Chamber News: March 14, 2019

Welcome – 6 executive board members present   – Next meeting will be held on April 11 at 8 am for Board.

Opening Remarks

• February Meet and Greet – good feedback, good attendance.   The Community knows there is something happening with the Chamber
• Thank you to RCO for providing snacks!

January minutes – reviewed and approved minutes.

Financial report – Amanda gave report. Not much happening at this time. We will continue to work on memberships.

New Business

• Chief May – request funds from Crime Awareness Fund for Vests – Fund balance $6951 can use up to 10% – per Leota Braun Foundation guidelines for this account.   Committee approved the 10% withdraw. Amanda will start process talking with Jordan to see what he needs to proceed. We will do a press release for presentation.

• Chamber benefits for newer businesses for this year.   Next year will be NEW – brand new moving forward.
  • 1st year of Rockford Chamber membership is FREE
  • Pre-ribbon cutting press release
  • Ribbon cutting and photo/promotion
  • Post-ribbon cutting press release – mention Chamber Benefits with releases
  • $50 ad to help get the new business going (online or print)
  • Laura Putman member to help keep track, and approach new members
  • Anytime we are together representing Chamber need to wear blue chamber shirt
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• Upcoming – Ribbon Cuttings
  • Stained Glass Paradise – extend stay home in Rockford

Mercer Metal

Luginbill Construction

Laura Putman Photography

Curvy Closet

Women in Business

• Community Days
  • Face Painting – Festival of Arts – may be sponsored by The Laurels – Leah to check
    • Charge $1 fee — proceeds to Parkway Scholarship
  • Laura Putman – may sponsor a Photo Booth
    • Charge $1 fee – proceeds to Parkway Scholarship

• • $10 fee for each event to sign up – Lisa will donate $20
  • 2019 Fun Challenge – Marie, Leah and Andrew working on details. Letters will soon be going to local businesses for information and participation requests.

• Updated Chamber membership to members.

• Marketing needs – more discussion at next meeting.
  • Social media promotion for fun challenge
  • #MembershipMonday posts
  • Determine direction for downtown banners

2^nd Quarter chamber member event – May

3^rd Quarter chamber member event – August

4^th Quarter chamber member event – October 7^th – Chamber Banquet

Brand It Sponsorship of Banquet.

Old Business

• Determine an Executive Board representative for big areas of Chamber business – tabled to next meeting
  • Membership
  • Marketing
  • Volunteer Coordinator
  • Chamber Banquet
  • Fundraising
• Chamber Welcome Sign – South
  • needs paint and updated discs – Contact Mr. Kuhn and get quote from Unique Awards
  • Village to take out the river rock and put in cement pad.
  • Usually transfer at least $500 each year to sign fund for upkeep needed
  • New Business –
• To be discussed at future meeting – Bonus gifts for memberships
• Rockford Rocks – around town for special discounts at businesses

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
• May – Present Chamber Scholarship Award
• May – 2^nd Quarter chamber member event
• June – Community Days involvement – Work with RSP – Challenge Course
• July – Begin designs for the Bicentennial Banners – need 2 sets
• August – Mercer County Leadership
• August – 3^rd Quarter chamber member event
• October 7^th  Chamber Banquet – (Citizen of the Year / Business of the Year)
• November / December – Membership Drive 2020