Garden County Nebraska

GardenCoNe.com

Oshkosh, Lewellen, Lisco

Garden County Chamber of Commerce
November 15, 2007 Meeting
Jesse Bell, Secretary

The November Garden County Chamber of Commerce meeting was held on November 15, 2007, at the S'n'S Café and Lounge in Oshkosh. Dinner of soup, sandwich, and salad bar was served starting at 6:30pm. The meeting was called to order by President Nathan Loyd at 7:20pm.

Old Business was discussed. The Vice President position for the 2008 year is Terri O'brien. The secretary position is still open. Contact Todd Royston if interested. Don Bentley also wishes to retire for the Tourism Committee and needs a replacement. Let him know if you are interested.

Committee report for the county commissioners was given by Ron Shearer. They are putting in a generator at the Antelope Valley Church to assist with communication in that area.

Jesse Bell reported that there will be a special board meeting to show support for Gina Justus, NP, following her recent assault in her home. The meeting will be Friday November 16, 2007, at 7pm in the Nursing Home activities room.

Jean Jensen discussed the hometown competitiveness project. She described ways people can increase their donations. She stated that an estate was left to the VOA and that 80% of the population donates to something while only 7% leave money in their estates. When giving we need to be sure to "give smart". More people want to give to help local funds here such as the Homecoming Day and these events need supported. An example of a donation she gave is that the VOA received a steer and the processing for the food pantry. They also received a $200,000 life insurance policy through donation.

Gladys Arnett reported that she still needs more information from people for the website in advance so it can be posted.

Terri O'brien reported about the Veterans display on Main Street. It is in the old hardware building. She said the display is a huge tourism attraction as people travel the country to see these displays. In our county alone over 480 soldiers have been overseas, and over half of our county are veterans of some form. The display includes the name, rank, picture, etc. The purple display is for those killed in action. People are asked not to send original pictures as they will not be sent back.

The group at this time welcomed Mike O'brien back from Iraq.

For New Business, Santa will be at the Senior Center on December 7th. Penny, Terri, and Bobbi will meet at 1pm at the grocery store to prepare 125 sacks for the kids. Nate will contact Joe Quinn about the fire truck to transport Santa.

The soup suppers will start the 1st Monday after Thanksgiving and will be from approximately 5-7pm. There will not be a soup supper December 17th due to the Eastern Star supper. The dinners will be the 26th, 3rd, and 10th.

Chamber will do weekly drawings for $100 in Chamber Bucks to be divided into 5: $20 winners. The bucks will be drawn at the soup suppers except in November. Businesses will handle the raffle tickets and boxes will be picked up on Monday of the drawing. Customers may sign for the drawing each time a purchase is made in that business. A drawing might be done the week of the 17th, possibly at the Chamber Christmas party. This will be in the paper and businesses will be contacted about their participation.

Gladys stated anyone wanting the train for Christmas caroling should call to schedule it in advance.

A motion was made by Jack Nerud and seconded by Todd Royston to move the Chamber meetings to quarterly. Motion carried by unanimous vote. Committees will need to meet more frequently.

Bobbi and Jesse volunteered to plan the Christmas party for possibly December 18th.

We will allow businesses not belonging to Chamber to list with Chamber in the paper for the Christmas events and they will be encouraged to then join the Chamber. We will give new businesses ½ membership dues for their first year.

Jack motioned to accept the previous minutes and financial report and it was seconded by Terri.

Jack moved to adjourn and Barb Moffat seconded. Meeting adjourned at 8:20pm.

Submitted Respectfully,

Jesse Bell, GC Chamber Secretary

Next Meeting
December Christmas Party TBA

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