Greater Odenville Chamber of Commerce

January 2006 Minutes

January 16, 2006

Members in Attendance:  John Joyner, Gayle Brandt, Mark Brandt, Trey Brasher, Janine Smith, Debbie Walker, William Tanner

Due to the absence of the President and Vice President the meeting was called to order by Mark Brandt at 7:00 pm.  John Joyner offered the Prayer.

Treasurer’s Report:   Gayle Brandt gave the Treasurer’s Report and reported Beginning Balance of $1,067.12, with expenditures of $40.00, deposits of $0.00.  This gives a new ending balance of $1,027.12.  The motion was made by Mark Brandt to accept Treasurer’s Report and Seconded by John Joyner.  Report Accepted

Minutes:  Everyone had a copy of the December 2005 minutes.  Motion made by John Joyner to accept Minutes and Seconded by Gayle Brandt.  Minutes Accepted.

New Applications:  Computer Graphics of Leeds applied for membership.  Motion made by Mark Brandt to accept application and Seconded by John Joyner.  Application Accepted

By Laws:

• A copy of the Proposed Greater Odenville Chamber of Commerce (GOCoC) By Laws was handed out.  A motion was made to accept the By Laws by Mark Brandt and Seconded by John Joyner.  By Laws Accepted.
• Discussion was held to make an amendment to the By Laws to change the period covered for membership.  This amendment would change membership to an Annual Calendar Membership.  Present members would pay a prorated payment to complete 2006.  New members would pay a prorated payment of the months left in the Calendar Year.  This change would help in budgeting and Active Member Recognition.  A Motion was made to accept the Amendment by John Joyner and Seconded by Mark Brandt.  Amendment Passed.

Financial:  Gayle Brandt reported that the Committee had not completed a budget.  The committee felt that after an annual dues schedule was instituted, that it would be much easier to project a budget.

Media:

• Mark Brandt reported that both the St. Clair Times and Leeds News had both been very responsive in covering events for the Chamber.  Continued communication will be ongoing to insure maximum coverage of Chamber events such as additional ribbon cuttings.
• Mark Brandt commented that the GOCoC missed a Grand Opening when Jackson – Hewlett had a grand opening.
• The first newsletter will be published shortly after the February 2006 meeting.

Membership:  The Leeds News has shown interest in applying.

Fundraising:

• No new projects were discussed.  Dates for ongoing projects trying to be pinned down.
• The Fundraising Committee wished that a list of people and businesses be read into the minutes.  The following list of people aided in the completion of the GOCoC Train:  Alpha Canopy, Bonnie Bivins, William Tanner, Paul Becker, Greg Bratcher, Paul Boyle Sr., Central Plumbing, John, Rick, Angie & John Joyner, Roy Richardson, Melba’s Antiques, Weaver & Woods, Mark Brandt, All the Business that donated candy for the Christmas parade and others who directly or indirectly had a part in this project.

Council Representation: No Council Member was present.

OLD BUSINESS:

Post Office Box:  A PO Box was purchased at the Odenville Post Office to help with the efficiency of correspondence to and from the GOCoC.  The new address of the Chamber will be:  Greater Odenville Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 685, Odenville, AL  35120.  Mark Brandt will seek prices for Letterhead and mailing materials from Computer Graphics now that we have a permanent address.  Once these materials are purchased, mailing of minutes to members without email can be better accomplished.

Flooding:  William Tanner spoke on the subject of flooding.  Mr. Tanner walked the complete length of Beaver Creek and saw multiple areas that need to be addressed to preclude any further flooding.  John Joyner suggested that we make contacts with any and all persons we can find in authority and let them know of the problem and that impact that it is having on our community.

NEW BUSINESS:

Southern Hospitality:  Janine Smith and Debbie Walker presented the members with an opportunity to advertise with their newly formed business.  This new company will provide a “Welcome Basket” to new residents of the area.  At a price of $3.00 per basket (estimated 25 per month) the GOCoC could insert an item of choice such as the Newsletter or another item into the basket.  This is going on in many communities and has been a low cost direct advertising scheme, Ms. Smith and Ms. Walker will be concentrating their efforts in the West St. Clair Co area.  Ms. Smith and Ms. Walker were thanked for taking the time to make their presentation and were offered the opportunity to join the Chamber.  They were informed that the Chamber would give them an answer in the near future.

Brasher Electronics:  Trey Brasher notified the Chamber that Brasher Computer has changed its name to Brasher Electronics.  The company has expanded their capacity to handle projects beyond computers.

Motion was made by John Joyner to adjourn and seconded by Gayle Brandt.  Meeting Adjourned.