January 2009 Minutes

Proposed bylaws changes

Microsoft Word version

01/08/09 General Membership Meeting

MEMBERS PRESENT

Members Present (41): Laurie Dilks, Keir Knight, James Jones, Alice Decker, Carol Pickett, Rich Rowen, Paul Beck, Karen Skidmore, Sandy Shumate, Patricia Clements, Kerry Turner, P.W. Shaffer, Paul Clay, Paul Buck, Dianne Ryan, Brian Ward, Aaron Kahn, Dennis Emerson, Tim Barkley, Marlene Titus, Alyson Rothberg, Mark Jarema, Archie Rogers, Alice Decker, Fred Berney, Gary Crutchfield, Colleen Strube, Ellie Bonde, Kaye Kalb, Denny Ahalt, Dennis Regulinski, Sis Barnes, Carol Cahall, Tim Slane, Bob Cage, Stephanie Dahlquist, Bruce James, Melinda Byrd, Linda Koons, Shawn Reilly and Susan Jones.

The meeting began at approximately 8:02 AM.

INTRODUCTIONS WERE HEARD

Susan Jones with Edible Arrangements in Woodbine is a new member.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Aaron Kahn called for a motion to approve the last meeting's minutes. Dennis Regulinski moved for approval and Archie Rogers seconded the motion. Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS FROM THE BOARD

• James Jones suggested that the Chamber have a Business Advisory Council and he will spearhead this endeavor. The council will be under the Professional Development Committee. This will be a resource for businesses new to the area. Aaron called for volunteers to help James.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

AARON KAHN, PRESIDENT (Eclipse Security, Inc.)

• Website Advisory Committee/ Aaron Kahn (David Arthur of Arthur Graphics was not present): All new members are on both Yahoo lists. The secondary list is now "opt out".

• Mt. Airy Phone Book/ Aaron Kahn: We have 153 advertisers so far. Thank you to Alyson Rothberg for volunteering to be the next LLC liaison.

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

• Advertising & Marketing/ Carol Cahall (The Main Event): The business card exchange ads and the ads for the workshops are done. Santa Claus lane was very successful. Many families came and made ornaments. They will be having a meeting later this month. Carol will email the date on the main list. The committee is always looking for new members. The Newsletter will be on the website.

• Community Expo/ Shawn Reilly (Carroll County Times) and Carol Pickett (Sandy Spring Bank): Next meeting will be Thursday, January 15, 2009 at 8:30 AM at the Vintage Coffee House. They do have a few sponsors so far.

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

• Membership / Dennis Emerson: We currently have 204 members.

• Government Relations/ Mayor Frank Johnson:  Mayor Johnson was not present.

DENNY AHALT, TREASURER (New Windsor State Bank)

• Finance Committee/ Denny Ahalt: The expense variance was only $229.00 which is outstanding. Denny applauds the committee members for the budgeting. The audit committee has been formed and the audit will be done before the next Executive Meeting. A date needs to be set for this. The total revenue as of December 2008$34,406.57. The total expenses were $6,340.81. The checking account balance as of December 31, 2008 was $18,668.40. The CD is valued at $6,704.65. The total funds available as of December 31, 2008 were $25, 373.05.

• Denny called for volunteers for the Audit Committee.

• Scholarship Committee/ Tim Slane (Tim's Lawn and Landscape): The first meeting was yesterday (January 7, 2009), and the application was cleaned up. There were changes made to the financial forms as well. The applications should be on the website by the 19th. Paul Schaffer has joined the committee. Reminded everyone that the budget is now $6,500.00, and that Chamber families are eligible.

LAURIE DILKS, SECRETARY (Juice Plus+)

• Professional Development/ Marlene Titus (Carroll County Community College, Miller Small Business Resource Center): There will be a workshop today immediately following the meeting. The speaker is Todd Burrier. Next month the speaker will be Tom Flynn and the topic will be Organizing Your Financial Life. There will be an email blast regarding upcoming workshops.

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

• Corresponding Secretary/ Paul Clay (RE/MAX): A card was sent to Audrey Stapf because she was having some health issues.

• Ambassador Committee/ Paul Clay (RE/MAX) and Alyson Rothberg (Aflac): The committee is calling all new members to welcome them, see how the Chamber can be of help and let them know about the benefits of membership. Reminder to all members to please get badges and plaques from Archie if needed. There will be a New Member Orientation after the March general meeting.

• Social Committee/ Colleen Strube (Send Out Cards): The next business card exchange will be a joint exchange with the Kiwanis on January 14th at the Senor Center. There are two tables left for member displays. There will be a speed-networking luncheon at the Green Turtle on January 29. The details are on the website. The cost of the luncheon will be determined. It will be under $15.00.

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): The current President is creating a lot of interest in the chamber. Events are filling up, so register early if you plan to attend one. Individual membership is $250.00 plus a $35 administrative fee. It will cost $10 to take a guest to an event.

• South Carroll Business Association/ Bruce James (Allied Restoration): Bruce James is the new liaison to the SCBA. Bruce reminded everyone that there is a monthly luncheon meeting on the third Wednesday at Salerno's in Eldersburg.

NEW BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR:

• Dianne Ryan of the Jeremy Foundation thanked the Chamber for the recent donation. She also thanked Karen Skidmore for all of her work on the 5K run. They had a goal of 100 runners for their first race and they got 82.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Aaron Kahn mentioned that the Bylaws revisions would be discussed at the February meeting.

Meeting adjourned at approximately 8:50 AM.