Randy Fry presiding

In Attendance: Delores Miller, Paula Carter, Marlene Feisthamel, David Vallely, Gene Blakey, Katharine Wurm, Randy Fry, Ted Hilmery and Brenna Davis

Minutes: Marlene moved, seconded by Paula, to accept as sent out. All in favor.

Treasurer’s report: Our ending balance is $4,715.15 with all March bills paid. Marlene moved, seconded by Brenna, to reimburse the City of Battlefield for paying their dues twice. All in favor. Marlene moved, seconded by Paula, to accept the report as passed out. All in favor.

Introductions: Ted Hilmery, superintendent of Wilson’s Creek Battlefield, was present and was introduced to all present.

Old Business: BY-LAWS: Upon reading the by-laws we noted that article IV section 2 states that the board term is 3 years. Nothing shows that consecutive terms can not be held.

WELCOME PACKET: Several items were brought to the meeting. We might have enough for future packets. However, if you want an item to be included we would gladly accept more items. At this time most of the items are flyers or business cards. Items can be left at Feisthamel Dentistry or contact Brenna at 823-8878.

FYI advertising: The circulation for the southtown area is 25,000. Cost for a 1/4 black and white page would be $275 and ½ page would be $500. No contract is needed. It was felt that this would be a good way to get out our special events; July 4, garage sale etc.

HEALTH FAIR: Marlene has not had a great response as to participants in the Health Fair. But she plans to continue. This event will be held on April 19 at the Community Room.

FUNDRAISERS AND USES OF MONEY--GARAGE SALE: Cody’s as agreed to let us put "Chamber pots" on their lot. Marlene will try to get them donate product and maybe Krispy Creme to donate donuts. Port a potties cost is $40 per day if we have 4 or 5 and $60 a day for less. There also is a hand washing unit for $40 a day. If maintenance is needed the cost is $20. Marlene moved, seconded by Katharine, to allow Delores to negotiate for 4 units and 1 hand washing unit, with the hopes that we can get them to donate the cost of the handwashing unit, with up to $400 allocated for this. All in favor. Brenna contacted the City Hall girls and they are willing to continue taking the money and getting the map ready. It was decided to hold this at the same time as the Health Fair- hoping to get more people in the area involved. The city-wide garage sale will be April 18 & 19. Notices will be put on the sewer bills. Steve Reith and Godfathers will be asked to put the information on their signs. We will need people to man the "Chamber Pot" and concession area.

JULY 4th: Gene stated that we sold 4 items last year and lost money. Gene passed around a bottle of water showing that we could have our label on the bottle. The thought was to almost give the water away and sell other items at a booth. Gene, Kathryn and Paula will serve on this committee. There was some discussion about getting a cannon. Ted suggested talking to reinactors or the National Guard. Delores mentioned having a Car Show.

HALLOWEEN: We donate money and people for this.

SANTA CLAUSE: We donate money.

MEMBERSHIP DRIVE: Paula and her committee are still contacting prospective members. Most are home based and want to know "What is in it for me" to be a Chamber member. It is felt that networking is a way to help.

AUDIT: John Reep as left the area. Gene will contact Beverly Cole after the tax season to see is she can help us.

INCOME TAX: Randy will get the form filed by the May due date.

NEW BUSINESS:

MIXERS: Three chamber members and 10-11 others attended the February mixe4r. The March mixer will be held on the 20th at 11:30a at Community Room. Wood & Huston Bank is sponsoring this mixer. Bring $8 per person for the lunch, cash or check. Bring anything to promote your business- business cards, brochures, ink pens, t-shirts etc. Please RSVP to Randy This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by March 17th so the food can be ordered. Sponsors are needed for future mixers. Sponsorship cost is $75 or smaller if 2 businesses combine. Sponsors will give a 5-15 minute presentation on their business. All mixer attendees should bring business cards or flyers.

FARMER’S MARKET: Paula met with the Park Board president and they might take this project on. David Crump also stated that he could give us some insights. Paula stated that it is too late to get this going this year.

BOARD MEETING TIME: Marlene had left the meeting by this time. It was decided to table this until the April meeting. The thought is to change the time to daytime as many of us have too many night meetings . The location would probably also have to change. Any insights? Please send your comments to Brenna at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 823-8878

ADJOURN: Gene moved, seconded by Brenna to adjourn at 8:00pm
Sincerely Submitted,
Brenna Davis,
Secretary