November 2007 Minutes

Microsoft Word version

11/1/07 General Membership Meeting

Members Present:
Carol Cahall, Aaron Kahn, Kerry Turner, Dennis Ahalt, Archie Rogers, Bob Cage, Karen Skidmore, Melinda Byrd, Paul Clay, Ellie Bonde, Jackie Bingham, Robert Brill, Keir Knight, Brendan Madden, Tim Barkley, Dianne Ryan, Kaye Kolb, Sandy Shumate, Brian Jacobs, Janet Kispert, Marlene Titus, James D. Jones, Sheila Graham, Alice Decker, Jeanne & Howard LeRoux, Wayne Barnes, Ken Matthews, Karrie Rhodes, Dennis Regulinski, Bruce James.

Motion to approve -Paul Clay; Second ­Ken Matthews. Unanimously approved.

Treasurer's Report: Dennis Ahalt: Opening balance = $34,918.96; receipts = $717.50; Oct. expenses = $3,059.80; Fund Balance 10/29/07 = $32,576.66.

Executive Committee: Carol Cahall ­ Keir reports that signs will be placed at either end of the town by the end of the year. Cost will be $120. The chamber provided funds for advertising in the town news letter for the businesses affected by the fire. When the businesses re-open, the chamber has agreed to help promote the re-opening. The annual planning meeting was held on Oct. 31st. A budget was prepared. A report will be provided at the next membership meeting. The web site contract for the coming year has been awarded to "Red Noodle" after Keir Knight withdrew his bid. We are currently looking for a new Advertising and Marketing Chairman.

Membership: Dennis Emmerson ­ We ended the year 2007 with 369 members. All new members from this point will be for 2008.

Ambassador Committee: Ellie Bonde ­ Ellie reminded the membership that the chamber provides free name tags for members. New member packets are being assembled and a new member orientation will be held in January 2008.

Professional Development: Marlene Titus ­ The business planning workshop has been completed. A survey was handed out. Marlene reminded members that there are new requirements for sponsors of workshops.

Business Expo: Jeanne & Howard LeRoux ­ Operation Kidsafe has signed up for the Expo and are looking for a sponsor to cover their expenses. This is a child identification & safety program that uses digital technology and does not collect any data on the children and uses NO messy ink. This program will also provide an incredible media blitz to the newspapers, radio and possibly TV plus 5,000 flyers going to all the local schools, daycare centers, fast food restaurants, etc. There will be sign up for Expo vendors and sponsors at the membership drive Nov. 15th. There will be a 10% discount for paid applications on the 15th only. We are looking to make this a family event and will have activities for everyone: Bloodmobile & blood pressure screenings. Moon Bounce, face painting, magic show, crab races. Medevac Shopping Patriot Guard Riders on motorcycles. Live remote radio broadcast. Set up starts at 4:00 p.m. on Friday evening and last until 8 a.m. Saturday morning.

Advertising & Marketing: Keir Knight- Keir submitted his resignation as chairman of the committee. However, he agreed to stay on until 12/31 if necessary.The annual membership drive is November 15th at Century Ford in Mt. Airy. Ads have been placed. The budget for the year is $13000. Actual expenditures were $12,690.

Phone Book: Sign up at the membership drive on Nov. 15th and get a 5% discount.

Social Committee: John Beck ­ On December 6th a business card exchange will be held at Calvary United Methodist church 4-7 pm.

Carroll County Chamber: Tim Barkley Frederick County Chamber: John Beck

South Carroll Bus. Assn: Alice Decker Carroll Cahall asked for volunteers for an audit committee.

Submitted; Archie Rogers, Recording Secretary