General Meeting Wednesday, August 19, 2009 Iron Horse Restaurant
Attending: Gail Denise, Dave Agricola, Donna Wesselman, Susan Kreuzmann, John Smith, Robin Thomas, Scott Stacey, Ralph Hoop, Debbie Grueninger, Steve Dinnerstein, Catherine Fitzgerald, Jack Beuscher, Julie Pogozalski and Justin Bifro
Meeting opened by Gail with introduction of two new members, Julie Pogozalski from Servall Electric of Glendale, and Justin Bifro from Key Bank in Tri County.
Donna Wesselman distributed Treasurer’s report which included an up to date membership list as well as the current list of booth purchases for 2009 Street Fair. As of 8/19/09 there are 26 paid Chamber members and 40 booths or booth spaces sold for this year’s Street Fair.
Discussion was opened regarding how we can reduce costs that had been incurred in previous Street Fairs. Gail pointed out a reduction in the entertainment fee as well as providing services at attendee expense as opposed to the Chamber’s. Our insurance fee has been eliminated or provided through the general policy as opposed to an additional event charge being assessed and investigating how to use bulk mail services to help reduce postage expense.
Gail distributed the evening agenda.
The primary purpose of the meeting was to review and prioritize the Chamber’s objectives for 2009-2010.
1. Membership Gail presented the new membership packet that she has assembled. Each packet will contain a welcome and thank you letter, a Chamber Sticker, a “special and unique “ gift, information about group medical benefits and workman’s comp provided through SOCA and Hunter Consulting, a brochure from the Economic Development group, a list of current officers and board members, a meeting schedule and Glendale brochures.
Gail reported that she had personally called on 70 businesses to encourage membership as well as provided a face to our “new” Chamber. The response has been mixed. She requested that we all consider calling on fellow businesses to continue to reassure and give voice to the revitalized Glendale Chamber.
Gail met with Kathy Walters who is the administrator for the Regional Chamber Partnership. They offer networking opportunities at no charge. There is also a directory published by the Partnership which we can be listed in for a fee. Gail is looking into what that will entail.
Gail was commended for the efforts she has made to grow the Glendale Chamber.
2. Website The Chamber’s website is currently being updated by Chuck Fortmeyer. He has all member’s emails and websites and has provided a direct link to the member’s website through the Chamber’s. Our address is glendaleohiochamber.com. If you want to contact him, he charges $25 an hour. The Chamber is considering placing him on retainer.
3. Newsletter
Gail has asked every business to submit a business card and it will be included in the newsletter. She hopes to strengthen our use of the village newsletter. The Chamber has 2 pages of the quarterly newsletter. Its publishing dates will be established allowing adequate time for articles and information to be included on behalf of the Chamber.
4. Economic Development Committee
Kathleen Fitzgerald is currently meeting with local businesses to assess how best to grow our business community. She also mentioned that she is contacting and hoping to meet with representatives from other local chambers to get a sense of how they are organized as well as how they promote growth.
Gail, Dave and John attended the EDC meeting representing the chamber held last week at the village office.
Signage was a core concern and the village seems very interested in partnering with the chamber to begin executing a sound plan. Ralph reminded the chamber that the grant funds cannot be used for signs. Debbie Grueninger is confident that funds in the village general funds from estate taxes, etc. can be utilized to pay for the signage.
Discussion about setting up temporary signage to begin immediately promoting access to the square and general awareness of the business districts was considered. Dave, Jack and others have looked into how existing signs could be adapted to serve this purpose. Consideration of village ordinances and other concerns will be pursued with hopes that signage can be ready for the coming holiday season.
5. Glendale Directory
Gail contacted the First Presbyterian Church of Glendale regarding the next directory publication. Chamber businesses will be given special consideration and accurate listings.
6. Training Sessions
John Smith requested that Gail contact HCDC to set up a training session exclusively for chamber members. Gail has also requested that HCDC inform her of any upcoming training sessions that are offered free of charge and she will let chamber members know of those sessions should they wish to attend.
7. Social and Promotional Events
Mini Business Expo, a Holiday Shopping Night, Jammin In the Square….all events in consideration. Various members are looking into coordinating various events to hopefully establish a yearly calendar of events that will become annual events. Cooperation by all will be called for.
Christmas Shopping Night will be held on a different night then the Village Christmas sing along. The chamber would prefer a week day/night to what has traditionally been held on Saturday by the Village.
Consensus is that the events are different in their focus and the community would be better served by keeping them separate.
Jammin in the Square hopes to be organized as a spring/summer event and if possible HWB might coordinate their program with the Chamber’s.
8. Coop Advertising Proposal
Robin, Scott and Dave will continue to explore the ways in which chamber businesses can join to reduce advertising costs while providing effective avenues to promote the overall Glendale business community.
9. Survey
Gail plans a survey on line of Chamber members in the future
10. Street Fair
Things are proceeding on schedule
The meeting concluded with a discussion led by Donna regarding the rezoning of properties north of the Gaslight Café and the Glendale Florist. Debbie Grueninger and Ralph Hoop suggested that the chamber begin by approaching the owners of the existing properties to get their feedback on such a possibility. This will be the chambers next step in this process.
Gail thanked all for attending and participating and the meeting was concluded.
Next Meeting
Wednesday, September 16th GHP Depot 8:30am
Minutes respectfully submitted by Susan Kreuzmann