PRESENT:
Terry Adams, David Buck, Lacey Christ, Matt Diekmann, Wanda Donnelly, Chris Gaines, Nancy Hance, Tammy Miller, Dave Monahan, Kari Monsees, Tim Nash, Sarah Nielsen,
Ken Orf, John Pickering, Carol Powelson, Marvin Rodenbaugh, Allan Rone, Shelley Rowe,
Jack Sanford, Larry Shroth, Charlene Twiehaus, Mark Van Dillen, Lynda Wood,
Peggy Alexander, Ray Alexander.

President Tim opened the meeting at 12:10 p.m. and welcomed the attendees. Each introduced themselves, and told who they represent and what their businesses have to offer.

Lunch:

Program: Today’s program was an update from the District Superintendents of Wentzville and Wright City Schools. Terry Adams, the Wentzville District Superintendent, reported on the growth of its schools. Despite the slowdown in the housing market they have gained 650 students from May through August, which they can’t explain. It is the fastest growing school district in the Midwest. The forecast is that there will be 27,448 students enrolled by 2018. There were GPS meetings held with parents and educators to determine the direction that the District should be taking to accommodate the growth that they are currently experiencing and planning for the future. The District will have a 52.6 billion dollar Bond Issue on the November 4th Ballot that will not increase taxes. The money will fund the addition of two new elementary schools, one on Mexico Road and the other on Summers Road. It will also fund the renovation of existing schools and improve technology and infrastructure.
Dr. Adams is very proud of the District’s sports and academic curriculums. He had photos of outstanding students that have excelled in their respective fields. The education that they received in the Wentzville Schools has laid the groundwork for successful futures.

Chris Gaines, the Wright City District Superintendent, brought us up to speed on the progress of their new elementary school on Cotton Road. Progress has been slow due to the wet spring that we had this year, and other construction delays. There has also been a problem in getting water and sewers to the area. Water District #2 gave a definite commitment today. The proposed opening is next August. Chris showed slides of the school building progress. Much of the exterior is completed, but there is a lot to finish. He showed a layout of the various areas and classrooms.
Housing starts have been slow this year. The District has been in a 5% growth pattern for the last several years, but this year there is only a 2.7% increase over last fall, but the growth will continue as more people move into the area. The District is in the process of dividing the students between the new elementary school and the old one. It is difficult to make the transition of adding a new school and trying to decide where the dividing lines will be and make it the most feasible for the District and the students and there parents.

Minutes: August 5, 2008 – Approved.

Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Nancy Hance reported that the current balance in the treasury is $3,168.21

Old Business: Tim asked Foristell Mayor Wanda Donnelly about the Foristell Ad Campaign. She and Sandy Stokes have still been spending a lot of time on the Fall Festival planning and they have not had time to donate to the Ad Campaign. They want to get to work on it after the Fall Festival is over. Tim asked Carol Powelster to please check with Brent Porlier about the cost of renting a sign board.
We discussed the After Hours Pool Party again which we talked about last month and decided to hold in early September. The Board had voted to hold it on September 18th and use food left over from the Fall Festival. Lynda Wood, the Best Western 70 Inn Manager said that the pool will close on September 10th. We decided to go ahead with the September 18th date from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and use their meeting room, breakfast bar area and an area outside with a picnic table for the activity. We decided it would be a great opportunity to get together on social basis and get to know our fellow members better. Secretary Ray will send out an e-mail reminder to the members.
Shelley Rowe asked if there was anyone interested in joining the Warren County Quest Program.
Their first session will be held on September 18th.

City Update: Wanda Donnelly passed out an updated Fall Festival Flyer. She and Sandy Stokes have the project very well organized with a variety of Crafters, Entertainment, Refreshments including the Chamber’s Food Booth, Health Care Booths, Give Away Items and Drawings. Help will be needed on Friday September 12th to set up tents at 3:30 p.m. They will be advertising in the Warrenton and St. Charles County Journals, and on the City’s new Web Site.
Nancy Hance passed out a sheet to sign up for give aways that our members might want to furnish to advertise their businesses, or supply to the Chamber’s food booth. Ray asked if any one else would be able to help at the Chamber’s food booth on September 13th. He has commitments from several members so far.
Wanda reported that the Magical Adventures Learning Center has recently opened on Highway T south of A-B Signs and Frazier Surveying. Main Street Antiques is now serving hand dipped ice cream on Tuesday through Saturday. We should contact Magical Adventures about a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Wanda passed out flyers for Deutsch Country Days which will be held on Saturday and Sunday October 18 & 19 from 9:00 a.m. till 5: p.m. She and her son volunteer at this activity which provides financial opportunities to area Historic, Nonprofit and Youth Organizations. It is sponsored by the Luxenhaus Farm German Heritage Foundation.

Other Business: Tim asked the members if they had any suggestions for guest speakers. One suggestion was to talk to a man who formerly lived in Foristell, but now lives in Wentzville. He supposedly has information on the history of Foristell. Wanda Donnelly has his name and will contact him to see if he would be willing to come and give a presentation on Foristell History.
John Pickering asked why other Foristell businesses do not attend the Chamber meetings? Secretary Ray said that he sends out post cards every month to approximately twenty businesses inviting them to the meetings, but they do not respond. The City has furnished the Chamber with a list of Foristell businesses which the Board Members are in the process of contacting

There was no other business. Meeting adjourned at 1:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Ray Alexander, Secretary