Where Business Meets Opportunity

Greater Odenville Chamber of Commerce

March 2006 Minutes

March 20, 2006

In Attendance: Paul Becker, John Joyner, Debbie Hitchcock, Melba Knight, Larry Campbell, Gayle Brandt, Gabriel Cifuentes, Mark Brandt

Due to the absence of the President the meeting was called to order by Larry Campbell at 7:15 pm.   The Meeting was held at Sal’s Italian Restaurant due to the unavailability of the City Hall Meeting Room.

A Letter from Dr. Stubbs, notifying the Chamber that she was resigning as Chamber President was read into the minutes by Mark Brandt.

The motion was seconded by Debbie Hitchcock.  Motion Carried.

Larry Campbell and John Joyner were nominated.  A vote by members present was taken.  After the voting Larry Campbell notified the Chamber that he was satisfied with the office of Vice President and withdrew from the vote.  John Joyner was voted in as the new Chamber President.  John Joyner vacated his position on the Chamber Board leaving a vacancy.

Mark Brandt made a motion that the position on the Board be left open until we had a meeting with greater participation.  Melba Knight seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

Melba Knight motioned that since Sal’s Italian Restaurant was working as a meeting place that it be used for future meetings.  Mark Brandt seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report:   Gayle Brandt gave the Treasurer’s Report and reported Beginning Balance of $1,085.72, with deposits of $140.00 and outlays of $229.00.  This gives a new ending balance of $996.72.  The outlays were to pay taxes owed by the Chamber since they were not yet a Non-Profit organization.  A motion was made by Melba Knight to accept Treasurer’s Report and Seconded by Paul Becker.  Report Accepted

Organization Status:

• Gayle Brandt suggested that Weaver & Woods be given lifetime membership to the Chamber as they have pledged to prepare the various documents need for the Chamber to become a Non-Profit entity.  The cost of preparing these documents is very expensive and this arrangement would be beneficial to all parties involved.  Motion made by John Joyner to give Weaver & Woods “Lifetime” membership and Seconded by Debbie Hitchcock.  Motion carried.
• Due to the extensive legal assistance given by Candice Crenshaw, on various legal paperwork concerning the initial set up of the Chamber, John Joyner motioned that she be made an “Honorary Member”.  Motion Seconded by Melba Knight.  Motion carried.
• Mark Brandt motioned that SVP be given “2006” membership for the maintaining of the Chamber’s website.  Seconded by Gabriel Cifuentes.  Motion carried.

New Applications:  Tri-County Spotlight applied for Chamber membership.  Motion was made by Mark Brandt to accept the application and Seconded by Paul Becker.  Motion carried.

Fundraising:

• John Joyner reported that work on the Train may not be finished before the first “Cruise In at the Pig”.
• One of the Jackson family was present and contact was made to try to book them for the early fall.  Various locations were discussed for having an area celebration.  The location will be decided upon closing in on a firm booking.
• Gayle Brandt suggested that we look into having a BBQ contest.  She will research and report on all that is involved.
• Mark Brandt reported that having a Car Bash on OYAA Opening day was not feasible.  Mark Brandt also is attempting to find the cost of a One Day Liability Policy for this type of activity.
• Debbie Hitchcock will research having a Car Bash during Ashville Park’s Opening Day.
• Mark Brandt and Melba Knight are switching committees.  Mark will join the Membership committee and Melba will join the Fundraising Committee.

Media:      

• Mark Brandt showed a copy of the first Greater Odenville Newsletter.  This will be distributed throughout the area.  Members approved the format and will make suggestions on further issues.  This issue was prepared at no cost to the Chamber.  Mark Brandt will look at the cost of having a professional printer doing future issues.

Council Representation: No members of the Odenville City Counsel were in attendance.

Future Meetings:  February’s Meeting attendance was very high.  It was determined that having Dr. McClendon as guest speaker increased interest in attendance.  John Joyner suggested that we possibly have meetings with guest speakers.  These speakers would talk on community concerns and also it’s work with area businesses.  The St. Clair County Sheriff and District Attorney were discussed.  John Joyner will approach them and see if they are available.

Chamber Sponsored Activity:  Mark Brandt suggested that the Chamber sponsor a public meeting for the area candidates running for office in June.  This meeting could be held in May so that any citizen that wanted to attend could hear views from the various Candidates.  Mark Brandt will look at finding a location that will facilitate such an activity.

Motion was made by Mark Brandt to adjourn and seconded by Melba Knight.  Meeting Adjourned.