Foristell Chamber of Commerce Minutes
Regular Meeting January 8, 2008

PRESENT: Roger Cox, Amy Davidson, Wanda Donnelly, Chris Goatley, Nancy Hance, Dave Monahan, Tim Nash, Sarah Nielson, Mike O’Connell, Ken Orf, Mark Porter, Phil Reid, Jack Sanford, Larry Shroth, Michelle Smith, Sandy Stokes, Pat Wenom, Peggy Alexander, Ray Alexander

GUESTS: Flavia Everman-Director of the Warren County Fine Arts Council

President Tim opened the meeting at 12:08 p.m., and welcomed the members, and guests. Introductions around the table.

LUNCH

Minutes: December 4, 2007 – Approved.

Treasurer’s Report: Chris Daleo was absent today. No Report.

Program: Flavia Everman, Director of the Warren County Fine Arts Council gave an excellent presentation on what the Council does to bring the Arts to Warren County. Their mission is to provide all the citizens of Warren County with an opportunity to experience a variety of arts; to supplement our children’s education; and to enhance the quality of life in our community. The Council’s motto is “Arts for Everyone”. What this means is that there is no charge for the concerts. State funding for the arts has declined in Missouri. This has forced arts organizations to rely heavily on interested citizens and businesses in their communities. Concerts cost $1,000.00 a piece. Businesses can sponsor a concert and receive credit. They can set up a table and advertise their products. They can also serve refreshments. Our Chamber has supported the Arts Council for several years.
The concerts need a good venue and excellent bands to be successful.

The Winter Conference Series is being held at the Belle Star Theater in Warrenton. It is an excellent venue. It will hold between 125 and 150 people. The Arts Council needs a good facility that they can use all of the time.

Flavia passed out copies of the winter schedule that runs from November through May. She did not have summer schedules with her, but she will e-mail them. The WCFAC helps sponsor the Innsbrook Summer Breeze Family Concert Series that runs from May through September. There are Summer Concerts held in local parks also. These concerts and the ones at Innsbrook offer a variety of musical types to appeal to as many different individuals as possible. The Arts Council supports the arts at several local festivals each year.

The WCFAC brings the arts to local schools. Interest in the arts should be formed early. The Council has teamed up with Wright City RII, Warrenton RIII, Marthasville Elementary, and parochial schools in Warren County to provide the students with the opportunity to experience a wide variety of art forms. Performances at the schools help to educate the children in the arts, and teach them the etiquette of how to act at a concert. The WFAC also provides money for bus trips to the St. Louis Art Museum, St Louis Symphony at Powell Hall, Sheldon Theater, and Dance St. Louis.

The Arts Council offers a summer arts camp for area children teaching theater, music, dance and art. Flavia hopes to start a community theater for both adults and children in the future.

The money that is received from the State of Missouri for non-profit organizations is $13,400.00 per year. This is 25% of the total budget that the WCFAC needs. It is necessary that they receive financial support from local communities and businesses, if they are to carry on their good work. Flavia asked that our Chamber make a donation.

City Update: Wanda Donnelly reported that the Holiday Open House was a huge success and expressed her appreciation to the Chamber members for their help, and donations. The toys that were donated were given to the Salvation Army Toy Drive.
Sandy Stokes said that construction of The Missouri Bank is coming along despite inclimate weather. Installation of fuel tanks will begin tomorrow on the Fast Lane Convenience Store. Sandy said that speculators have been coming into City Hall to ask questions about Foristell. There have not been any purchases as yet, but she gives them a good sales pitch about the area. Things are moving slowly, but it allows time for planning. She feels that the cost of gas and highway construction have people considering moving to our area and finding employment close to home. The cost of property here is less than in those areas to the east. Sandy is going to pursue MOdot to improve the roads in the Foristell area. Sandy thinks that there is excellent cooperation between the Chamber and the City. Our joint goal is to get things done to grow the Foristell Community.
Roger Cox from Consort Homes was asked when he thinks that the slowdown in new home building will bottom out? His answer was that it already has.


School District Update: Mike O’Connell, CFO of the Wentzville School District reported that the District has received the highest State of Missouri educational award named the Distinction in Performance Award for the second year in a row. Congratulations to Mike and the District.
Dr. Mark Porter, District Superintendent of the Wright City School District reported that construction of the new Elementary School has slowed down due to inclimate weather. This may change the completion date of January 2009. There are three openings available on the seven member Wright City School Board. The deadline for filing is January 22nd. Three applicants have applied so far. Growth potential in the District looks good. There have been four new homes sold so far this year. Tim Nash said that housing starts in Warren County in 2007 were down only 10% from those in 2006, which is much better than surrounding counties.

New Business: President Tim asked the members to let him know what types of speakers they would like to have this year. Potentially, we have speakers through March. Wentzville Mayor, Paul Lambe will speak on the Value of Volunteerism in the West-Plex Area in February. Dave Monahan will try to get Pat Sullivan who is the Executive Director of the Home Builders for March. Dave will also contact State Representative Dr. Bob Onder to see if he would be available to speak to us, possibly in June. Members can e-mail Tim, or Secretary Ray with their suggestions for speakers for the remainder of the year.

Other Business: We voted to donate $200.00 to the Warren County Fine Arts Council.

Larry Shroth announced that the Vision St. Charles Council is sponsoring a Day at the Capitol in Jefferson City on January 29th. All Chamber members are invited to attend. You will have the opportunity to attend a Legislative Session and see your Legislators in action. The Vision Council will host a reception in the evening. It will be a great opportunity to meet your local Representatives and ask them questions about what they are doing for your area. Contact Larry Shroth at: 636-639-8211 or e-mail him at: lshroth@ameren.com, if you are interested in attending.

There was no other business. Meeting adjourned at 1:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Ray Alexander, Secretary