Chamber News – January 2025

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Chamber News – January 2025

 

Welcome and Happy New Year !

 

New Business –   Lacey and Ashley met with the Council Service Committee to discuss the Chamber’s willingness to take on the Christmas at the Park event.    The service committee agreed to the idea and so a date was chosen for Sunday – November 23rd for the Maker’s Market Holiday Baazar and Christmas at the Park event.  Both Buildings – Community Building and Shane Hall have been reserved.  The Chamber will partner with the Rockford Library in this event.   Several suggestions were made —golf cart light parade, Parkway band, carriage rides,  Walk path through the park,  luminaries,  crafts, cookies and hot chocolate to name a few.  Will be looking for sponsors and volunteers !

 

Motion Kylie and Second Shelley – to increase the Parkway Senior Scholarship to (2) at $1,000.    Will contact Parkway with the update.

 

Donation request from Rockford Community Days for the Designer Purse Bingo.  Motion Ami B to donate $500.  Second Amy W.   All approved.

 

Will be changing the Citizen of the Year and Business of the Year process.   We will email the members the form to nominate a Citizen of the Year and a Business of the Year and then the Chamber Board will make the final decision and presentation plans.

 

Will be sending the Rockford Calendar of Events to the Celina Chamber for their print materials.   Thank you to them or including our information.

 

Discussion on Spring Fling —  so many events already planned for the spring.   Will not be having Spring Fling this year.  Will concentrate on Rocktoberfest and Christmas events.

 

Rocktoberfest – changing the time from noon to 4 pm.     Would like to limit the food trucks so that our members get the food sales.

 

Kylie —- –  updated on financials and noted there are several members that haven’t renewed memberships.  Will reach out to them with a reminder.     Motion Lisa. Second Ami B to approve getting a debit card to make some purchases a little easier.     Will research venmo options as well.

 

Old Business:     

 

Brand It Marketing —  Grand opening was held on January 13th.    Congratulations and welcome to Main Street Rockford !

 

DORA signs — – no updates at this time.

 

Community giving back projects –Would like to work with the radio station for sound system at Shanes Park and also along  Main Street.

 

 

2024 – Still have 1 business to recognize and Business of the Year.

 

Motion approved to get some keys made for the Santa house.

 

 

2025 Officers —    President – Lacey Rizor – The Fix / Second Crossing, , Vice President – Ashley Stetler – WCSM Radio,  Treasurer – Kylie Houser – The Peoples Bank , and Secretary – Lisa Kuhn – Village of Rockford..

 

Board members – Ami Boley, Mercer Health,  Amy Wendel – Wabash Communications,

Shelley Muhlenkamp – Rockford Library, Tom Burtch –  Burtch’s Barn to Table Catering,

Heather Fogle – Tranquility of Rockford,  Pastor Bill – Rockford United Methodist Church,  Marilyn Long and Crysti Forlow – Ole 1820, Alyssa Stemen – First Financial Bank.

 

 

Business updates:

Grains of Love – Sourdough Bakery Café  – will schedule grand opening

Panther Cubs Corner  – daycare coming soon.

Burtch’s Barn to Table — ordered a plaque for new business

Tastee Twirl – property for sale

 

Looking Ahead to 2025

 

  • Update 2025 Memberships email / website / send welcome email / thanks for membership
  • Spring Fling –
  • Parkway Scholarship interviews
  • Parkway Scholarship presentation
  • Community Days Parade – Citizen / Business of the Year / Scholarship Winner
  • Mercer County Leadership
  • Rocktoberfest-
  • Citizen of the Year
  • Business of the Year
  • New Business / Anniversaries recognitions
  • Anthem ad / Anthem Presentation
  • Small Business Saturday
  • Membership 2026