December 2007 Minutes

Microsoft Word version

12/06/07 General Membership Meeting

Members Present:
Archie Rogers, Kerry Turner, Carol Cahall, Aaron Kahn, Dennis Ahalt, Audrey Stapf, Brendan Madden, Keir Knight, Dennis Emerson, Paul Clay, Tim Barkley, Tim Slane, Sr., Howard LeRoux, Jeanne LeRoux, Mark Jarema, Katie Feltz, Laurie Dilks, Gary Crutchfield, Bill Butts, Sandy Shumate, Colleen Strube, Alice Decker, Marlene K. Titus.

Minutes: A motion to accept the November minutes as recorded was made by Paul Clay; Second by Howard LeRoux. Unanimously accepted.

Finance Committee: A motion to approved the budget as presented was made by Tim Barkley; Second by Audrey Sapf. A motion to pledge a payment to Carroll Community College on an annual basis was tabled. A motion to contribute $500 to the college this year was made by Tim Barkley; second by Frank Johnson. The motion was approved by the membership. A donation of $350 to the fire Company was approved.

Executive Committee: Carol Cahall - Procedures need to be set up to provide accountability and responsibility for chamber operations.

Carol Cahall has agreed to serve as chairman of the Marketing Committee for 2008.

Membership committee: Dennis Emerson - At our November membership drive, 38% of the old members renewed. As of this date we have 152 members for 2008.

Ambassador Committee: Ellie Bonde - Alice Decker will serve as chairman for the year 2008. A January new member orientation is planned.. Ideas being considered for implementation are brown bag lunches, and a new member mentoring program.

Professional Development: Marlene Titus - The committee completed a survey asking about what members would like to have in 2008. Interest was shown in QuickBooks; Business Planning and having a speaker at the membership meetings. A business planning workshop is planned for March 4th & 6th. QuickBooks Pro is planned at Carroll Community College April 7th 9th. Mayor Johnson offered the chamber use of the City Hall meeting space to be used for programs.

Community Expo: Jeanne LeRoux - To be held April 19th 9 am - 4 pm.The membership drive was very successful for the committee. They signed up 8 sponsors, 19 exhibitors, and collected over $3400. Applications are available. Participants should sign up soon as space is allocated on a 1st come 1st serve basis. Two new silver level sponsors have signed: Damascus Community Bank and All Around Plumbing. We still need a sponsor for Operation Kidsafe. The next committee meeting is Monday , Jan. 7th at 8:30 am

Advertising & Marketing - Keir Knight - Ads for the phone book has received 30% renewal at this point. Deadline for sign up is Jan. 18th.

The order for the signs at the town entrance has been placed.

Social Committee: A business card exchange will be held on December 6th at Calvary UM Church. January 9, a business card exchange will be held at the Mt. Airy Senior Center sponsored by the Kiwanis Club 4-6 PM.

New Business: Tim Slane, Sr. Need more members (2 to 5) to serve on the committee.

Mayor Johnson: Thanks for the support - ads, signs & news letter.

Archie Rogers, Recording Secretary - 2007