HomeMy WebLinkAboutChamber of Commerce (4)A
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Laurel Chamber of Commerce
"In the Historic Highway Transportation Log Cabin"
108 East Main Street
Laurel, MT 59044
Phone/Fax: (406) 628-8105
www. laurelmontana.org
Agenda For: Thurs
Board Meeting: N
Call the meeting to order.
Approval of the minutes fi'om the September 22nd meeting.
Bills presented for payment:
a) Jan's IGA - supplies
b) Ben Franklin - supplies
c) NorthWestern Energy- utilities
d) Crytech - website
e) Dynamic Design - t-shirts for run
h) Total bills:
54.80
7.49
23.97
24.95
37.90
$260.32
Account Balances:
Regular checking
Money Market savings
Total
Christmas Decorations Accounts
Total Accounts
10-06-05:
$ 448.67
7,076.41
$7,525.08
$ 374.06
7,899.14
10-06-04:
$ 50.74
2,040.35
$2,091.09
1,164.93
$3,256.02
5. Ribbon Cutting: Today: Tin Horn Casino - Curt Riemann - 413 4a St. S.E., Ste AB, Laurel
6. Old Business:
a) proposed changes to by-laws
b) proposed changes to meetings/committee meetings
New Business:
a. Should the Chamber continue with the Cats Home Lighting ContesqMap?
b. Set up Nomination Committee Meeting
c. Set up work date for Christmas decoratiuns
d. R & P Reports
7. Open Forum
8. Adjourn Meeting
VISITOR INFORMATION ° INTERPRETIVE DISPLAYS
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Laurel Chamber of Commerce
"In the Historic Highway Transportation Log Cabin"
108 East Main Street
Laurel, MT 59044
Phone/Fax: (406) 628-8105
www. laurelmontana.org
BOARD MEETING - SEPTEMBER 22, 2005
The Laurel Chamber of Commeme Board of Directors met on Thursday, September 22, 2005 at the
Locomotive Depot Restaurant fi.om 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Those in attendance were: President Donna
Podolak, Past President Bob O'Dea, Secretary Klm Wombolt, Directors: Coral Creek (used to be Harvey),
C.J. Dahle, Jerry Bauck, Glenda Seabrook, Stephanie Potter, Wes Burley, Steve O'Neil (excused absence),
Chamber Members: Dee Dee Crider, Shelly Townsend, and Phyllis Bromgard, and Special Guest Speaker:
Richard Bamhardt- owner of Rocky Mountain Leather - who is running for Mayor of Laurel.
Donna called the meeting to order and asked if all present had a chance to read the minutes from the last
meeting. Some were not sure if they had or not. Kim stated that the last meeting in which there was a
qnnrum was held on July 28~h. C.J. made a motion to approve these minutes as read, seconded by Jerry,
and all present voted in favor of the motion. Bills presented for payment were: already paid but need
approval- Jan's IGA - $115.53, Ben Franklin - $88.30, Ace Hardware - $29.77, Laurel Outlook - $99.30,
NorthWestern Energy - $48.99, Qwest ~ $69.33, Grcat America Leasing - $78.39. New bills presented
include: Montana Dakota Utilities - $10.65, Qwest - $69.69, and Great America Leasing _$78.39. Klm
stated that there is an additional bill to be paid out of the Christmas Decorations account for decoretinns,
banner brackets, etc. that was ordered last winter. This bill from Miller Ornamental Designs is $1,474.00.
Afl, er transferring that amount to the Chrislmas Decorations checking account, this still leaves a total of
over $800.00 in the account. While on the phone with Ken Miller fi.om Miller Ornamental Designs, he
told Klm that they have more wreaths already made if the Chamber would like to order some of these. Kim
stated that there would be enough money to order two or three of these. Bob slated that Kim does not have
the authority to do this and should not have ordered the additional wreaths. Klm stated that she has tried
numerous times to get the ChrisUnas decorations committee to meet in order to get these decisions made
and felt that since the aecotmt was set up only for the purchase of decorations, then it is safe to assume that
the money in the account was to go towards the purchase of the decorations. Bob said that he is only trying
to protect Khn on this. Kim said that if he is trying to protect her on this issue, then he should made a
motion to approve the ordering of the decorations and be done with it. Bob made a motion to purchase the
additional wreaths, seconded by Coral, and all present voted in favor of the motion. Coral stated that she
has two checks in the amount of $65.01 to be deposited into the Chrismms decoration account. This money
is from recycling printer ear~idges that she and Donna had recently worked on.
Donna imroduced Richard Barnhardt as today's speaker and told him that she would give him ten
minutes and no more than that to speak. Richard thanked the Board for allowing him to speak at this
meeting. He stated that he is muning for Mayor of Laurel and is a business owner. He owns Rocky
Mountain Leather. He stated that he has lived in Laurel all of his life, went to school here, and has been a
business owner for the past twenty years. He served on the Laurel Government Review Committee and it
was the f'mdiugs fi.om that committee that brought him to where he is currently running for mayor. If he
were to be elected, he would like to help the business community of Laurel. He would work harder to
bring people to downtown Laurel. Since it is an inconvenience to drive to Billings, he would like to see it
made more convenient for people to shop in Laurel. He stated that ail of Laurel would benefit fi.om this.
He has noticed that the businesses of Laurel do not stay around too long. They come in, set up shop for a
few years, and then they are gone. He would like to hold more businesses in Laurel by creating an
atmosphere to keep businesses in Laurel. He would like to have the business people get together in order to
come up with ways to help business grow in Laurel In the past, the business have not received a lot of
support fi.om the City of Laurel and he would like to see that changed. He stated that he would also like to
see the whole town of Laurel grow. He stated that he would appreciate a vote for him for mayor. Richard
VISITOR INFORMATION · INTERPRETIVE DISPLAYS
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asked if anyone had any questions that he could answer. Stephanie stated that since Richard is running for
mayor as a result of the government review committee, specifically what needs to be changed in the
government of Lanrel? Richard stated that Laurel is in extreme financial danger. He stated that it is not
good for cities to get in financial Irouble since the county then takes over as what happened recently when
Miles City could not meet payroll. He stated that recently the City hired an administrative assistant in the
hopes that this pemun will be able to make miracles happen. Richard stated that things could be turned
around without the help of an administrative assistant. The city could get grants, hire people just for
specifics, and cut costs in other ways. The city can accomplish things without putting many people on the
payroll. He said that the City of Lanrel should be run just like a business - do not spend more than is taken
in. Simple bookkeeping procedures can turn things around. He further stated that you cannot keep
throwing good money after bad and expect not to get into trouble. Jerry stated that if the city wants more
basinesses, then why are they more interested in beautification projects rather than economic development.
He further stated that if things continue as in the past, the same ~oubles will continue. C.J. asked Richard
if he were elected, what would be the fa'st thing he would do as mayor? Richard stated that he would check
on the administrative positions and the high pay for these positions and possibly get rid of some of them in
order to get rid of the financial burdens. C.J. stated that since Richard is a business owner, he should join
the Chamber. Klm stated that Richard has been a Chamber member in the past. Richard stated that he has
nothing against the Chamber, he just failed to pay his dues and that is why he is no longer a member. He
further stated that he would look into rejoining the Chamber. Klm told him to call and she would get him
the informatlon when he was ready to join again. Donna thanked Pdehard for the information and invited
him to stay for the rest of the meeting.
Donna reminded all present that there would be a ribbon cutting today for Counta-yside
Photography/Applied Business/Rock Creek Books on 6 Montana Avenue #7. This ribbon cutting is being
held since Glenda and Jerry have joined their businesses under one roof.
New Business:
Donna asked Wes to report on the Annual Membership Meeting held in August. She stated that Wes did
an exeallent job on this event. Wes said that he had a lot of help. He stated that he did not hear any
negatives about the event and it seemed as though everyone attending enjoyed themselves. He stated that
the tables were very fidl so the numbers in attendance were very good. He said that there were over 100 in
attendance. Klm stated that she heard only one negative and that was: people should have been allowed to
stay longer to visit and enjoy the music; the minute that they were done eating, some of the directors were
cleaning offthe tables and making them feel like they should leave. Kim gave a report of the income and
expenses fi.om this eveat. She stated that $1,245.00 income was taken from the sale of the tickets; the
costs of the food and decorations came to $963.82. She further stated that after the event, she spoke to
Donna and Jerry and Glenda (Jen'y and Glenda were the only 2 directors who attended the last meeting),
and all were in agreement that the entertainment and the chef should receive a donation of $50.00 each for
their services and the Laurel Jaycees should also receive $50.00 to cover costs of electricity and water for
allowing use ofthek building for floe. After these foes ware deducted, a total of $8t. 18 was left for the net
profit fi'om having this dinner. Wes added that this was excellent since the committee was hoping to just
break even on the event. It was stated that the event was held in order to abide by the rules in the Chamber
by-laws.
A copy of the survey results was handed out to all present. Donna stated that she needs to sit down and
take the time to get this survey filled out. Klm stated that it is too late for that. She stated that she will not
take one of thase surveys since she has one at home. Kim said that Donna should take one of these since
these are the results from the surveys that have come in. She further stated that the deadlh~e for getting the
survey to the office was September Ist. Donna said that she would take one of these and read it at home
and suggested that the rest of the board does the same.
Donna asked Gleada and Jerry to report on the meeting they attended at the City about the events
planned for next year's Lewis and Clark Bicentennial celebration. Jerry stated that a gentleman out of
Washin~on has made his career from making college level musicals. He has made a musical for the Lewis
and Clark Bicentennial and would like to bring this to Laurel for Laurel's signature event. He would like to
have the support of the city and the community on this project. Donna stated that he would like to have the
Chamber and others commit to selling tickets for this and the money from the ticket sales would go towards
getting this put together. Donna stated that there is a lot of talk that the Lewis and Clark thing has already
been overdone and people are burned out on this. She stated that the City Council would like to see this
musical come together in Laurel. Donna further stated that she feels that the Chamber should not commit
to doing this as a group, but if members would like to work on this project, they can do so as individuals.
Glenda stated that the man's name is Wayne Freeman and he is originally from Laurel and that is why he is
offering the musical to Laurel - to give something back to his hometown. Donna stated that he has stated
that he does not want to be paid for this, but if the fmc print were read, he would take a pementage of the
ticket sales. Jerry stated that he would be worried about the Chamber committing to this if it were not
successful.
Klm reported on the meeting held by the By-Laws Committee. She stated that the meeting was held in
order to make sure that the Chamber is in compliance with the by-laws. KLm further stated that the by-laws
have been made to be slrictly followed by this year's Board. Since ail roles of the by-laws have to be
followed, it is for this reason that some of the rules need to be changed. She pointed out that according to
the rules, there are only three people on the Board that can remain on the Board; everyone else should no
longer be considered directors since they have missed three consecutive meetings. According to page 3,
section 4 -vacancies: "A member of the Board of Directors who shall be absent from three consecutive
regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall automatically be dropped form membership on the
Board, unless confirmed by illness or otherwise decreed by a majority vote of those voting at any meeting
thereof. Klm stated that according to this, the Chamber only has Glenda Seabrook, Jerry Baock, and Stove
O'Neil on the Board. Steve has missed meetings, but does have a legitimate excused absence. Klm
further stated that Bob might not be in violation also since he was coveting for Jim Taylor at the bank this
summer. KLm further stated that with the way this reads, she is not sure if people are purposely missing
meetings in order to get offthe board, or if they jast do not care about attending meetings. Kim stated that
there are othem out there that would be happy to serve on the Board if people are just staying on for the
title. This wording was suggested to be added to the by-laws, "A member of the Board of Directors who
should be absent from three consecuth~ regular meetings shall be notified by mail that they will be
dropped from membership of the Board, unless confirmed by illness or otherwise decreed by a majority
vote of those voting at any meeting thereof. A response period of one week will be allowed before he/she
is automatically dropped from membership of the Board" KLm stated that it was talked about having
some committee meetings held directly after the regular meetings in order to flee up time taken for all of
the extra meetings. Bob suggested that if someone attended a committee meeting, this would count as a
regular meeting as well. Klm further stated that there would be one more change made to the by-laws if the
board agreed to it. On page 2, Article 4 - Board of Directors - Section 2 - Selection and Election of
Direetom. When the by-laws were changed in 1999, the change made was to take out a part that should be
put back since it has opened up a whole assortment of problems. This part in the by-laws gave people time
to get offthe board in order to take some time off, give others a chance to get on the board, and was a
safeguard against having people on the board and staying on who were just doing so in order to have the
title. The proposed change would read as follows, "No Board member may be elected to two or more
consecutive three-year terms. At least one year must separate each elected three-year term, It was
suggested that the Board meet once a month for the regular meetings and once a month for the committee
meetings. Bob stated that the Board needs to regular meeting a month, with or without the committee
meetings. He stated that there are just too many things going on that the Board needs to discuss. Donna
said that it is important for people to make a commitment to the Board. Stephanie said that she would like
to have some time to think about the proposed changes before having to vote on them. It was decided that
this item would be put on the agenda for the next meeting. Klm stated that the Board should be sure about
the changes since it is very complicated to keep changing the by-laws. She will need to notify every
Chamber member of the proposed changes and allow enough time for them to agree or disagree with the
changes. After the new by-laws are written up, a copy has to be sent to the State of Montana as welI as the
Internal Revenue Service. The state and the federals take changes to the by-laws very seriously.
Donna stated that the Executive Board met at the same time of the By-laws Committee. She said that
there was nothing much to report on from that. Klm said that there definitely was a lot to report on from
that meeting. She stated that she asked for a raise in pay and one more week's vacation at that meeting.
Donna said that the Executive Board agreed to the things discussed at the meeting. Klm stated that just
because the Executive Board agreed to this, it does not mean that it will happen. Klm pointed out that the
proposals brought before the board need to go before the regular board for approval. Klm told all present
that she has worked for the Chamber since November, 1995 -almost 10 years and feels that she would like
to have three weeks vacation. She stated that she now receives two weeks vacation time that cannot be
taken all at once. She also would like a raise in pay. She stated that it has been four years since her last
raise in pay. She currently receives $9.00 per hoar. She would l~ke to receive $ I 1.00 per hour, which
would be $.50 raise per year. Bob stated that Kim does a good job and is there for all of the events. He
feels that ifa raise is not given, Klm would probably go elsewhere and the Chamber job would be left for
the directors to do and no one on the board would like to do this job. Bob stated that he has known Klm a
long fume and feels that she deserves a raise. Com] stated that she has worked at her job for the last 15
years and receives only 2 weeks vacation and would like the board to talk to her boss. Bob made a motion
to give Kim 3 weeks vacation, and an additional $2.00 per hour to bring her pay up to $11.00 per hour,
Coral seconded this motion, and all present voted in favor of the motion. Kim thanked Bob for the nice
things he said and thanked the Board for the raise. Glenda stated that the raise should be made retroactive
to take effect September 1a. Klm said that this would not be necessary. Glenda stated that since it was
brought up in August, it should have taken effect in September. Richard stated that his employees make
more then $11.00 per hour and do a lot less work than Kim. He was happy to see the raise being given to
her.
Klm reported on the Farmers Markets. Klm stated that the markets are getting better each year. All of
the bills for the markets have been paid, and the Chamber is now receiving a profit from this. Glenda
stated that she would like the Board to know that Kim was on vacation last week end came back on
Wednesday in order to nm the markets since a market master could not be found.
The R & P Reports were handed out to ail present.
Donna stated that since Klm will not list a moment of prayer on the agenda, she again forgot to have
everyone pray. She asked everyone to bow their heads for a moment of silence.
Open Forum:
Phyllis stated that she is 100% beh'md Richard Barnhardt for Mayor and suggested everyone else think
seriously about voting for him.
Donna said that she received a flyer recently that she would like to share with everyone. Larry Bauer
will be holding an advertising workshop for sales lralning and broadcast consulting. The purpose of this is
to learn methods to increase revenue and profits in today's markets. This is a free workshop to be held on
September 26th at the Best Western Motel in Laurel - 7 a.m. registration and continental breakfast, 7:30 to
9 a.m. advextis'mg workshop which includes the following: primary objectives of advertising; defining
objectives; methods of positioning your businass; horizontal and vertical scheduling; and media selection.
KMXE FM99 The Mountain is hosting this workshop. Seating is limited so advance regisa'ation is
required. Donna asked if anyone here would be interested in at[ending this seminar. Coral, Jerry, Glenda,
Stephanie, C.J., end Shelly all raised their hands. Donna said that Kim would go back to the office, make
copies of the registration form, end bring each one a copy to their place of business. Kim stated that she
would be happy to go back to the office and fax each person a copy of this registration to their business
rather than having to run around all al~emoon.
Coral stated that Laural Ford would be hosting a Blood Drive on October l0th for enyone interested.
Donna reminded all present of the ribbon cutting.
The meet!rig was adjourned.
Categories- ,E~pe~S~p~ember Year, to.date : ~udget :Iueome~September ~ear4o-da~ .~gudget ~ot~d.
Pnstage $62.00 $544.55 $800.00 $31.20 $98.40 $100.00 ($446.15]
Phone $69.69 $644.24 $900.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 ($644.241
Repairs/Equipment $5.00 ~0.00 $1~000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $3.00
Supplies $0.00 $787.21 $1,000.00 $0.00 $5.00 $0.00 ($787.21I
Copier/Copies $78.39 $1,117.19 $1,300.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 ($1,117.191
Utilities $46.42 $778.36 $1~200.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 ($778.361
Business Insurance $0.00 $850.00 $800.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 ($850.001
Lunch expense $4.74 $177.00 $200.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 ($t77.001
NetWages $1~361.36 $9,206.96 $11,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 ($9,206.961
Parade $0.00 $168.50 $200.00 $0.00 $457.00 $300.00 $288.60
Chief Joseph Run $0.00 $2,102.24 $2,000.00 $0.00 $4,319.00 $4,500.00 $2,216.76
Payroll taxes $364.32 $3,466.18 $5,200.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 ($3,466.181
Fees or refunds $0.00 $105.60 $15.00 $0.00 $2,400.00 $2,500.00 $2,295.00
Hedtage Days $0.00 $160.83 $100.00 $0.00 $118.50 $100.00 ($42.331
Ribbon Cuttirt~lS $1.00 $32.99 $100.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 ($32.991
Subscriptions $5.00 $27.00 $35.00 $0.00 $5.00 $0.00 ($27.001
Misc. Supplies $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $3.00
Peace Pipe Ceremony $0.00 $0.09 $100.00 $0.00 $O.00 $0.00 $3.00
~Vebsite/internet $39.95 $1,218.35 $600.00 $9.00 $0.09 $0.00 ($1,2'18.351
DSA Banquet $0.00 $2,004.56 $2,000.00 $9.00 $1,400.09 $2,000.00 ($604.561
Laurel Map $0.00 $0.09 $0.00 SQ00 $400.00 $0.00 $400.00
Newsletter $0.00 $371.98 $800.00 $0.00 $0.09 $0.00 ($371.991
Christmas Home Cont. $3.00 $100.00 $200.00 $9.00 $225.00 $900.00 $125.00
Chdstreas Lights/power $0.00 $0.00 $650.00 $0.00 $0.00 $650.00 $3.00
Unemployment Ins. $0.00 $79.05 $0.00 SQ00 $0.00 $0.00 ($79.051
Farmers Mkt/Crazy Day $0.00 $185.10 $350.00 $163.00 $398.50 $350.00 $213.40
Circus $0.00 $2,389.02 $2,000.00 $0.0{3 $5,653.50 $3,000.00 $t,264.48
Other Fundraisers $0.00 $0.00 $500.00 $0.00 $0.00 $3,500.00 $0.00
Ann Membership Mtg $0.00 $1,163.82 $O. 00 $60.00 $1,305.00 $0.00 $141.18
Coupon Book $0.00 $1,767.00 $1,700.00 $28.00 $2,518.00 $2,000.00 $751.00
InterestJErrors $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.36 $3.50 $5.00 $3.50
Memberships $0.00 $575.92 $300.00 $825.50 $15,114.50 $18,000.00 $t4,538.58
Trailer Rer~tal $0.00 $0.00 $100.00 $0.00 $100.00 $200.00 $100.00
Total $2,027.87 $30,023.05 $36,150.00 $1,108.06 $32,510.90 $38,'105.00 $2,487,85
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Money Mad<et $2,000.001 $4,000.00 $1,000.00 $1,000.00 ($3,000.00',
Christmas Dec. Acct. $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $3.00
Total $2,000.00 $4,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $1,000.00 $1~000.00 $0.00 ($3,000.001
Grand Total $4,027.87 $34,023.05 $2,108.06 $33,510.90 ($512.151
Statistics for September, 2005
· Relocation Packets: 0
· Visitor Packets: 0
· Business Relocation Packets: 1 - North Carolina
· School Project Packets: 0
* Genealogy Search Information: 1
Phone Calls: 177
· Special Requests: I 1
· Recommendations: 16
· Other Information Mailed: 11
· Convention Packets: 35 - New Hope Fellowship Church
· Walk-Ins: 33
Faxes Sent: 6
· Faxes Received: 0
· E.Mail Messages Sent: 4
· E.Mail Messages Received: 668
· Ribbon Cuttings: Countryside Photography/Applied Business Services/Rock Creek Books
· Speakers: L-Ric-har~ B~r_nha.r_dt
· New Business Address: Tin Horn Casino, 413 4ta Street S.E., Ste AB, 628-7660
· New Chamber Memberships: 0
· Lost Chamber Memberships: 1 - Modern Refrigeration ia Billings (no longer in business)
Total Chamber Memberships: 130
Total Lifetime Chamber Memberships: 10