Garden County Nebraska

GardenCoNe.com

Oshkosh, Lewellen, Lisco

Garden County Chamber of Commerce
Regular Meeting Minutes
March 15, 2007
Secretary Jesse Bell

The March Chamber of Commerce meeting was held March 15th, 2007, at the S&S Café in Oshkosh. 31 were present; supper was served at 6:30 PM. The meeting was called to order by President Nathan Loyd at 7:20PM. The minutes from the February meeting were accepted. The Treasurer's report was reviewed. It was determined we voted in January to contribute to the Cornhusker Boy's and Girl's State.

Marlis Shearer questioned if Chamber should be keeping a % of the Chamber Bucks as other communities have done. Kathleen Loyd stated that most but not all businesses make people who cash in their bucks spend all but $1 or less of their total in the business and don't cash in the bucks. Some people who have Chamber Bucks will also use them to pay off bills at local businesses. The concern is that if we charge more for the Chamber Bucks that businesses won't use them. Jim McKeeman said that the main focus is to have people shop locally and not go out of town. Cashing out Chamber Bucks allows people to take the cash and take their business elsewhere. Kathleen stated that the Bucks are working well and didn't feel we should change them. Gladys Arnett stated that we should pursue making the Chamber Bucks more readily available to the community. Marlis suggested we market them more. Jim suggested we have a committee to advertise for them year round for occasions such as showers, birthdays, etc. and not just advertise for the Christmas Bucks.

Kathleen Loyd reported for the Retail Committee. She stated that the main concern was Chamber Bucks and also that they are short on funds. She asked for donors for the Easter Egg Hunt. 12 businesses agreed to donate $25 each: Toolhouse, GC News, Locust Tree, Oshkosh Cleaners, Country Fixin's/Monica Holthus, Gette Seed, Kwik Stop, 2nd Chance, Nerud Insurance, Panhandle Shares, and Pat Ainsworth/The Trophy Guy Amended to include: Oshkosh Superette, Tom Owen, and Wylie and Kristen Dempcy. Stacy Namuth is in charge of the hunt. The original retail budget was $5,000 and they are $900 short but others are planning to join Chamber so we hope to make the budget.

Don Bentley spoke for the Tourism Committee. They are planning a new website logo. Ardena Regier said the Byways are hoping for new members along HWY 26. There is no fee to join and they have 4 meetings a year which is required to get their funding. She stated that HWY 26 is our oldest Byway. Bruce Burdick stated that they are trying to get a resource person to do brochures for tourist businesses that don't currently have brochures. Rhona Blake is going to be at the 17 Ranch Winery on the 23rd to discuss assisting with the brochures. Ash Hollow, DP's, and the 17 Ranch Winery are the businesses participating thus far and they hope to have others join.

Paula Sissell was present as the school liaison. She stated that the Chamber partners in the before and after school program. She then passed out a survey for the program for Chamber members to fill out. It was moved by Ardena Regier and seconded by Tom Sullivan to sign a letter of support for the school program from the Chamber. She also stated that she has a website with resources with cost comparisons on properties for every county in Nebraska and where all the money goes to if anyone is interested. Marlis stated that the website explains property taxes, the State aid formula, etc.

Ron Shearer reported for the County Commissioners. He explained the 911 enhanced phone system that is in the works. Ron stated that our county can't afford it alone so we are partnering with Keith County. The problem is that we currently can't track 911 calls. Phase 2 of the program will include a wireless phone system. Ron also stated that the courthouse is getting a new much needed heating system upstairs and that the application for Livestock Friendly has been mailed to the State.

Chris Singpiel, Garden County Sheriff, stated that a new deputy has been hired, Brian Burish, who starts April 10th. He is moving here with his wife and son and will start by attending the academy for 14 weeks. Chris also discussed the new 911 system. He stated it will cost around $250,000 to get it running, some of which will be federally funded. Keith County is spending roughly $100,000 for the system. 911 calls will go through the Keith County office and then be routed to our office. The Deputy's will all have GPS tracking units in their vehicles. He stated that right now 911 calls are untrackable so if someone calls 911 they must give their location or officers may not be able to locate the call. Someone will come in and map the county for the GPS units. Phase 2 will include GPS on all cell phones. Right now 911 calls from cell phones are determined by location to towers and which tower picks up the phone call.

Nathan Loyd discussed the 4th of July. He stated that it is unsure at this time if the dance will be held in the auditorium or if it will be a street dance. Jim Dandy was hired for the alumni dance for around $1500. Gladys stated that the main issue is that kids can't go to the dance when its moved inside at the Eagles for inclement weather.

Nathan and Terri McCord spoke for the fundraising committee. They are considering a raffle for a gift certificate or Chamber Bucks with the drawing done at the 4th of July during the BBQ or the parade. Gladys suggested we have more than one fundraiser. Also if Chamber Bucks are used they are expected to all be spent locally.

Shirley Sullivan reported for Team Mates. Team Mates is a mentoring program in the schools and the goal is for youth to receive guidance, relationships, etc. from their mentor. The adults spend 1 hour per week with their mentee. A few of the businesses allow their employees to leave to attend their sessions. The organization has 14 mentors and some students have been mentees since 2000 and 1 student in the program has graduated. With the program students show a 40% improvement in academics. The team would benefit if more mentors would join. The students receive $100 per year for participating and following the rules. It is proven that 2 years of higher education will double the salary of a High School grad. There is a walkathon April 22nd at 1pm at the City Park. The fee to register is $10 and the money is for a scholarship for a graduate in the program. Memorial Donations can also be made. Contact Shirley or Leo Turner for further information.

Nathan stated that Jean Jensen wanted the group to be aware of a presentation on Planned Giving for Tuesday the 20th at 7pm and again Wednesday at 6pm at the VOA.

Jack motioned to adjourn at 8:20pm, seconded by Dick Bennett. Meeting adjourned.

Next Meeting: April 19, 2007 at the 17Ranch Winery.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jesse Belle, Secretary

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