Garden County Nebraska

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Oshkosh, Lewellen, Lisco

Garden County Chamber of Commerce
Regular Meeting Minutes
January 18, 2007

The Garden County Chamber of Commerce January meeting was held at the 17 Ranch Winery in Lewellen on January 18, 2007. The meeting was called to order at 7:15 pm by Nathan Loyd, Chamber president. A presentation was made to Bonnie Eckles by Carol Lake in thanks for her participation and devotion. Nathan Loyd also made a presentation to Carol Lake for her hard work, devotion, and participation as the previous Chamber president.

Nathan provided members with a copy of the 2007 budget proposal. The first topic to discuss concerning the proposal was the Fourth of July Fireworks. It was pointed out that the cost listed for last years fireworks would be less because the fireworks purchased for the Fall Festival were included in the budget. Nathan explained that the volunteers who had done the fireworks in years past could no longer light off the fireworks due to liability insurance. Nathan has contacted a company out of Grand Island who can provide a 15 minute display of 100 shells for $1750. Last year we spent 80 shells in 40 minutes. The difference between this and shows done locally in the past is that the company will do a class C show vs. the class B show our volunteers have done before. It is a difference of using 2 ¼ inch shells vs. the 3 inch shells we have used before. Therefore, the shells will fire lower than what we have used before. A motion was made by Kathleen Loyd to contract with the company for the $1750. The motion was seconded by Ron Shearer. Motion carried.

Greg Stanfield, Garden County Principal, presented the group with the latest news from the school. He discussed the new form of testing that was being introduced. He also mentioned that there is a science fair coming up and the school plans to invite Chamber members to judge the fair.

Jean Jensen discussed a grant from Regional West for technical assistance for businesses. She asked for a letter of support from Chamber. The grant is geared toward community planning, Hometown Competitiveness, etc. It is designed to help market products and services. The grant is for a cash match of funds donated. Mike Sullivan made a motion to donate $100. It was seconded by Bonnie Eckles. Motion carried.

It was discussed that the group would benefit from a fund-raising committee. Mike Sullivan suggested talking to some of our local musicians. Kathleen Loyd discussed that Chamber is also in need for members for the retail committee.

Jack Nerud discussed the Farm and Ranch show for the following week. He said the Garden County Growth and Development Committee developed the show and it has been going for years. He also stated that the fireworks issue is not just a town issue but a county issue and to consider looking around for the funds.

Gladys Arnett discussed the deficiency in the Garden County website in the Chamber area and asked for more news from Chamber. She stated the website had 69,000 hits last year with an average of 2 ½ pages viewed per hit. She also asked for information from the economic development committee. Ardena Regier sent out 158 letters with brochures in response to requests for information about our area. Ellen Burdick offered to display brochures from businesses at their business. Terry McCord belongs to PAD and said that brochures are are one thing that is recommended to help our community and should be handed out at Farm and Ranch Day. Jean Jensen also mentioned that there is an Art Show at the Riverview Assisted Living this Saturday.

A motion to adjourn was made by Barb Moffat and seconded by Kathleen Loyd.

Next Meeting: February 15, 2007

Respectfully Submitted,

Jesse Belle, Secretary

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