In attendance:  Mary Fran Nikolai, Curtis Ruhser, Brian Bruening, Ann Payne and Patti Mittelstadt; guest, Bryce Durbin, Clayton County Register

Call to Order

Minutes

Financial Report:  Tim was not in attendance, but provided a financial report stating account balances as of 3/5/08.  Detail was also provided for the Freedom Bank checking account for the period 2/13/08 to 3/5/08.

Current Business:

Budgeting and Goal Setting

• Patti shared copies of the final budget spreadsheet and noted that the line item for printing has been increased by $20 to include set up and re-printing of our Chamber Bucks with no signature and no expiration date.  Curtis moved that we go ahead and have the Chamber Bucks re-printed; Brian seconded; motion carried.
• Patti shared a quote from Riverland Expressions in Lansing for 144 coffee mugs @ $1.80 each.  The budget line item for Welcomes/After 5s was decreased by $57.76 to reflect this better price for mugs.  The mugs will be white with a one-color imprint.  After discussion, the group agreed that a maroon imprint of the Chamber logo would be in keeping with other Chamber color themes.  Curtis moved that we go ahead and order these coffee mugs; Brian seconded; motion carried.

Memberships

Patti reported that she did mail out reminder postcards to those who have not yet paid their dues, and that membership checks are trickling in.

Mascara Park Reconstruction Project

Mary Fran shared information on the Buy-a-Brick program for Mascara Park.  Each brick is $40, with 2 lines of text, 17 characters per line.  Brian moved that the Chamber purchase 2 bricks to read, “Elkader Chamber of Commerce;” Ann seconded; motion carried.

Golf Tournament

Mary Fran noted that the Board needs to begin thinking about food, sponsorships, and raffle prizes for the upcoming golf tournament in July.

Sweet Corn Days

Brian shared plans for Sweet Corn Days, which will be a 4-day event this year (July 24-27) as Second City will be performing at the Opera House on Thursday that week.  Other events include live music on Friday and Saturday nights, the parade, a softball tournament, and more.  The golf tournament is held on that Saturday as well.  Brian suggest the Chamber plan an entry for the Sweet Corn Days parade.  He will keep us informed on the committee’s activities and progess.

Old Business:

Retail Committee Activities

Curtis shared a brief financial report for the Elkader Retail Committee, which has a bank balance of $543.16 with Ladies Day Out expenses for advertising and printing totaling $694.00.  Curtis requested $200 from the Chamber to help with these expenses.  Mary Fran noted that the Chamber budget includes $250 per quarter to support the Retail Committee.  Ann moved that we go ahead and disburse $250 to the Retail Committee; Brian seconded; motion carried.

Website Issues/Updates

Claire has issued a printed report addressing the Chamber’s website, including the new calendar feature and Elkader Medical Associates as the featured business.  She is updating the paid membership list on the website.  She also discussed including a community photo gallery page, and would welcome input and ideas from Chamber board members.  You may e-mail these directly to Claire.

Welcomes / After 5’s

Freedom Bank has scheduled an After 5 for Tuesday, March 25, 2008 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the bank.  Patti provided them with mailing labels; they will not be advertising this event in the newspapers as it is by invitation only.  The Chamber will be providing them with $25 to help with refreshment expenses.  PLEASE MARK THIS DATE ON YOUR CALENDARS AND PLAN TO ATTEND.

• “Nuts for Popcorn” and Joni’s Refinishing have been contacted, but have not yet decided when/if to host an event.

• New businesses for future contact will include the Elkader Jailhouse Inn , Fennelly’s Irish Pub, and Elkader Tech.

Adjourn:

Curtis moved for adjournment, seconded by Brian.