Chamber News – December 2025
Welcome —- Jordan Martin —– gave presentation on Anthem Insurance. 12 members present.
Financial Report: — Kylie – Holly Day event – investment to the Community was $1630.91. Was a successful community event — Comments / suggestions on next years event. We should all be looking for after Christmas sales on lights ! We need more cookies next year and smaller plates — this year had 85 dozen cookies and 400 cocoa packets. Grains has carafe that we could use next year. Would like to add to the parade — Parkway Marching band has said they will put it on their schedule. Great events and great comments. Will consider asking a group of former volunteers to hold the Christmas Decorating Contest again.
Amy Noll commended David for being every where during the event – placing signage and the videos advertising the event. WOW — over 12 thousand views ! Awesome !
Membership — we have several locals that have not renewed. Divided up the names and someone will contact each of them.
Ami commended Kylie for all her work as treasurer and keeping everything organized ! Thanks !
Old Business:
Congratulations – 2025 – Citizen of the Year – Kay Brandt – received a heartfelt letter of thanks !
Congratulation – 2025 – Business of the Year – Grains of Love
New Business –
Officers for 2026 – President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary. Discussed job duties – President runs the meeting, Vice President steps in if President unable to attend the meeting. Treasurer takes care of all the financials and Secretary takes care of correspondence.
After much discussion and nominations. Motion Ami Boley. Second Shelley Muhlenkamp to approve the following officers for 2026 – President: Lacey Rizor – The Fix / Second Crossing, Vice President: Pastor Bill – the Rockford United Methodist Church, Treasurer: Kylie Houser – The Peoples Bank Co, and Secretary: Lisa Kuhn – Village of Rockford. All approved.
Board members for 2026:
Sillena Dixson – Tranquility of Rockford
Amy Noll – Rockford Eagles
Matt Tuttle – Grains of Love
Shelley Muhlenkamp – Rockford Library
David Trisel – graf-X-cape
Ami Boley – Mercer Health
Twyla Hayes – Brand It Marketing
Amy Wendel – Wabash Mutual Telephone
Ashley Stetler – WCSM
Vice President — Pastor Bill brought up a couple things to ponder / and have for discussion in the future – Businesses want to know what their membership is paying for — what is their return on investing by paying Chamber dues. We as the Board know what we are doing and projects that we have going on and we should explain that to the members. We should find ways to enhance the businesses and draw other business to the Village.
Second item – We have a great group of people and sometimes there is conflict but that is not all bad – in the end we are all unified in wanting make Rockford better for all. Appreciate each one using their gifts and talents. Thank you each for doing your part. In the end we need UNITY in the Community !
Discussed meeting dates and timing and the idea to have the meetings in different locations – invite the members to attend – keep regular meetings and add quarterly meetings ?
The Committee discussed and decided to put together a letter to members Thanks for their support, noting what events were sponsored this year and what organizations/event we gave donation to this year with their help — example the Parkway Scholarships. Will also list future projects we are working on. This will also go in the Photo Star — David, Shelley and Kylie working on this letter / press release
Please note the dates the events for next year — Spring Fling – April 11th, Rocktoberfest – October 31st and Holly Day November 22nd.
The committee agreed to have David start working on Spring Fling graphics so we can start posting shortly after the first of the year. We are in conjunction with the Fire Department Pancake Day – rain or shine.
Reminder — Together on Christmas as the Community Building – 10:30 am – 1 pm — Volunteer or bring your family for a Christmas dinner.
Pastor Bill —- If we decide to revive the Chamber Banquet next year — Would like to offer the Rockford United Methodist Church as the location for the event.
January meeting — weather permitting – meet at the park to help take down Christmas decorations.
Mike Bruns is retiring at the end of the month — Mayor Searight will be presenting proclamation – 44 years of service to the Rockford Community – December 16th meeting at 7:30 pm.
Andrew Baker taking over Mike’s business — invite to February for introduction and will plan a ribbon cutting.
Vantage – Amy Noll volunteered and Fremont – Lacey volunteered to — to deliver plaques and congratulations to each for their anniversaries.
Meeting adjourned with a Thank you for your service to the Community and Merry Christmas to each!
