdvertisingThe website has been redesigned – take a look! Please give Keir your membership profiles. If you are interested in a sponsorship on the website, let Keir know. He is waiting to gauge the level of interest prior to setting terms and rates.New Business:Annual AuditVolunteers for the audit: Tim Slane, Archie Rogers, Joanna Glor (and one more)Thank you to the volunteers.Frank Johnson – working on the next town newsletter. If you would like to place an ad, see Frank.Joyce Picard Busse is no longer able to be the representative for the Carroll County Chamber. Tim Barkley will assume this responsibility.Paula Wilhelm – be checking your mailbox for your Gala Invitation for 2007! Please reply and send with your check. January 13, 2007

Paul Clay - Kiwanis club is doing their annual pancake breakfast on Sat Nov 18^th