SEPTEMBER 2006 MINUTES
September Minutes

Chamber Meeting 9/7/06In attendance:Kerry Turner – Frederick News-PostSam Smith - Advanced PestDiane Ryan - Jeremy FoundationLeslie Brenneman – CostcoKaye Kolb – Rohrbaugh’s CharterGary Crutchfield – Lawn AideFrank Johnson – Mt AiryRay Miller – RemaxLori Dilks – Juice PlusMike Santos – Frederick News PostEllie Bonde – Blossom & BasketMarlene Titus – Carroll Community CollegeBob Cage – Brahma TechnologiesKen Matthews – Freedom CarpetIleana Sutter - Healing TempleBrian Jacobs – Red NoodleAmy Green-Phillips – Acupuncture CenterLinda Helton – Promo SpecialtiesJeanne LeRoux – Mt Airy DentJim Jones – Credit Card StoreHoward LaRoux – Mt Airy DentRamzy Nassar – CostcoDennis Regulinski – Mid Atlantic AccountingKeir Knight – Plain English Ric Adams – President – Frederick ChamberDebbie Singer – Membership Director – Frederick ChamberArchie Rogers – Rogers EngravingAaron Kahn – Eclipse SecurityPaul Clay – RemaxSandy Shumate - BezalelAudrey Stapf Dennis Emerson- Sherman Emerson InsuranceDenny Ahalt – NWSBTom Neff – MSCCMelinda Byrd – Byrdcall StudioBrendan Madden – All Around PlumbingMarsha Carmack – The Job ShopCarol Cahall – The Main EventFilomena Thompson – Events Made SimpleKeri Rhodes – GazetteMinutes accepted as postedFinanceAt the end of August, we had $31011.01Social CommitteeLeslie has put together a schedule for 2007. If you are interested in being a co-host, please see Leslie or Ray.MembershipThere were 4 new members in the month of AugustDennis Emerson made a motion to spend $260 for 400 window decals. This was seconded by Ramzy.Discussion – Paul Clay brought up that we may need more with the level of our membership. Ellie amended her motion to 500 decals. Ramzy seconded.Motion passed.Carroll County Chamber Go to carrollcountychamber.org to find out information on upcoming events. There is a golf tournament in October.AmbassadorsPick up a folder to distribute to potential members.New member packets have been created for new members. Immediately following this meeting will be a new member orientation.Chamber Luncheon – 2^nd Tuesday of each month, at The Green Turtle. Professional DevelopmentOctober 17^th – Business Succession PlanningPlease give Marlene ideas of what development series you may want for next year.Nominating CommitteeWe currently have a slate for all positions. The only position that is currently running with opposition is 1^st VP, so if you are interested in running, please see Bob CageCurrent Slate is as follows:President – Carol Cahall1^st VP – Aaron Kahn and Tom Neff2^nd VP – Kerry TurnerCorresponding Secretary – Susan HowesRecording Secretary – Archie RogersTreasurer – Denny AhaltIn November we will vote on the slate.Advertising & MarketingKeir has added correspondence received to his binder that he passes during the meeting.The 2^nd e-mail list is going well. On the website - a few new golf tournaments have been posted. The coupon for the luncheon at the Green Turtle is on the web as well.Keir is looking for sponsorship advertising on the website. If you are interested, see him.Budget: Keir made a motion that his committee is requesting additional budget monies in the amount of $4000 for 2006.This extra amount will help cover the additional cost of advertising for business card exchanges – this is approximately $500 per exchange. It will also help fund other advertising advertising opportunities though the end of the year. It will also allow for larger ads in the Gazette and Messenger for the Holidays – 1/2 page ads are no longer large enough. Audrey Stapf seconded the motion.Discussion:Brendan Madden asked what the budget for 2005 was. Keir answered that the budget for that year was $7,500.00 - with an amount actually spent of $6,188.08.Denny brought up that we have ended up with an excess of 100 members from what we had anticipated, and also doubled the number of card exchanges. Archie asked if the $4000 is budgeted to be used. Keir answered that it is planned for mostly in newspaper advertising. Sam Smith asked for what revenue this will generate in a profit/loss margin. Audrey answered that since we have been advertising at this rate, we have been bringing in a minimum of 4 new members per month.Aaron Kahn asked if it is fair to say that this money asked for is simply to continue at the same rate as he already has been. Keir agreed, and said that the only new thing is the town newsletter.Amy Green Phillips asked if there is a buffer, or if all $4000 is allocated. Keir answered that there is a buffer, and he is going to try to not spend every penny.Frank Johnson asked that everyone keep in mind that the membership is over 300, and that helps answer why advertising costs more.Call the question.Motion passed.Planning meetingSeptember 14^th at Lorien.All are welcome. If you have a topic for the agenda, please let Carol know how much time you need so she can keep the meeting timely. RSVP to Paula Wilhelm if you will be attending. Committee chairs, please come with your SWOT analysis for this year to help think about where to go for next yaer.GMACC ShirtsAvailable today!! There is a women’s and men’s style – both come in either white or blue. Cost is generally $23. Today, they will be $12 – limit 2 per person.New BusinessHoward LaRoux – United Methodist church is doing a silent auction. Howard is looking for donations.Paul Clay – BNI - there is a new club forming in Urbana – if you are interested, see Paul.Diane Ryan – The Chamber made a donation to the foundation. Diane thanked the Chamber for their donation. This foundation helps families with children in cancer treatment. She has thank you letters from the families – if you are interested in seeing them.Ray Miller – The Music Café is opening in Damascus. They will be hosting the Jan card exchange – check it out!Jennifer – Firehouse Pottery – has everyone’s tiles from the last business card exchangeFrank Johnson – Still space for a few ads in the Oct town newsletter. If you have ideas on how the town can make having a businesses in this town easier, please let Frank know so he can work with the Economic Development commission. There will be a 9/11 event at 7pm downtown. Partnership with the Chamber – Frank would like to partner with the Chamber on having a board of ed, and county commissioners candidates debate for both Frederick and Carroll. Carol asked that Frank contact Tim Barkley.