PRESENT: Glenda Bolin, Paul Brockmeyer, Bob Copeland, Tim Hooton, Dave Monahan, Tim Nash, Keith Nelson, Ken Orf, Mark Porter, Larry Shroth, Sara Shroth, Peggy Alexander, Ray Alexander GUESTS: Rich Chrismer – St. Charles County Director of Elections, Roger Cox – Consort Homes, Chris Daleo – Curves, Mindy Schoenmaker – Westbound Real Estate

President Tim Nash opened the meeting at 12:10 p.m.

Introductions around the table.

Minutes: February 1, 2006 – Approved the as printed.

Treasurer's Report: Paul Brockmeyer - Approved as presented. Current balance is $3023.66

Old Business: Larry Shroth gave a report on the St. Charles League of Chambers Day at The Capitol on February 21st. There were 50 – 60 people present from the various Chambers. There was a morning session with the St. Charles County Representatives. All were present. One of the topics discussed was eminent domain. There is currently a surplus of $150,000,000 in the budget, which is not much. The cuts in Medicaid last year salvaged the integrity of the system. There was a reception in the evening with all Representatives of both Parties to discuss business issues.

Larry reported on the League of Chambers business meeting. Expenses are covered for the St. Charles Vision Leadership Group Breakfast with the Governor. The Warrenton Chamber is looking at developing a program similar to the St. Charles Vision Leadership Program.

There is a pilot program developed by Dick Sachs who is a financial advisor and Gregg Prestomen of the EDC on the 12 commandments of small business. The first session is to be held on March 6th at Holiday Inn Wentzville. The cost is $100.00 for non-members and $90.00 for members. The class will consist of 14 sessions that will run from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The next class is in June sometime. Date and time to be available later. This program is designed to help potential new business owners network with banks. There is an opportunity to receive bridge loans for those not having the funding to start a business. It will provide an inroad for those who do not have contacts. We voted to support the program. Any one interested in the program can contact Erin Williams, Director of the Wentzville Chamber at 636-327-6914

The League of Chambers will host the Legislative Breakfast on March 24th. Larry will get the information to Ray so he can notify our members. Larry reminded us that the Warren County Fine Arts Council has free concerts at Innsbrook.

Program: Rich Chrismer, Director of Elections for St. Charles County gave a very interesting program on the new voting machines that will be used for the first time at the April 4, 2006 Election. He explained the difficulty in deciding on the type machine that would do the job efficiently and still meet the budget to pay for them. After much research he purchased an optical scanning type machine that can read a ballot that is marked with ballpoint pen. He demonstrated the machine, and after the meeting the members were allowed to try using it. The machines have a projected life of 25 years and can be upgraded. They are manufactured by Devault, which is a company that has been very successful in making ATM machines for many years. Some time in the future, when the budget allows, Rich plans to purchase touch screen machines.

New Business: City Report: City Administrator Keith Nelson reported that there was a meeting last Monday with Developers about the new overpass and how to fund it. There was discussion on setting up Transportation Taxing Districts in a couple of years. They would like to construct a new overpass instead of trying to upgrade the old since it is not in very good condition. The new overpass would be located to the east of the old one and would potentially link Highways T and W in a strait line and eliminate the dogleg. This would hopefully open up areas to the north and south sides of Highway 70 more readily. It would also eliminate railroad crossings of subordinate roads along the south service road.

The next meeting of the Chamber will be held on April 5, 2006 at Ruggeri’s Ristorante at 12:00 noon

Meeting adjourned at 1:00 p.m.