Chamber News – March 2024
Welcome: Pastor Bill – Rockford United Methodist Church and our newest Board member.
Financial Report – Amanda Peel – no activity since January. Donation request – members agreed to donate $200 to the Rockford Lions Club Quarter Auction.
Old Business:
Chamber directory — done and files have been sent to Reynolds for printing – should be done by Spring Fling !
Spring Fling – “Happiness Blooms Here” – planning and preparations
Amy Noll leading the Vendor Market – 55 potential vendors to date. Vendor event from 1 – 5 pm.
Jim Dettrow organizing the Car Show. – $10 registration fee – Jim will have registration forms at the check in area.
Parking blocked off on Main Street by 8 am – — who can do this- Luke has volunteered 😊
Kids Zone – Middle of Market Street – blocked off like Rocktoberfest – except Peoples Bank entry and exit for ATM … Also needs blocked off – Luke has volunteered. 😊
Flowers and flowers pots — taken off the agenda — would need to be ‘hands on’ – limited volunteers
Flower photo booth – Shelley talking plans with Mr. Post.
Petting zoo – mini cows
Spin the Wheel – need some prizes (Ashley and Bailey – maybe Rachel can help)
Teacher Association participation – Shelley will contact to see if they can provide an activitiy
Will use pop up tents for activities
Mercer Health donating large shopping bags – Thank you !
Betsey’s will have a make and create flower bouquets in front of the store.
German Food Truck @ Second Crossing – 5 pm – music later in the evening
Mexican Fiesta @ Eagles – 5 pm – music later in the evening.
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.
Suggested having the SMILE group sell coffee and their other items at the Rockford United Methodist Fellowship Hall —- just a little off Main Street and should be a problem with some signage. Shelly to also check into this.
The cigar shop will be selling nitro coffee.
Email Chamber members – spring fling information to date.
Extra Police Patrol — not at this time.
Lacey will start marketing what we have so far – information can be updated as work out the details.
Kylie – Thank you for taking the lead for the Business Spotlights. VERY nice. Have 2 more to post and will send a reminder to the businesses to get their ‘Business Spotlight’ completed and sent to us.
Business updates –
Hang Over Brews – Grand Opening / ribbon cutting – Saturday – March 16th at 5 pm
New Ownership – Dental Clinic – no updates yet
Rockford Carry Out – for sale
Tastee Twirl – for sale
Brand It Marketing – Grand re-opening in town / ribbing cutting to be determined.
New Business:
Looking Ahead to 2024
- 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
