Where Business Meets Opportunity

Greater Odenville Chamber of Commerce

February 2006 Minutes

February 20, 2006

In Attendance: Mark Brandt, Larry Campbell, John Joyner, Gayle Brandt, Melba Knight, Ed Brasher, Paul Becker, Debbie Hitchcock, Trey Brasher, Mark Weaver, David Wood, Gabriel Cifuentes, William Tanner,  Jennifer Brady, Johnnie Harper, Same Sims, Sharon Sims, Jimmy Bailey, Phil Seay & Gary Hanner

Due to the absence of the President the meeting was called to order by Larry Campbell at 7:00 pm.

With the attendance of our State Representative Dr. Jim McClendon, regular the regular business was temporarily suspended.

Dr. Jim McClendon: 

• Dr. McClendon gave an overview on how Alabama’s State Government worked and what it’s affect on the Greater Odenville area.  Dr. McClendon’s email address is jimmcc@alltel.net and his phone number is 205-467-2656 and that he will return questions or comments.

• In response to Dr. McClendon’s knowledge of the flooding problem in our area, he suggested that the City Leaders contact an Environmental Engineering Survey company be contacted to survey the present conditions and make suggestions on how to solve the problems.  Dr. McClendon personally recommended the firm of Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood with Steve Cawood at 334-271-3200.

• Dr. McClendon also suggested that the Chamber look into setting up a “Leadership” group for the Greater Odenville Area.

• Dr. McClendon stated that a Grant Workshop will be held on May 1, 2006 by US Congressman’s Baccus’s office.  He suggested that a representative for the Chamber attend this workshop to see if the Chamber would be eligible for any grants.  The contact for this would be Michael Staley at 205-969-3958.

• Dr. McClendon remarked that a plan was in the works to upgrade the Odenville Sewage system.  The present system is at capacity and halts some additional businesses from entering the area.

• Dr. McClendon also remarked that widening of Hwy 411 has been studied but nothing is presently approved.  Any concerns that we have on this subject should be directed to the Alabama Department of Transportation.

• Dr. McClendon also introduced His Honor Phil Seay.

• Larry Campbell thanked Dr. McClendon and Mr. Seay for attending.

Treasurer’s Report:   Gayle Brandt gave the Treasurer’s Report and reported Beginning Balance of $1,027.12, with expenditures of deposits of $58.00.  This gives a new ending balance of $1,085.72.  The motion was made by Mark Brandt to accept Treasurer’s Report and Seconded by Debbie Hitchcock.  Report Accepted

Minutes:  Everyone had a copy of the January 2006 minutes.  Motion made by Melba Knight to accept Minutes and Seconded by Debbie Hitchcock.  Minutes Accepted.

New Applications:  Judge Seay and Larry’s Limos applied for membership.  Motion made by Mark Brandt to accept applications and Seconded by Mark Woods.  Application Accepted

Thank You:  A Thank You letter from Toy’s for Needy Children was read by Larry

By Laws:

• A copy of the Proposed Greater Odenville Chamber of Commerce (GOCoC) By Laws was handed out.  Also a copy of the amendment concerning how dues would be charged was handed out.  A motion was made by John Joyner to approve the By-Laws with the amendment.  This motion was seconded by Paul Becker.  Approved.

Media:

• Mark Brandt reported that both the St. Clair Times and Leeds News had both been very responsive in covering events for the Chamber.  Continued communication will be ongoing to insure maximum coverage of Chamber events such as additional ribbon cuttings.
• The first newsletter will be published shortly after the February 2006 meeting.

Fundraising:

A Car Bash will be a regular Fund Raising event.  Mark Brandt will contact the OYAA to see if the

• Chamber can have a Bash on opening day.
• The Pig will be contacted to see if we will be able to have a Bash during the Cruise In’s.
• The Jackson family is still out of contact.  We are trying to contact them to see if they are available to have a community gathering to raise funds for local needs.

Council Representation: Members of the Odenville City Counsel were in attendance.   The Chamber expressed its concern in reference to Representative McClendon’s recommendation on having a survey made of the area to eliminate the flooding in the area.

OLD BUSINESS:

be:  Greater Odenville Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 685, Odenville, AL  35120.  Mark Brandt will seek prices for Letterhead and mailing materials from Computer Graphics now that we have a permanent address.  Once these materials are purchased, mailing of minutes to members without email can be better accomplished.

Motion was made by Paul Becker to adjourn and seconded by Mark Brandt.  Meeting Adjourned.