Chamber News – February 2024
Welcome: Ben Gudorf – Ohio Health – Rockford Location, Mayor Ron Searight and Amy Noll.
Made introductions.
Financial Report – Amanda Peel – Very little activity.
Old Business:
Chamber directory / website – Brand It Marketing – took photos of new Mayor and Council and will be using that information for the directory and website.
Spring Fling – “Happiness Blooms Here” – planning and preparations –
Amy Noll will lead the Vendor Market – 38 vendors at this time. Vendor event from 1 – 5 pm.
Jim Dettrow will organize the Car Show – planning on 60 – 70 cars. – $10 registration fee – He has a registration form. Jim will turn in invoice for the car show plaques — giving out 21 – Best of Show and then the top 20 will each get a plaque Chamber keeps the registration fees.
Kids Zone – discussion on location and decided to place on Market St. will block off street only allowing access to Peoples Bank. Activities flower pots / Amy Noll to try to get flowers donated and ‘flower’ photo booth – Shelley to check with Mr. Post. Will also have a petting zoo and Spin the Wheel. Shelley will contact the Teachers Association to see if they can get involved. Will use pop up tents.
Mercer Health donating large shopping bags – Thank you !
German Food Truck @ Second Crossing – 5 pm
Mexican Fiesta @ Eagles – 5 pm
Coffee Truck – don’t have one scheduled yet. Will make some contacts.
Would like to promote local foods rest of the day — RCO / to go. RoadDog will have a special,
The Panther’s Den and Tastee looking at being open by then.
Main Street – council approved closed parking 8 am – 8 pm — will need a reminder and perhaps help setting out cones early.
Betsey’s has confirmed to doing a Bouquet bar in front of the store.
Kylie – Thank you for taking the lead for the Business Spotlights posts on Facebook.
Business updates –
The Panther’s Den – formerly Subway) closed in February for remodel /Grand Opening / ribbon cutting
Hang Over Brews – Grand Opening / ribbon cutting
New Ownership – Dental Clinic – no updates yet
Rockford Carry Out – for sale
Tastee Twirl – for sale
Brand It Marketing – working on remodel hoping to move to Rockford – April ? – Grand Opening/ribbon cutting.
American Legion celebrating 100 as a Rockford Organization — will watch for their event.
New Business:
Nancy Leighner – has moved to Dayton with son – unable to give out welcome bags to new home owners. Would like to continue – will discuss at the next meeting.
Information regarding Kiosk grant application — put on hold for this year.
Amy Wendel – no updates SOCA – Southern Ohio Chamber Alliance meeting September 11th, 2024. Presentation of all benefits. How can Rockford Chamber help ? Can this be promoted as a Rockford Event also ?
Next meeting – March 14th at 8:30 am. — Parkway Local School pre-school teachers looking to raise funds for a new user friendly pre-school playground. See information.
Looking Ahead to 2024
- Update 2024 Membership for directory / web site
- Directory to printer – 1,000 copies.
- Spring Fling – May 4th
- Parkway Scholarship interviews
- Parkway Scholarship presentation
- Community Days Parade – Citizen / Business of the Year / Scholarship Winner
- Mercer County Leadership
- Golf tournament – suggestion
- SOCA – September 11th.
- Rocktoberfest 2024
- Citizen of the Year
- Business of the Year
- New Business / Anniversaries recognitions
- Chamber Business Grant applications
- Anthem ad / Anthem Presentation
- Small Business Saturday
- Membership 2025
