Chamber of Commerce Minutes
April 8, 2008
Members present: Cheryl Peters, Joann Gillespie, Gary Gillespie, Eldonna Houser, Lester Miller, Troy Crane, Marcia Elstob, Emma Trekell, Renee Grigat, Peggy Spell, Saundra Summers, Merna McGinnis, Christy Loflin, Kerry Loflin, Nick Palmer, Peter L. Dawson, Donna Walker, Darrell Mackey, Jay D. Suhler
Guest were: Leslie Morris, Billy Gourley
Meeting called to order at 12:10p.m. By President Monte Barham.
March minutes were present in writing. Motion made by Troy Crane to accept the minutes of March 4, 2008. Seconded by Jerry. All voted AYE
Treasurer’s report was presented in writing. Motion made by Emma Trekell to accept the treasurer’s report as presented. Seconded by Jay Suhler. All voted AYE
Marcia Elstob stated that she will be getting all business from last year paid membership in the Chamber Corner articles in the Plainsman Herald and will start on the new memberships soon, Gloria Jean will also be putting them on the WEB page.
Renee Grigat stated that more help is needed with the fall equinox. Their next meeting will be Tuesday the 15th at the Bar 4 at 5:15 p.m. She stated that work is being done to get a 2-day event for fall of 2009.
Kathy Self has on high school student that is working on the shop at home ads, as Darrell Mackey has turned this project over to Kathy.
Downtown beautification. Darrin Deen was not available for this meeting, but Monte gave his report. Everitt Moore Lumber has park benches that could be used for the beautification project. This way our monies can be spent locally. A suggestion was to have the English department do research and write some articles about the past history of the many buildings in Springfield.
Golf course still has the water situation to overcome. No other news here.
Indoor event center. Lyndell Bryan has plans & drawings for the new 150 x 200 center. GOCO will do a 70% funding. In the current plan the building will cost $207,000.00, and installed it would be $315,000.00, but this does not include restrooms or concession areas. Leslie Morris and Christy Loflin said in order to draw the rodeo crowd the arena needs to be at least 150 x 300.
Jerry Loflin passed around the sample of the plaques she had received in the mail, which were not very good. It was suggested that she check with the jewelry store in Lamar.
Billy Gourley stated that he will be doing the Derby again, with more cars and tractors. He is wanting to get a Home Grown Carnival started. This would be where local people would buy the rides and games and keep them stored here and then they could be used at any and all activities in the county. He would like to have it for 3 days during fair time. Grant monies are available to assist in obtaining them. He is also getting a Iron man-woman contest lined up. Another idea is to have a poker tournament.
Troy Crane announced that the county has received a $350,000.00 grant from the Historical Society to restore our courthouse. This will be an 18-month project. They have also received $500,000. From DOLA. The total cost of the restoration is 3 million dollars.
Motion made by Emma Trekell to adjourn the meeting at 1:10 p.m. Seconded by Darrell Mackey.
Next meeting will be May 6th at Trails End at 12:00.
Equinox Booths at Festival