Garden County Nebraska

GardenCoNe.com

Oshkosh, Lewellen, Lisco

Garden County Chamber of Commerce
Regular Meeting Minutes
April 19, 2007
Secretary Jesse Bell

The Garden County Chamber of Commerce meeting was held on April 19th, 2007 at the 17 Ranch Winery in Lewellen, NE. Dinner and dessert was prepared the served by Bruce and Ellen Burdick, owners of the winery.

The meeting was called to order by Kathleen Loyd, at 7:25pm. Kathleen asked that speakers at meetings stand up and speak loudly so others can hear them and to please let Nathan know if people have any suggestions for the meetings.

Jesse stated there were changes to the March minutes to include 3 businesses for donations for the Easter Egg Hunt: Oshkosh Superette, Tom Owen, and Wylie and Kristen Dempcy. Terry McCord made a motion to pass the minutes as corrected and Ardena Regier seconded the motion. March minutes passed. The Treasurer's report was provided by Bonnie Eckles. New members and guests were introduced including Arnold Kitchens who joins our community with Gina Justus, our new Nurse Practitioner for Garden County Health Services. Bill and Joyce Olson were also in attendance. Kathleen thanked everyone who attended for their continued support.

Bruce Burdick reported on the brochures project. He stated brochures were up at the 17 Ranch Winery and were being put up at the State Parks. The display at the winery can be expanded as needed. There is a lake meeting at the winery next week that will hopefully encourage businesses to add brochures to the display. Ellen Burdick stated that there is a statewide brochure swap in Kearney coming up and businesses should get brochures to Orla Kipp to participate in the swap. Orla would be present at the next Biways meeting which Marlis stated is to be held May 3rd at the Lisco State Bank at 10am. Marlis also explained that Biways is an organization that works to find ways that businesses can get people to stop at the businesses located along the Biways.

Don Bentley reported for the tourism committee that they will be bulk mailing brochures as well. Ardena asked for brochures for Ash Hollow to be mailed. Julie Jorgensen also mentioned that a new brochure for Garden County Schools was recently mailed to people within the community to promote our schools as our school age children population is declining.

Ardena Regier mentioned that there is an issue at the airport with the length of our runway. She stated that hunter's who wish to fly in during season are unable to land here. This is not because of ability, but because their insurance carriers require runways to be a certain length to land private planes and our runway does not meet those criteria. She stated that it is something to consider modifying because of the amount of business those individuals bring into our community.

The 4th of July committee reported that they have booked the band "The Night Driver's" for the dance and the Eagles will split the cost of the band which is $450 for the event. The committee has chosen to have a street dance so families can attend with their children.

Terry McCord reported for the Fundraising Committee. Pat Ainsworth sent a sample of a raffle plan that was a can designed to look like a firecracker that could be placed in the businesses willing to participate in the raffle. The group agreed that Chamber Bucks would be the appropriate prize since we have been encouraging promoting the Bucks. Tickets would sell at 1 for $5 or 5 for $10. The total prize winnings would be $600 drawn at the 4th of July celebration.

Terri O'brien brought purchase orders for yard signs to support our local troops. They are $25 each and she will be putting order forms out at businesses. She also mentioned that the VFW Ladies Auxiliary will be setting boxes out around the community to gather supplies to send to the troops and that any businesses or individuals willing to donate items or money to help with shipping are greatly appreciated. She is also forming a Family Readiness group in Garden County to offer support for the families and friends of military personnel. The Administration of local communities including Garden County and Chappell have agreed to help support our troops by having children write letters to the troops. Terri also suggested some other ways to show support include planting yellow marigolds in the shape of ribbons and tying yellow ribbons around town and she asked that the beautification committee help support the project. Terry said she is involved in a project in North Platte where they are tying yellow ribbons to every major street pole. She updated the group on the whereabouts of our local troops stating they are stationed in Tecatum, Iraq, which is about 56 miles west of Baghdad. She is in the process of planning a homecoming party for September and hopes for a dinner or dance in celebration of the return of the 1074 Unit.

Jean Jensen reported on the BECA Economic Grant that Chamber supported along with several other groups and organizations. Our community is receiving $40,000 which was broken down in a report provided by Jean. The grant coincides with the Hometown Competitiveness Program. Jean provided the summary for what was included in the grant which lists the goals for the funds including:

1. Identify lead organization members to direct the economic development process in Garden County
2. Train community residents in strategic planning methods to allow for broad-based planning in the county including youth, business community and support services
3. Provide training for business development and retention.

Committees are to be formed at a meeting on April 25th at 7pm with a tentative location at Garden County High School.

Jean also reported that the preschool grant funding of $40,000 has been cut by the state. The funding changed based on a state aid formula that used the amount of land our community owns in perspective to our population. Paula Sissel, Garden County Superintendent, is meeting with Senator Erdman this week on this matter. State Legislature will have to pass an amendment to the current legislation in order for us to receive our funds. Erdman has received emails and letters on this matter and hopefully we will hear good news when Dr. Sissel returns. Senator Ron Raikes developed the formula that was responsible for our disqualification for pre-school funding.

For New Business Kathleen stated that our membership budget has exceeded the $5,000 requirement. The group decided not to form a Chamber Bucks committee to promote the Bucks at this time since the fundraising committee is promoting them with their raffles. There was a question about who developed the 4th of July theme for the parade and it was determined this is done by the Lion's Club. Jesse recommended a theme for "Support Our Troops" and Mike Jorgensen said he would mention it to the Lion's Club.

Shirley Sullivan spoke on behalf of TeamMates. She stated that Tom Osborne's daughter is now the new coordinator for the program. This Sunday at 1pm is the One Hour Walkathon to raise funds for the TeamMates scholarship. It is $10 and begins at the City Park in Oshkosh.

With no further business, Terry McCord made a motion to adjourn. It was seconded by Ron Shearer. The meeting adjourned at 8:15pm.

Next Meeting: May 17, 2007 at Eagles

Respectfully Submitted,

Jesse Belle, Secretary

Archives of previous Meeting Minutes:
Garden County Chamber of Commerce Archives of Minutes