December 2008 Minutes

Proposed bylaws changes

Microsoft Word version

12/4/08 General Membership Meeting

MEMBERS PRESENT

Members Present (31): Kurt Wilder, Keir Knight, Chuck Boteler, James Jones, Alice Decker, Carol Pickett, Rich Rowen, Bob Wagner, Robert Moffitt, P.W. Shaffer, Paul Clay, Aaron Kahn, Dennis Emerson, Tim Barkley, Marlene Titus, Alyson Rothberg, Audrey Stapf, Archie Rogers, David Arthur, Colleen Strube, Ellie Bonde, Kaye Kalb, Denny Ahalt, Dennis Regulinski, Sis Barnes, Carol Cahall, Tim Slane, Bob Cage, Laurie Dilks, Mayor Frank Johnson, Shawn Reilly.

The meeting began at approximately 8:05 AM.

INTRODUCTIONS WERE HEARD 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Aaron Kahn called for a motion to approve the last meeting’s minutes. Alice Decker moved for approval, Paul Clay seconded the motion. Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS FROM THE BOARD

• Membership Drive Recap/ Carol Cahall: Aaron thanked all those that volunteered and called for comment on the recent Membership Drive. All comments were favorable. Great food, turnout and door prizes.

• January Meeting/ Aaron Kahn: The next General Meeting will be on January 8, 2009.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

AARON KAHN, PRESIDENT (Eclipse Security, Inc.)

• Website Advisory Committee/ David Arthur (Arthur Graphics): The transition is effectively complete. Thank you to Bob Cage for all of his volunteer time. David asked for everyone to please let him know if any emails are not returned.

• Mt. Airy Phone Book/ LLC Update/ Aaron Kahn (Eclipse Security): We have 107 advertisers, 97 of which have joined the Chamber. The revenue is up approximately $4,000 compared to last year at this time. There will be someone available at all December events to take applications. Aaron Kahn asked for volunteers for the Chamber's at-large member position on the Phone Book LLC. Aaron Kahn also suggested that the $2,000.00 that had been earmarked for the Phone Book application mailings still be used for charitable giving. Two possible recipients are the Laundromat and House of Style, both of which are businesses recently damaged by fire, but they have no immediate needs at this time. Discussion. Aaron Kahn called for a motion to use the $2,000.00 for charitable giving. Alyson Rothberg so moved. David Arthur seconded the motion. Motion carried. Discussion. Alice Decker will send out an email regarding Operation Christmas Trees.

• Bylaws Committee/ Tim Barkley (Tim Barkley Law Offices): There are ten recommendations as stated in the attached document. Brief discussion of contract bids, posting of minutes and Bylaws in general. Aaron Kahn thanked all of the committee members for all of their hard work.

KERRY TURNER, 1st VICE PRESIDENT (Frederick News Post)

• Advertising & Marketing/ Carol Cahall (The Main Event): They had a very successful committee for the Membership Drive. They are now coordinating the business card exchange and Happy Holidays advertisements. The Chamber will have arts & crafts tables at the Santa Claus Lane Event.

• Community Expo/ Shawn Reilly (Carroll County Times) and Carol Pickett (Sandy Spring Bank): Everything is on track. There have been some additions and changes. There were eleven businesses signed up at the Membership Drive. Two silver sponsors and one gold sponsor. The main focus of the committee is currently the Membership Drive. The next meeting is December 15. More volunteers are needed for set up and break down.

DENNIS EMERSON, 2nd VICE PRESIDENT (Sherman Emerson Insurance, Inc.)

• Membership / Dennis Emerson: we have 160 members so far for 2009. Thanked everyone for all of the help.

• Government Relations/ Mayor Frank Johnson: We appreciate the support for the Newsletter. The next one will be out in February. Downtown Christmas events this weekend. The budget will be conservative with regard to predicting revenue.

DENNY AHALT, TREASURER (New Windsor State Bank)

• Finance Committee/ Denny Ahalt: The checking account balance as of October 31, 2008 was $29,158.48. Incoming revenue for November included $1,788.75 for the 2009 Expo and $70 in dues, bringing the funds available in November to $31,017.23. Expenses through November 30, 2008 totaled $2,596.66, and the CD amount was $6,704.65, bringing the checking account balance as of November 30 to $35,125.22.

• Denny called for volunteers for the Audit Committee.

• Scholarship Committee/ Tim Slane (Tim's Lawn and Landscape): We now have a budget of $6,500.00, and the application is on the website. Next meeting of the committee will be on January 7, 2009 at the Fire Hall at 8 AM, where a review of the current application will be the topic.

LAURIE DILKS, SECRETARY (Juice Plus+)

• Professional Development/ Marlene Titus (Carroll County Community College, Miller Small Business Resource Center): Marlene handed out a survey asking for Professional Development workshop topics for 2009. Please contact Marlene directly if anyone has any ideas for a workshop. She is also working on building a panel drawn from the membership, and looking into online classes. Mike Manion will be the speaker at January's general meting. February's topic is Organizing Your Financial Life.

PAUL CLAY, CORRESPONDING SECRETARY (RE/MAX Realty Group – Paul and Paula)

• Corresponding Secretary/ Paul Clay (RE/MAX): Please tell him if you hear of an event, i.e. a death, birth, promotion, illness, etc. because the Chamber should acknowledge these events.

• Ambassador Committee/ Paul Clay (RE/MAX) and Alyson Rothberg (Aflac): Please see Archie Rogers for nametags, office plaques, etc.

• Social Committee/ Colleen Strube (Send Out Cards): Handed out a list of all the 2009 events as they stand currently. People are needed to donate door prizes for the December event. Exhibitors are also needed for the January exchange. Aaron Kahn thanked Colleen for all her work.

CAROL CAHALL, IMMEDIATE PAT PRESIDENT (The Main Event)

• Carroll County Chamber/ Marlene Titus (Carroll County Community College, Miller Small Business Resource Center): January 17, 2009 is the annual Gala. The State of the County event is also in January.

• Frederick County Chamber/ Archie Rogers (Rogers Engraving and Stamps): Archie encouraged all members of the FCCC to go onto the FCCC website and look at the many programs for small business. There is new, aggressive leadership at the FCCC.

NEW BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR:

• James Jones (Credit Card Store): Introduced an idea for a Business Advisory Council that could help small businesses with any sort of business related question. It could be a resource on the website. Discussion. We will talk about it at the January Executive Meeting.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Paul Clay thanked everyone for the turnout at the fall Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast and the ads on the placemats.

• Tom Watkins (Watkins Limousine): Shared with us the recent passing of Mr. Olin Molesworth.

Meeting adjourned at approximately 9:14 AM.