Minutes of the Jan. 19, 2016, regular meeting of the Osage City Chamber of Commerce
With the vice president absent and no president yet appointed for 2016, Chamber executive director Jeanette Swarts called to order the Osage City Chamber of Commerce regular meeting at noon Jan. 19, 2016, at Flint Hills Beverage’s meeting room. The following were present: Dee Robert, Thelma Humerickhouse, Joe Humerickhouse, Dave Azwell, Tara Azwell, Troy Hutton, Kenna Burns, Patrick Gardener, Jim Lohmeyer, Jeremy Gaston, Nancy Durbin, Alice Purvis, Janet Steinle, Ann Lusk, Rod Willis, Casey Mussatto, Corey Linton, Jodi Smith, Jeanette Swarts, Wayne White.
Minutes of the Dec. 15, 2015, meeting were approved on a motion from Dave and second by Tara.
A treasurer’s report was not reviewed due to absence of the treasurer.
Jeanette passed around a sign-up sheet for businesses that would like to host a Chamber After Hours event; several signed up.
Jeanette noted that final tally of Christmas on Market fundraising allowed the Chamber to donate $966.15 each to the Osage City Warmth Fund, ECKAN and ECAT. Photos were taken of Chamber members and directors presenting the donations to the organizations’ representatives following the meeting.
Jeanette reported the Hometown Santa during the month of December was well received by the community. There were four business Santas and one Santa at large, Dave Azwell, who was not discovered. All of the business Santas were found, including T.J. McCoy, Brian Giesy, Mary Sue Atchison and Matt Harmon.
Jeanette said she had been working on increasing membership, having visited more than a dozen businesses and left membership forms.
Jeanette noted the new officers for 2016 as selected by the board are: Jan Ogleby, vice president; Mike Telthorst, treasurer; Wayne White, secretary; the president’s position remains vacant.
Jeanette noted the board of directors includes Jodi Stark, Jodi Smith, Jim Lohmeyer, and Chandra Dunbar, in addition to the above named officers.
Jeanette reported that former secretary Cindy Wymore had submitted a letter of resignation as secretary and as a member of the board of directors.
Joe’s nomination of Kenna Burns as a director to fill the current vacancy on the board was seconded by Jeremy and approved by the members present.
Jeanette noted that some members have volunteered to serve on Chamber committees, but other volunteers will be welcomed to any committee in which they have an interest. Committees so far include:
- Annual banquet – board members
- Nominating – Casey Mussatto, Joe Humerickhouse, Thelma Humerickhouse
- Budget – Robyn Williams, Casey Mussatto, Mike Telthorst
- Membership – Jeanette Swarts
- Scholarship/garage sales – Jodie Smith
- Kansas Sampler – Dave and Tara Azwell
- Summer concessions – Jeanette
- Fair Parade – Chandra Dunbar
- Beer Fest – Jim Lohmeyer, Becky Siljenberg, Jodi Stark
- Christmas on Market – Chandra Dunbar
- Website – Wayne White, Mike Telthorst, Jeanette Swarts
- Facebook – Chandra Dunbar, Jeanette Swarts
- Advertising/signage – Casey Mussatto, Rod Willis, Dave Azwell, Joe Humerickhouse, Jim Lohmeyer.
Dave made a motion, seconded by Jim, for the Chamber to donate $750 to Smoke in the Spring as a sponsor of the community event; approved by members. Corey, who is the Smoke in the Spring organizer, thanked the Chamber for the annual contribution. He reported that 39 barbecue teams had signed up to compete so far, and he was preparing to send out invitation letters to about 250 teams. He has set a goal of 102 teams competing this year. Smoke in the Spring is April 9, 2016. Corey reminded Chamber members that Taste of Osage City will be April 8, and he has already lined up barbecue teams to cook during the Friday night community barbecue party.
The membership considered a bylaws change as recommended by the board, that being to change the term of officers to one year. On a motion from Casey, seconded by Tara, and approved by members, the suggested bylaws change will be included on next month’s agenda for a vote by the membership.
Jeanette reported the Jan. 9, 2016, Chamber mixer at the Osage City Santa Fe Depot had 23 attendees. Snacks and beverages were enjoyed by everyone. Jerry’s Thriftway, Buzzard’s Pizza and Casey’s General Store showcased food items for the event.
The meeting was opened up to members’ announcements.
Nancy, of the Osage County Senior Center, announced the center will host a soup luncheon at noon on Valentine’s Day; a cupcake contest will be held in conjunction with the luncheon. She also reported Osage County Economic Development is taking applications for home rehabilitation grants and encouraged everyone to apply.
Kenna reported that ECKAN continues to provide a food pantry, and has recently begun a new program to help people get back on their feet, “Stepping Stones to Success”.
Jodi reported that Vintage Park at Osage City had been acquired by a new company, Grace Management, Minneapolis, Minn. She said the assisted living facility’s services are not changing and the only changes expected will be administrative.
Dave Azwell reported the Osage City Arts Council has scheduled several upcoming concerts, one of which will be a five-member woodwind ensemble of the U.S. Air Force Band that will perform at area schools and give a performance for the public at 7 p.m. Feb. 25, 2016.
Meeting adjourned about 12:30 p.m.
Next Chamber regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016.
Submitted by Wayne White, Chamber secretary