Chamber News – August 2024
Welcome:
Financial Report –- Amanda has resigned as the Chamber Treasurer. We understand the situation and thank her for her years of volunteering and supporting the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
Will take minutes to Peoples bank to have Amanda removed from the bank account.
Motion Ami. Second Lacey to appoint Kylie Houser as the new Chamber Treasurer – all approved.
Will take minutes to Peoples bank to have Kylie Houser added to the bank account.
Motion Kylie. Second Ami to appoint Ashley Stetler as the new Vice President – all approved.
Approval to send $500 to scholarship award winner – Francesca Steinbrunner.
Back ground on the Citizens Crime Awareness fund – started in 2004 and the funds haven’t been used much. Recommend we close out the Crime Awareness Fund and donate the funds to the Rockford Police Department – / Village of Rockford for new radio communications that the police department needs to have in place by next year. Motion Ami. Second Kylie to approve closing the Citizens Crime Awareness Fund that has been held in the Leota Braun Foundation. Once we have the funds we donate to the Rockford Police for needed radios. All approved. Will have Lacey fill out the request for funds and closure of the account.
Mendon LAMP – holding a quarter auction requesting a donation. We have donated in the past but with the current situation regarding gift certificates — the businesses that usually accepted them are no longer in business. Will put a hold on gift certificates – Will discuss at the next meeting.
Old Business:
September 11th – SOCA meeting – flyer has been sent to chamber members and given to the Board. Use the QR code to make RSVP. The Rockford Chamber will share in the costs in hosting the meeting and will pay for our chamber members lunch for those that attend. This will fulfill the requirements for our Anthem meeting in the fall. We can invoice SOCA for $250 after the event.
Rocktoberfest —- Saturday – October 26th – 1- 5 pm (trick or treat 5-6:30 and 7 pm Costume judging at the Fire Station. The following from last months meeting minutes:
*Tractor rides– location Columbia St
* Children’s games (free) – location
* Spin the Wheel – $1 per spin to win a prize
* Junk Food Wheel – $.25 per paddle – Wabash Communications will be the Sponsor — need volunteers to help run the event.
* Haunted house — need a location – Ashley will check with Lucas Luginbill.
*Fall Photo Booth – Shelley to check with Mr. Post
Cotton Candy machine —- looking at making a purchase – Ashley
Amy Noll —- asking Jim Dettrow about organizing a Car Show — Outside the Village Hall as in the past — unless we can decide on another location.
Streets closures – request the Village – close Market St East, Columbia St. East. And request no parking on Main Street from 8 am to 8 pm the day of the event.
Will have a 20 x 40 tent set up in the same location — Between Carry Out and Peoples Bank – will not block access to Peoples Bank drive thru.
Theme for dress up during the event
Scooby Doo — Van — a maybe
Ask Fire Department to have the ladder truck with flag in the park area beside the Fire Station.
Fremont booth – Rockford Catsup !
Sponsorship levels –
Gold Sponsor – $500
Silver Sponsor – $250
Bronze Sponsor – $100
* Events listed on the flyer / advertising – $25 donation
Main Street Committee meeting tonight at 6 pm at Second Crossing. Will possibly have another ‘Roctoberfest’ meeting only on August 29th at 8:30 am.
New Business:
New Business/ New Chamber member — Grains of Love by Megan – local sourdough baker. They will be in touch about having a grand opening.
New Business Venture – Rockford Eagles Kitchen – Sit down dining /eventually open to the public – August 16th – soft opening for members only. They will be in touch about having a grand opening.
Carry Out —- looks like it’s sold – will be hearing more in the coming weeks.
Upcoming:
- Citizen of the Year
- Business of the Year
- New Business / Anniversary recognitions
- Anthem ad
- Small Business Saturday – ad in Photo Star
- Membership 2025 – update form send November /December deadline
