May 2010 Minutes

RUSSELL COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

General  Meeting

May 18, 2010

The Russell County Chamber of Commerce met at The Cove on May 18, 2010, at 11:15 a.m. 

President James Gray called the meeting to order.

MINUTES

A motion was made by Joy Fletcher seconded by Jacky Burton to accept the minutes as written for the March, 2010 meeting. The motion carried.

FINANCIAL REPORT

In the absence of Sharon Hill, James Gray presented the financial report for the month of March and April, 2010. There was a beginning balance of $27,653.96 and ending balance of $32,184.62.  The financial reports were accepted as read.

BUSINESS

1. Joy Fletcher gave an update on the Blitz summary.  The Blitz was a great success with a 3% increase in membership this year. 
2. The current membership is 221 and total collected $26,295.
3. Don Byrom discussed the banquet; reported approximately 274 tickets were sold, good entertainment and positive response from attendees. 
4. Cory Stearns stated that Teresa Bricker and Jennifer Dykes will be taking over the Leadership Russell County Program for the upcoming year.  A new class will begin in August.  Jacky Burton made a motion to make the Leadership Program a function of the Chamber of Commerce; seconded by Pam Eysenbach.
5. James Gray encouraged everyone to use website and email to communicate; also feel free to make comments, suggestions, etc.
6. Ribbon cuttings are available for new businesses; anyone knowing of a new business that will be conducting a grand opening should contact the office in order for someone to attend.
7. James informed the group that Amy Stroud from the Rural Development had sent forms for nominating businesses in the 2010 Excellence in Entrepreneurship. Anyone interested should pick up a form at the Chamber office, deadline is June 1.
8. Tonya Meece gave a summary of the Business Expo.  Estimated up to 400 attending; 65 businesses participated.  Lots of great prizes were given away.  All positive comments except a problem with the sound system.  Businesses were excited and ready to have another one next year.
9. The Hospitality Training is scheduled for June 24, 2010, at the Jamestown Center.  Two sessions will be offered; one at 2 p.m. and the other at 5 p.m.  Each session will last 2 hours.  Classes are not limited to number.  Call Chamber office at 866-4333 to schedule employees.
10. John Carter gave reminder of the Spring Fest in downtown Russell Springs on May 28 and 29^th.

SPEAKER

David Hendrix gave a history of Wolf Creek Dam and the progression of the rehab program.

ADJOURN

Joy Fletcher made a motion to adjourn; Linda McFarland seconded.  Motion carried.