PRESENT: Roger Cox, Chris Daleo, Nancy Hance, Tim Hooton, Jeff Kasten, Harry Kishbaugh,
David Monahan, Ken Orf, Mark Porter, Phil Reid, Marvin Rodenbaugh, Michelle Smith,
Jack Sanford, Larry Shroth, Peggy Alexander, Ray Alexander.

GUESTS: Brad Schuster-Progress Bank.

Secretary Ray Alexander opened the meeting at 12:10 p.m. and welcomed the members and guest, Brad Schuster

Introductions around the table.

Minutes: January 3, 2007 – Approved as printed.

Treasurer's Report: No report today. Our old bank account has been closed, and Chris Daleo, our new treasurer, is in the process of opening a new account. She will report at our March 7th meeting.

City Update:
Ken Orf reported that the Baker Family, who own Warrenton Oil Company, will be meeting Thursday with the Foristell Planning and Zoning Committee. They are planning a Fast Lane Gas Station and Convenience Store with a McDonalds Restaurant. It is to be built on the site of the old Phillips Gas Station and Truck Stop on the corner of Highway T and the South Service Road.
Roger Cox from Consort Homes is to meet with the Planning and Zoning Committee on February 13th for a variance on the Liberty Valley Project. Roger said that they are not starting on Liberty at the present time, and will not start until sales pick up on their other projects. Duckett Creek now has the approval to start on the membrane waste treatment plant on Schaper Road.
Mark Porter, District Superintendent of the Wright City Schools, reported on the progress of their new Elementary School and Administration Building which are to be located on the corner of Cotton Road and the North Service Road. They are ready to break ground on the Administration Building as soon as the weather permits. They are looking for June completion, and plan to move in the facility in July. Bids will be taken for the Elementary School in March. Focus groups and town meetings will be held to get public opinions on where boundaries should be for the various grade levels. There are a lot of young families moving into the area. The District is still at 1% growth potential for this year.

Old Business:
Ray asked if the Ribbon Cutting Committee had met yet. Nancy Hance said they have not, but she will talk to the other members of the Committee and set up a date. Dave Monahan will check to see where the Ceremonial Ribbon Cutting Scissors can be purchased. The Committee consists of Patti Bartlett, Nancy Hance, Tim Nash, Larry Shroth, and Sandy Stokes.

Program:
Larry Shroth gave a very interesting and informative presentation on the St. Charles County Vision Program. It is designed to educate community and business leaders about what goes on in St. Charles County. It is a nine-month course with meetings one day a month plus two retreats. One of the retreats is a day in Jefferson City meeting with Government Representatives. The second is a Workshop on Leadership Skills. The course gives the participants an opportunity to interact with local communities and civic leaders. City Mayors, School Superintendents, Hospital Administrators, and Economic Development Leaders are some of these. One of the major goals of the Program is to get people involved in community service projects. Applications for the 2007 Program end March 31st. Interviews will be by telephone. Class size is limited to 25 to 30 participants.
The cost of the Program is $600.00 per person. There are 50% discount scholarships available.
Larry Shroth is a graduate of the Program and is the Foristell Chamber’s Representative on the Vision Program Board of Directors. Any one interested in applying for the Program can contact him 636-639-8211, or E-Mail him at lshroth@ameren.com You can also get information on the Vision Program’s web site at
leadershipvision.org

New Business:
Dave Monahan announced that the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce will hold an Art and Wine Gala at the O’Fallon City Hall on March 10th. It will be a Black Tie Event. Fourteen restaurants will participate. The cost is $35.00 per person. Music will be played by Trilogy. Contact Dave at 636-696-2922 for reservations.
Larry Shroth said that Erin Williams from the Wentzville Chamber notified him that they will be hosting a business-training seminar on the Twelve Commandments of Small Business. It will be 13 weeks in duration and will be held on Wednesday evenings. Contact her at 636-327-6914 if you are interested in participating.
Marvin Rodenbaugh from Costco announced that they will change their Marketing Referral Program at the end of February.

There was no other business. Meeting adjourned at 1:10 p.m.

The next regular meeting of the Chamber will be held on Wednesday March 7, 2007 at Ruggeri’s Ristorante in Wentzville at 12:00 noon. Secretary Ray will let the members know who the guest speaker will be.

Respectfully submitted,

Ray Alexander, Secretary

There was no Board Meeting