Chamber News: April 11, 2019

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Chamber News: April 11, 2019

Chamber meeting – April 11, 2019

 

Welcome – 8 board members present along with Guest speakers Michelle Clune and John Yoder.

 

 

Michelle Clune to presented information from Ohio Business Week. It’s the only week long business camp in Ohio where high school students practice tackling authentic business challenges while having a real college experience.   This year dates are July 21-27th.   High school students with advisor starts a business from start to finish – business plan, marketing, etc.   Class time, group sessions and speakers are also included in this week long business camp to prepare students for Life and achieve success.

 

John Yoder presented his experience with the camp 30 years ago. It’s in a college setting and it was good for him as a shy student to work outside of his comfort zone. It made a big difference in his life.

 

They will be contacting Parkway to see if there might be a student for this year’s camp and requesting that the chamber partner with another business to provide this opportunity to a local student.

 

The Chamber members thanked them or their time and presenting this excellent opportunity for a Parkway student. The members agreed that if a student is interested we will help support their camp fees.   Total cost of the camp is $949.   The Chamber will offer a $500 scholarship for this and the student would need to raise the additional funds from family / and or business sponsorship.

 

 

Reviewed March minutes and finances.

 

New Business

 

Chief May gave summary of the vest grant program. The grant pays 75% of the costs. The Chamber via the Crime Awareness Fund presented a check of $695 to the Rockford Police Department .

Photo taken and press release will be done.

 

May 23rd will be the Social Media presentation – open to members and public.   Chamber members will be free – will cost $10 to public and non members. Will be held at either the Library or the Community building from 6 – 8 pm.

 

The Bicentennial Committee has approached the Rockford Chamber to help organize, advertise, financially support the Bicentennial Grand Ball. The Executive Board all felt this was a great way to illustrate what the Chamber does for the community and agreed to take it on as a community service project. Tom will talk with Talonda Walls about decorating. The Carry out to take care of the catering.   Since Brand It Marketing is sponsoring the Chamber banquet – maybe some of the ideas can be used for both? More details forthcoming.

 

Upcoming – Ribbon Cuttings –

o          Stained Glass Paradise – not ready yet.

o          Mercer Metal – Lisa will contact

o          Luginbill Construction – not needed

o          Laura Putman Photography – not needed

o          Curvy Closet – Lisa will contact

o          Women in Business – May 8th with Marie attending their event.

 

 

Schedule of Community Days involvement –

 

Face Painting confirmed – Sponsored by the Laurels of Shane Hill

Location: Festival of Arts – in Community Building – Friday 5 – 9 pm

$1 fee – proceeds to Chamber Scholarship for Parkway students

 

Photo Booth confirmed – Sponsored by Laura Putman Photography

Location: Festival of Arts – in Community Building – Friday 5 – 9 pm

$1 fee – proceeds to Chamber Scholarship for Parkway students

 

2019 Fun Challenge – Marie, Leah and Andrew – letters to be mailed, beginning to advertise have a couple of registrations already.   Will be working with Jessica Shaffer on t-shirts.   Working on awards and medals to be given.   Urge businesses to participate in some way – if unable to host and event then participate by sponsorship and /or door prizes.

 

Parkway Scholarship review -Sierra will be attending the interviews on Friday – April 12th.

 

Old Business

 

Chamber Welcome Sign – South – Dan Roebuck working on painting the sign. Village will be working on the concert slab.   Will need to replace outdated discs.

 

Membership book and banners – will be later summer project.

 

Website updates– completion Fall of this year.

 

August – Mercer County Leadership program – we have 2 interested at this time. Other Chamber members interested need to contact Marie to be added to list.

 

Adjourned meeting – short time after 9 !

 

2019 Events

  • 2019 Membership Drive
  • Update the Chamber membership phone list
  • Update the Chamber membership booklet /Visitors Guide to be ready for 2020
  • April – Chamber Scholarship review applications – Sierra – April 12th – 8:30 am
  • May 15 – Present Chamber Scholarship Award – Parkway – 7 pm
  • May – 2nd Quarter chamber member event – May 23rd – 6- 8 pm
  • June – Community Days involvement – Work with RSP – Challenge Course
  • July – Begin designs for the Bicentennial Banners – need 2 sets
  • August – Mercer County Leadership
  • August – 3rd Quarter chamber member event
  • October – Chamber Banquet – (Citizen of the Year / Business of the Year)
  • November / December – Membership Drive 2020
  • November – 4th Quarter chamber member event