May 2007 Minutes

Microsoft Word version

In Attendance: Marlene Titus, Filomena Thompson, Keir Knight, Stephanie Dahlquist, Paul Clay, Tim Barkley, Chris Demons, Eric C. Wright, Chris Carter, Melissa Tusing, Gary Crutchfield, Tim Slane, Sr, Ken Matthews, Darwin Rosenfeld, Ellie Bonde, Bosah Okoye, Sudha, Kaistha,, Will Fries, John R. Beck, Harry Johnson, Annette Breiling, Jeanne LeRoux, Howard LeRoux, Karrie Rhodes, Patricia Clements, Sis Barnes, Scott Boutaugh, Bradley H. Hartzel, Susan M. Howes, Leslie Brenneman, Robert & Leslie Sier, James P. Jones, Alice Decker, Melinda Byrd, Sandy Shumate, Robert L. Cage, Frank M. Johnson, Catherine Nazarene, Denny Ahalt, Sam Zee, Brendan Madden, Laurie Dilks, Brian Ward, Dennis Regulinski, Paula Wilhelm, Bill Butts, Mark Jarema, Ryan Langelan, Carl S.Minkel, Tim Fahey, Kaye G. Kolb, Archie Rogers, Audrey Stapf.

Minutes: Minutes were approved as read. Motion by Paul Clay, Seconded Tim Barkley.

Finance Committee: Denny Ahalt - Fund balance as of 3/31/07 = $38,

887.18... Receipts =$5855.00...Expenses = $5913.80....Fund Balance4/30/07 = $38,

828.38.

Executive Committee: Aaron Kahn- All committee members need to submit list of members.

Judy Gue Fire Dept. Discussing Train Garden.

Membership: Dennis Emmerson.. .Membership is 343. Business joining in April:

Advanced Pest Solutions, Coldwell Banker, Diversified Application Prod & Svcs, First Horizon Home Loans, Gator's Home Improvement, Inc, Handyman Matters,

By-Laws: Tim Barkley 4 major changes. The committee presented a synopsis of the proposed changes to the by laws. The bylaws now provide for removal or disqualification of a member for good cause; the election of an at-large member of the Executive Committee board if there is no Immediate Past President willing to serve; two-year terms for the President, First and Second Vice President and a progression through those offices; and moving the elections back one month to October to allow the incoming President more time to plan before assuming office.

The proposed amendments were approved by the Executive Committee, announced at the last membership meeting, and posted on the Chamber website for approximately five weeks prior to the May membership meeting. An email with a link to the bylaws with amendments was sent to the Chamber email list on Monday, April 30.

Carol Cahall pointed out that the two-year terms and succession in office ensure that those leading the Chamber are committed to its purpose and understand its policies and history. Marlene Titus spoke in favor of the changes, from her perspective as a member of the Board if various organizations. After questions were answered, the amended bylaws were approved by a voice vote, with no abstentions or nay votes.

Marlene Titus: June 12 at Carroll Community College limit is 15 people.

Scholarship: Tim Slane. Bob Cage Second Marlene Titus

Business Expo: Filomena Thompson

Advertising & Marketing Committee: Keir Knight reported that the Chamber would take a train in the Fire Co train garden display. Ads were shown for the past month, including both April card exchanges, and ads have been placed for the two May events. A correction to last month's report: instead of sponsoring a 4 County Little League team, we will instead get a banner at both of their fields.

The website is averaging more than 1,000 hits per month. Photos of the Expo have been posted. A reminder to fill out your online profiles - we're seeing local business journalists use the searchable profiles to find businesses for their stories. It's a hidden benefit of membership to be quoted in the papers - several members have had their photos taken as well. Information on the mini golf tournament is on the website as well as a page featuring local golf tournaments (including the upcoming 4 County Lions club event).

Keir has now been producing the Chamber newsletter for five years - since May of 2003. He thanked Mount Garage Doors and Sherman Emerson Insurance, who have been sponsoring the newsletter in recent months. He also reminded members to send in information to share - which is also often picked up by the local newspapers, as well as being seen by the membership.

Phone Book Update: As reported in the May newsletter, the Phone Book is on the way. Delivery to local residents is likely to begin the week of the 21st of May.

Social Committee: Leslie Brenneman Costco May 8. Picnic July 15th. 1 PM

Carroll Co Chamber: Tim Barkley May 10th senior living expo. 5th Sep Breakfast at Library.

Frederick Chamber: John Beck

Sign Replacement-Town Welcome Sign: Carol Cahall-

New Business: Town newsletter revamped.