MINUTES – December 11, 2018

The Coldwater Area Chamber of Commerce held its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, December 11th, 2018 at the Village Offices.

Trustees Present: Elizabeth Wenning, Janel Schulte, Keith Selhorst, Mindy Schwieterman, Brad Niekamp, Jack Schwegman, Jason Wood, Brittany Uhlenhake, Sher Stahl, Nathan Burtch & Eric Thomas.

Vice President Janel Schulte called the meeting to order at 7:33 a.m.

Introduction of Guest

No guests were present.

Officer Reports

Treasurer’s Report- was presented by Keith Selhorst, our biggest expenses this month was the Hometown Christmas. Expenses included: Lininger Pony Rides, Mercer County Civic Foundation for the Train Rides, Mercer Color for the Hometown Christmas posters, and Sudhoff Tree Farms for the Santa House Christmas Trees. Keith reviewed the Hometown Christmas recap, and our inflows were $150.00 over budget and outflows were $1,348.00 under budget. The reports were motioned for approval by Mindy Schwieterman and seconded by Sher Stahl. Motion carried.

Checking Balance – $23,093.59

Gift Certificate Balance – $11,555.04

Secretary’s Report– the minutes from the November meeting were provided prior to the meeting date. The meeting minutes were approved with a motion by Jack Schwegman and seconded by Amber Evers. Motion carried.

. Committee Reports

Website – Brad reported that a new Chamber Chatter will be going out today, December 11th. Trustees discussed promoting Chamber businesses more on Facebook and the website. Suggestions were made to do a Business Spotlight starting in 2019. Keith suggested highlighting businesses during their industry affiliation week. Liz and Janel will be working on a social media calendar to begin in January 2019. Brad will be in touch with Tomorrow’s Technology Today to check into putting this on the website.     

Hometown Christmas – Event was held on Sunday, November 18th. The event day went smoothly; however, trustees discussed several items for 2019. Trustees are looking into other ways to advertise the Hometown Christmas event with those who sponsor the event. Currently promoting via radio, newspaper, and flyers. As the Chamber, our mission is to promote the area businesses by advertising a day to get foot traffic into local businesses. It was decided to highlight businesses on social media that are sponsoring the event for 2019.

Santa House/Tree Decoration – It was recognized that the FFA Students and teacher Deanna at Coldwater did a wonderful job redoing the Santa House. In addition, Stepping Ahead Daycare was commended for the ornaments. Janel mentioned posting a photo and thank you on social media of the ornaments. 

Banquet – Event will be held on February 13th, 2019. Kylie has contacted Marcia Homan and the date is reserved at the American Legion. Kylie has ordered the invitations, envelopes and award nominations from Mercer Color. Kylie and Janel are working on the program. Liz has confirmed with Romer’s & Calico that they have the date reserved for the meals and desserts. Liz is checking in on the centerpieces.

Old Business

2019 Trustees – Four of the current trustees will be finishing their terms in February. We are in need of 4 new trustees. We have received interest from State of the Heart Care, Val- Co and Elevate Fitness about sending new representatives.

WSU Lake Campus Welcome Back Package – The Chamber will be sending out another email in regards to getting together Welcome Back Packages for WSU students. Suggested items from Kip Wright that businesses can give includes coupons, notices for job opportunities, or other promotional items. The goal is to get students more aware of local businesses and business opportunities. The students will return to campus on Monday, January 7th from Winter break, and bags will be passed out to students shortly after. Businesses wanting to donate items or coupons should bring them to the Village Office by January 7th.

New Business

McDonald’s – Liz was contacted by McDonald’s in Coldwater. McDonald’s would like to become more involved with the Chamber of Commerce. Trustees came up with suggestions to get further involved, including becoming a trustee, participating in Taste of the Town, or participating in other Chamber-sponsored events. Liz will be in contact. 

Mindy Schwieterman motioned to adjourn the meeting and seconded by Brad Niekamp.  President Liz Wenning adjourned the meeting at 8:25 AM.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Save the Dates:

Chamber Banquet – February 13th, 2019

Taste of the Town – June 4th, 2019

THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE ON JANUARY 8TH, 2019 AT 7:30 AM AT THE VILLAGE OFFICES.