Quad Area Chamber of commerce

Board of Directors Meeting Minutes

October 24th, 2007 12:00 p.m.

Attending:                Mitch Rehbine, Mary Alice Divine, Jim Dugelman, Kathy Kouba, Faamati Winey, LaChelle Williams

·         Special Guest – Andy Parrish , Michelle Bachman’s Office

Chamber Admin:      Anna Wicks

*Items in Red are TO DO items which will be assigned to a Board Member noted next to the item.

*Items in Purple are items from previous meetings still needing to be completed.

·         The President, Mitch Rehbine – called the meeting to order at 12:10 p.m.

·         Andy Parrish speaks to the Board – He gives us a better sense of his position with Michelle Bachman’s Office. His Title is the Director of Outreach whose role is to help businesses in the community grow. They like to recognize businesses for the good things they do in the community. We discussed the possibility of hosting a small business forum. He would like to attend future meetings.

·         Jim Dugelman on behalf of the Citizen has submitted a quote for printing of our letterhead, business envelopes and mailing envelopes. This bid has been approved by Kathy Kouba, Treasurer and Mitchel Rehbine, President. A logo will be sent to the Board for approval before printing of the materials.

·         Chantelle advises that Fantastic Sam’s is a new business in the area that we should approach as potential Members. -  A packet of information has been dropped off.

·         A review of the September 2007 meeting minutes is completed – Kathy Kouba motions to approve and Mary Alice seconds that motion.  

·         A review of the September 2007 Treasurers Report is completed – Mitch Rehbine motions to approve and Mary Alice Devine accepts.

·         Officer Board of Directors by laws:

a.    President, Term of 2 Years - must have 1 year experience as an active board member

b.    Past President – will be obligated to provide one year of guidance to the current President

c.    Vice President, Term of 1 Year – must have 1 year experience as an active board member

d.    Board Member, Term of 2 Year

Anna needs to be provided with a copy of the by laws – Mitch is looking for a copy.

·         Administrative Contract – Mitch has asked that a contract be typed up (employment letter) outlining the agreement between the Quad Area Chamber of Commerce and Anna Wicks. A discussion needs to be held.  (Mitch Rehbine/Anna Wicks)

·         Administrative Needs – In October we will need to revamp the brochure.  A copy of the Brochure was handed out to the Board for review and response.

·         MN Chamber of Commerce – Mady Reiter asks Anna Wicks to contact David Olson at the St. Paul Chamber of Commerce and find out if we are members. (Anna Wicks) We are not members at this time; Anna will present the Board with the option of becoming a member in a separate email.

·         Quarterly Events/Mayor of each City – It was decided that the January 2008 event would be held in Lino Lakes and the Mayor of Lino Lakes would be invited to give a State of the City.

·         City of Lexington – A discussion was held regarding the need to get the City of Lexington more involved with our Chamber. Mady Reiter will invite Mayor Valenta to a one on one meeting. In addition, Anna and Kathy Kouba will meet with Dot the City Administrator of Lexington.

·         City of Circle Pines – Anna and Lachelle will meet with Jim the City Administrator of Circle Pines.

·         Quarterly Event August 9^, 2007- Mitch and Faamati need to send their receipts for supplies purchased for this event for compensation. (Faamati has turned hers in Mitch is looking for the receipt).

·         Breakfast Club – November 8^th Breakfast will be held at Millers on Main, Anna will send out email reminders that members may host breakfasts or sign up to be featured business.

·         Newsletter – Press Publications has discussed with Anna and Mitch that the current amount of members advertising is not supporting our newsletter. Different options were discussed; going to a quarterly format, supplementing the cost, having The Citizen bid on this printing work, going to a smaller section. Jim Dugelman will speak to Louis the head of The Citizen for more input and Mitch Rehbine will speak with Press Publication.

·         Toy Drive – A previous event was held by Mitch Rehbine and Chad Forga. Mitch will follow-up with Chad Forga on his wishes for this Holiday Season. The idea was discussed by the Board to set up Toys for Tots drop off sites at the YMCA and other member businesses in the area. Mary Alice will find out more information on Toys for Joys a previous charity supported by the Chamber.

·         Annual Meeting October 11, 2007 Feedback –

o   Change from Annual Meeting to Social Event Title

o   Key-Note Speaker (outside of the Chamber)

o   RSVP should include taking a $10 check and returning it at the event

o   Ideas for 2008 – Candidates forum night (next year election) possibility for next year

o   Flashier invites with follow up calls

*Next Meeting to be held on November 27, 2007 at 12:00 p.m.