Attending: Jenny Dennis (Bluebird Bakery), Chip Bramlage (Meritage Restaurant), Dave Agricola (Chamber President), Joe Bloom (Bob Roncker’s Running Spot), Sheree Armstrong (Cock n Bull), Kevin Wilhelm (HWB), Becky Regenold (Frame USA), Ralph Hoop (Mayor), Loretta Rokey (Village Administrator).
After Dave called the meeting to order and introductions were made, Jenny Dennis gave the Treasurer’s Report. The Chamber has $4,546.56 in the consolidated checking account. This does not include the membership check just received from Pink Ink & The Rail House.
Loretta and Dave have been visiting Glendale businesses. A street improvement update was given to the Sharon Rd. businesses, while the Congress Ave. businesses received information about the new traffic lights at Coral and Congress and at Congress and Sharon. These lights will update traffic patterns and be synched to each other as well as improve school safety.
Joe asked why the street improvement project seemed to be delayed. Loretta explained that an old oil tank from when Hudson’s gas station was there in the 1950s needed to be removed. The work is waiting on word from the EPA about the results of the subsequent soil testing. ODOT, not Glendale, is in charge of this project.
Dave and Loretta also visited Congress Ave. businesses. When asked about the businesses’ responses to the visits, they said there was no issue that stood out. All the owners were busy; Dave expressed hope that some would join the Chamber. The last visits will be to the Square businesses.
Discussion was held about businesses probably leaving Glendale. It was reported that Bambino Photography is moving to Hyde Park and that the Bridal Mafia is moving to Reading’s Wedding District. The faux painting place above the barber shop around the Square is rumored to be closing. Robin Thomas approached Matt Madison about opening a gelato shop where Bambino is now.
Dave reported it was discussed at the last meeting whether home-based businesses should be charged a lower rate to join the Chamber, and that members were against this. He read the list of businesses which have joined this year. The Chamber still is in search of a Vice President.
Dave reported that Hank Reed will be opening Queen City Sports Cards and Memorabilia next week. He will sell sports cards and also collects quality sports consignment items to sell online.
A list of Village events was read and can be found on the Glendale web site. Upcoming ones include the Fill the Square Food Drive June 1, a wedding on the Square June 9, and the car show June 23. The Beer Wine and Food Festival will be Sept. 6-7, the Street Fair Sept. 28, and the Christmas on the Square Dec. 4. Dave asked for help with Street Fair.
Updating of the Chamber web site has started. So far the webmaster has worked about 3.2 hrs. of the 6-7 hrs. required to do the project at $25.00 per hour. Dave asked for members to visit the site and contact him with suggestions. Businesses who are Chamber members will be listed on the site. The Village web site has a link to the Chamber site.
Kevin reported on the many events which HWB will be hosting, including free concerts every Saturday in June and July. He offered to let the Chamber set up business/member information at a concert and will provide possible dates. Becky and Chip are interested in working on this event. A book sale will be held June 8 to raise money for the Pavilion project. The Pavilion work hit a “snafu” and more money will be needed than originally expected. The HWB yard sale will be June 15.
Sherri Kohnle sent her thanks to the businesses which contributed to the Glendale basket auctioned at the Art & Wine Gala. It sold for over $500.00.
Dave reported about possibly bringing a vintage baseball team to play a game as a possible Chamber event for Aug. Members liked this idea, and he will get more information on it.
Mayor Hoop reported that the results of a resident survey are posted on the Glendale web site. The residents primarily wanted a grocery, pizza restaurant,
and a post office. A meeting will be held June 10 at 7 p.m. in the Village officers to discuss commercial development ideas.
The next Chamber meeting will be heald June 11.