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Laurel Chamber of Commerce
Highway Transportation Log Cabin"
,_ 108 East Main Street
~ Phone/Fax: (406) 628-8105
www. laurelrnontana.org
Agenda For: Thursday, November 3, 2005
Board Meeting: Noon -Laurel Golf Club
1. Call the meeting to order.
2. Approval of the minutes from the October 27th meeting.
3. Bills presented for payment:
a) NorthWestern Energy - utilities 19.97
b) Laurel Outlook - Home Lighting Contest ads 12t .80
c) Total bills: $141.77
Account Balances: 10-31-05: l 0-31-04:
Regular checking $ 979.98 $1,6t0.57
Money' Market savings 5,076.41 2,040.35
Total $6,056.31 $3,650.92
Christmas Decorations Accounts
Total Accounts
$ 374.06 1,164.93
$6,430.45 $4,815.85
5. Ribbon Cutting: Today for All Points Inspections - Howard Rickard - to be held at the Chamber
Old Business:
a) Vote on Nominations for Board positions
b) Next meeting on the third Thursday - November 17th
New Business:
a. Handouts for working on Christmas Decorations
b. Should the Chamber become equipped to take Visa
c. Set up Budget Conmaittoe meeting
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
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BOARD MEETING - OCTOBER 27, 2005
The Laurel Chamber of Cornmerea Board of Directors met on Thursday, October 27, 2005 at the
Locomotive Depot Restaurant from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Those in gXendance were President Donna
Podolak, Vice President Linda Wedel, Past President Bob O'Dea, Senrelary Klm Wombolt, Directors:
Jerry Bauck, Glenda Seabrook, Coral Harvey, Stephanie Potter, CJ. Dable, and Traey DuFresne, Chamber
Members: Shelly Tovmsand and Dee Dee Crider, Guest Speakers: Mayor Ken Olson, Jr. and
Administrative Assistant Perry Aster, and Special Guest Laurie Parpart from Blessed Beginnings.
Donna called the meeting to order and asked all present to take a moment of silence in prayer. Donna
asked if everyone had a chance to mad the minutes from the October 13~ meeting. Jerry made a motion to
approve these minutes as read, seconded by Coral, and all present voted in favor of the motion. Bills
presented for payment were: Ben Franklin - :$7.99, Great Americ~ Leasing - $78.39, and Jan's IGA -
$9.19. Bob made a motion to approve payment of these bills, seconded by Glenda, and all present voted in
favor of paying the bills.
Donna introduced Mayor Ken Olson, Jr. and the City Adrnlnisirative Assistant, Perry Aster. Ken is
ranning for Mayor. He handed out some information to all present about himselfi He stated that he was
bom and raised in Laurel, graduated from the Laurel schools, served two terms in tbe Vietoam War, and
gracluated from Eastern Montana College (M.S.U. Billings). His wife was bom and raised in Laurel.
Became of their two children, they became active in the eommunily of Laurel. Ken served as a board
member in the Laurel Jaycees, Laurel Little League, Laurel Volunteer Fire Department, and other
commnnity organizations. He became involved in politics in ]997 as a council member; later served on the
Govermnent Review Commission and the Drag and Alcohol Task Fome. Ken stated that he has been
involved, in many projects. The 8t~ Avenue project was slurred in 1997. In order for this project to become
a realily, it has to be in the blue book through the Mnntaaa Department of Transportation. This project
finally made the blue book this year and is set to begum work. This project includes new water and sewer
lines and a new overlay of the road. This is a very big project. The City worked with the M.D.T. to do the
First Avenue and 8a' Avenue project. The MDT did the overlay of Main Street and the City replaced the
water pipes underneath the slreet. The project cost $90,000.00. The M.D.T. would like to overlay Main
Street to 8~ Avenue. They would like to par~er with the City of Laurel on this project since the City will
need to put in new water pipe before the road is done. The City will need to pay $225,000.00 for their part
in this project. The project will start in the Spring of 2006 and be completed sometime in 2007. Ken
further stated that he has spent a lot of time getting to know people and has built relationships with the
different entities on these projects. The City is currently working on the East First Street project and he is
aware that it is a real inconvenience for travel on these roads, but it will be well worth it in the end. A
while back, a needs assessment survey was done in wkieh there was a 60% response to. In that survey, it
was found that certain streets were listed as needing work and these streets are being worked on as a result.
These streets are: Main Street, 8t~ Avenue, and East First Street. Out of this project, a grent was obtained
to help with the cost of the sidewalk needed for the area. The grant received will allow a sand of
$100,000.00 to help pay for the SID sidewalk project. A curb, gutter, sidewalk, and overly will be done
next spring. Another project being worked on is the Cemetery Project that calls for a master plan and
sprinkler system as well as expansion of the cemetery in order to get rid of the sharp right-hend turn and
allow use of Buffalo Trail Road. Ken Olson introduced Perry Asher- Adminlgtrative Assistant to the
Mayor. Perry took ltds title on August 22~ of fids year. The City had a test run 1 ½ years ago to see ifa~
admlni~lmlSve assistant to the mayor would work for Laurel. A person named Nathan was put on as a
VISITOR INFORMATION · INTERPRETIVE DISPLAYS
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project coordinator to oversee the coming together of ali of the different deparUnent heads working on a
certain project. The response was excellent end it was found that Laurel was reedy for an administrative
assistant. The City then passed a budget in order to allow the hiring of an assistant. By having an assistant,
the City has already seen a savings of $15,000.00. Ken explained that the City had to contract out for
someone to handle personnel issues. Since Perry has been hired, he has been able to handle all human
resource issues. Perry has a Master's Degree in Public Administration as well. Ken stated that in the next
ten years, Laurel is going to grow and we need to prepare for that growth. He said that it is unpopular to
bring forward rate increases and it is something that he has had to do as Mayor. He would like to stress that
he would like to be a part of not only making Laurel survive, but to make it thrive. Time cannot be turned
back and we need to prepare ourselves. There are fiscal responsibilities that need to be dealt with. These
do not come by chance, but rather by a vision end participation in that vision. Tough decisions have to be
made. Ken asked if anyone had eny questions. Jerry stated that he would like to know why the City does
not unnex more into the City limits with all of the surrounding communities. Ken stated that if someone
wants their area annexed into the City, they need to request that. Aa area cannot be annexed into the City
unless three sides of the property are already within the City limit boundaries. Even ifa request is made to
be annexed, the City has to justify the increase in services as well. Kim asked if the new street lights would
require the at the old ones be taken down or even if the Chamber's electrical poles be taken down, and if so,
could the Chamber heng the Christmas decorations on the new lights. Ken stated that the new lights are
mostly for decoration since the existing lights will stay in place. He said that Stove Klotz would be the
person to talk to about this. Ken stated that he would appreciate everyone's support on election day.
Donna thanked Ken and Perry for coming to this meeting.
Old Business:
Donna staled that at the last meeting, discussion was held on dates to work on the Chamber's Christmas
decorations and when to put up the,se decorations. At that t/me, the Board had talked about putting up the
decorations earlier than Thanksgiving weekend since most could not be present for this. After speaking to
Klm after the meeting, both Donna and Klm thought it might be best to leave the date as it has been in the
past and to fry to fred others to help with putting up of the dacomtions since the Schesslers have the Ioadem
end manpower to operate the machines on the weekend of Thanksgiving, Donna stated that a work date is
needed to get the decorations ready to be put up, though. In the past, this has been done on a Saturday or
Sunday in November or on the day before the dale to put up the decorations. KLm stated that if the work is
done on the Saturday before the decorations are done, then the decorations could be loaded onto trailers and
be ready to be put on the poles. Donna stated that most people are going m be out of town for
Thnnksgiving, so it might be best to set up a different date for the work. Donna asked those present what
date would work best for them, Saturday, November 12a' or Saturday, November 19~. Tracy said that she
could not help on the 19t~. It was decided to set the work date on November 12~. All are invited to meet
for breakfast at g a.m. at the Owl. If they want to sleep in a little more, they can meet out at the storage unit
at 9 a.m. If they are going to be late, they can call the office to get the password to get into the storage unit
area. There will be plenty of people around as well to let them in if they are late. The date to put up these
decorations will be Sunday, November 27°'. We will take down the decorations on Sunday, January 8t~.
Sa_me times - 8 a.m. at the Owl for breakfast, 9 a.m. work begins. Kim stated that most times, everyone is
done before noon. The more people that show up, the earlier we are done with the work. Klm stressed that
it is a lot offnn to do this while doing something for the community a.5 well.
New Business:
Donna apologized for not attending the recent Nominating Committee meeting. She stated that she had
out of town guests end spaced the meeting out, Bob stated that Coral, Kim and he attended this meeting
and have had some very good leads on getting the nominations for directors. He said that the committee
has a few more people to talk to and should have a full report for the Board at the next meeting. He further
stated that the Board would need to vote on the nominations so that a letter can be sent out to the
membership. This will be put on next meeting's agenda.
Klm reported on the Christmas Home Lighting Contest. She stated that she sent out letters to all of the
past participants in the contest. These residents are the ones whose homes are put on the map. An ad was
placed in the Laurel Outlook asking for more people to register for this contest. Ads are cun-ently being
sold and CHS has been contacted asking them to again sponsor the printing of the map. This map should
be ready for print by the middle of November and should be out for free distribution by the Christmas to
Remember date - December 2ha.
Kim stated that it has been a while since she has sent out a Chamber newsletter and will begin working
on one. Two names are needed for the feature, spotlight on business. Glenda picked two names out of the
envelope. These names were: Tendernest Assisted Living and the new Howard Johnson Inn, which used
to be the Laurel Super 8 Motel.
Donna stated that it is time to set up the DSA Committee since the Distinguished Service Awards will be
held in January. Klm stated that this year should be very easy for the Chamber since the Jaycees will be
hosting the event and all the Chamber has to do is pick the winners and give out the six awards. She stated
that the banquet is always held on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in January. Donna said that she would help
with this committee, C.J. stated that she would be on the committee, and Gleada said she would as well
also. Perry Asber later said that he would like to sit on this committee. Klm said that if anyone else
decides to be on the committee, he or she is welcome to come on board. Klm said that she would send out
a letter asking the businesses to nominate people for the different awards. Nominations will be taken until
December 31, 2005. The fa'st week in January, the connnittee will meet to go over the nomir~tions and
pick the winners. All winners are kept secret until the awards are given out.
The R & P Reports were given out to ali present.
Open Forum:
Jerry stated that he would like to see the Christmas Stroll like in Red Lodge or Billings to be instituted in
Laurel during the Christmas to Remember Celebration. He would also like to see the Laurel businesses
stay open on that day from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. A listing of the business that will stay open could be listed on
the inside cover of the Christmas Map. He is not sure how to go about getting the artwork taken offthe
map and this listing put on it. Klm stated that Jerry has an excellent idea and that it is very easy to do this
since the Chamber is in charge of what is printed on this map. Klm asked Jerry if he would help to get this
list for the map. She stated that if anyone knows of a business willing to stay open, they should contact the
office with this information so it can be printed on the map. C.J. stated that Evergreen will be open since
they have the annual croft bazaar on that day. Donna stated that Donna's Massage will be open and she
will find out if the Elite will also be open. It was stated that the restaurants and casinos would naturally be
open on that day. Ken Olsun asked if anyone would be interested in having the black horse pala-ol come
out on that day. Jerry said that he would be very interested in getting this set up. Ken said that he would
tell the group to contact Jer~.
Perry asked how to go about becoming a member of the Chamber. Kin stated that he can either become
a member personally or he can be a member under the City of Laurel. The City is already a member of the
Chamber. Purry stated that he would like to start attending the meetings and getting involved in the
Chamber. KLm stated that she would be happy to send him an agenda for the meetings. Laurie Pm-part
from Blessed Beginnings would also like to join the Chamber. She told KLm that she could drop offthe
information one of these days next week in her travels.
Donna stated that since the second week in November's meeting falls on Thanksgiving, it might be best
to change the November meetings to the first and third Thursday of the month. She would like to hurry up
and get these November meetings out of the way. Bob asked Donna if she was in a hun'y to be dor.e being
president.
Coral stated that her boss, Steve Solberg of Laurel Ford had said that he would like the Chamber to
institote something where ail of the business people could come together every so often to meet each other
and to talk in order to get to know one another better. Klm stated that is why them are Business After
Hours. Coral stated that at the Business After Hours, everyone, including customers are invited. Shelly
said tlmt the whole idea behind the Business At, er Hours is only fur business people. Klm said that she
went to a Billings Business After Hours recently with Shelly and leaxraed a lot of things that would work
and how to do these events right. She stated that while at this event, she spoke to Ross of Little Hora State
Bank and he thought that since Laurel is smaller and has smaller type businesses, it may work better and be
more successful for Laurel to hold these events four times a year rather than once a month. That way the
businesses could get together and go in on the costs of these events. An example would be for Laurel Ford,
Ace Hardware, Tin Horn Casino, Pizza Hut, etc. could all host one in the spring. Then the next urea would
host one in the summer, etc. Klm further suggested that the Chamber devote a special committee to just
these Business After Hours events. Drawings could be held at the events as well. Coral said that she is not
sure if that is what Steve was talking aboat, though. Glenda suggested having Steve attend one of the
Chamber meetings and talk to the Board about what he would like to have implemented at one of these type
events.
The meeting was adjourned.
CategorJes-Expens~ October Year-to-date Budget Income October Year-to-datt ~Budget Total
~ostage $37.00 $581.55 $,900.00 $2.40 $100.60 $100.00 ($480,78
~hone $67.90 $712.14 $900.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 ($712.?.
'~epairs/Equipment $D.90 $0.00 $1,000.00 $0.00 $9.00 $0.00 $0.00
~upplies $109.79 $897.00 $1~000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0~00 ($897.09
;opier/Copies $78.39 $1,195,58 $1,300.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 ($1,196.58
Utilities $46.36 $824.72 $1,200.00 $0.90 $0.00 $0.00 ($824.72
Business Insurance $0.00 $850.00 $800.00 $0,00 $0.00 $0.00 ($850.00
Lunch expense $22.68 $199.68 $200.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00, ($t99,68)
NetWages $1,361.36 $10,568.32 $11,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 ($10,568.32
Parade $0.00 $168.50 $200.00 $0.90 $457.00 $300.00 $280.50
Chief Joseph Run $57.03 $2,159.27 $2,000.00 $0.00 $4,319.00 $4,500.00 $2,t59.73
Payroll taxes $677.28 $4,529.29 $5,200.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 ($4,529.29
Fees or refunds $0.00 $105.00 $15.00 $0.00 $2,400.00 $2,500.00 $2,295.00
Herita~e Days $0.00 $160.83 $100.00 $0.00 $118.50 $100.00 ($42.33'
Ribbon Cuttin~lS $1.00 $33.09 $100.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 ($33.9.¢
Subscriptions $0.00 $27.00 $35.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 ($27.00;
Vlisc. Supplies $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
=eace Pipe Ceremony $0,00 $0.00 $:i00.00 $0.D6 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Nebsite/Internet 864.90 $1,283.25 $600.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 ($1,283.2~
;)SA Banquet $0.00 $2,004.56 $2,000,00 $0.00 $1,400.00 $2,000.00 ($604.56
-aurel Map $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $400.00 $0.00 $400.00
~lewsletter $0.00 $371.98 $600.00 $0.00 $0.00 SQO0 ($371.98
.~hristmas Home Cont. $0.00 $100.00 $200.00 $0.90 $225.00 $900.00 $125.00
~-hdstmas Lights/power SQ00 $0.00 $650.00 $0.00 $0.00 $650.00 $0.00
)nemployment Ins. $382,98 $462.03 $0.00 $0.90 $0.00 $0.00 ($462.03
:armers Mk~Craz), Day $0.00 $185.10 $350.00 $0.00 $398.50 $350.00 $213.40
Circus $0.00 $2,389.62 $2,000.00 $0.00 $3,653.50 $3,000.00 $1,264.48
Other Fundraisem $0.00 $0.00 $500.00 $0.00 $0.00 $3,500.00 $0.00
Ann Membership Mtg $0.00 $1,163.82 $0.00 $0.00 $1,305.00 $0.00 $141.18
Coupon Book $0.00 $1,767.00 $1,700.00 $0.00 $2,518.00 $2,000.00 $751.90
interest/Errors $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.43 $3,93 $5.00 $3.93
Memberships $0.00 $575.92 $300.00 $249.50 $15,364.00 $18,000.00 $14,788.08
Trailer Rental $0.00 $0.00 $100.00 $0.00 $100.00 $200.00 $100.00
Totai $2,906.67 $33,315.65 $35,'150.00 $252.33 $32,763.23: $38,105.00 ($552_32
Vioney Market $0.00 $4,000.00 $2,000.00 $3,000.00; ($1,000.0[
3hristmas Dec. Acct. $0.00 $0.00 $0.80 $0.00 $0.00
total $0.00 $4,000.08 $0.00 $0,00 $2,000,60 $3,000.00 $0.00 ($1,000.00;
'=rand Total $2,906.67 $37,3t5.65 ~ ~'~3 $35,763.23 ($1,552.3;
Statistics for October, 2005
· Relocation Packets: 0
· Visitor Packets: 0
* Business Relocation Packets: 0
· School Project Packets: 0
· Genealogy Search Information: 1
· Phone Calls: 124
Special Requests: 10
· ' Recommendations: 15
· Other Information Mailed: 36
· Convention Packets: 0
· Walk-Ins: 42
· Faxes Sent: 7
· Faxes Received: 6
· E.Mai! Messages Sent: 15
· E. Mail Messages Received: 149
· Ribbon Cuttings: Tin Horn Casino
· Speakers: 2 - Mayor Ken Olson, Jr. and Administrative Asst. Perry Asher
· New Business Address: All Points Home Inspections, Howard Rickard, 922 6th Ave.,
628-8391
· New Chamber Memberships: 0
· Lost Chamber Memberships: 0
· TotalChamber Memberships: 130
· Total Lifetime Chamber Memberships: 10
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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
Dear Chamber Member:
The Distinguished Service Award's Banquet is held every January. The Laurel Jaycees and the
Laurel Chamber of Commerce hold this event in order to recognize outstanding achievers in our
community.
Your help is needed in order to find these people who need to be recognized for their
achievements. Nominations will be accepted from now until December 31a. Feel free to
nominate as many people as you would like. Send your nominations to: Laurel Chamber of
Commeme, 108 East Main, Laurel, MT 59044 or drop your nomination into the Chamber's mail
drop. Nominations can also be e.mailed to: secretary~laurelmontana.org.
Awards are given in these categories:
Employee of the Year: An outstanding employee who has served a business or organization
above the call of duty, someone who is a positive co-worker, motivator, or leader in their field,
someone who excels in their job duties.
Boss or Manager of the Year: A manager, supervisor, owner, or co-owner who contributes to
the well being of the employees, business, and to the community.
Public Official of the Year; An elected or appointed official, someone who is employed by the
city, state or federal government, or someone in the educational system who contributes to the
office in which they serve as well as the community.
Special Service Award: A person or organizalion that has served the community.
Business Person of the Year: Owners 'and/ofqZo-owners in the wholesale, manufacturing,
retail, food & beverage business, legal, professional, service, financial institutions, auto
dealerships, etc. Anyone who contributes to the conm~unity, business market as a whole,
eu~om~s, and employees. --
Lifetime Achievement Award with Lifetime Membership in the Chamber: Pmyone in the
community who has devoted much of their life over the years to the community of Laurel.
If you would like to nominate people for these awards, please write a brief summary why your
nominee should be selected based on their contribution. The connnittee will review all
nominations and select winnem for the awards. If your nomination is not accepted at this time,
his/her name will be kept on file for future awards.
Sincerely,
Laurel Chamber of Commerce
Distinguished Service Awards Committee
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