Foristell Chamber of Commerce Minutes
Regular Meeting December 1, 2009

Present:
Mark Van Dillen, Larry Shroth, Tammy Miller, Linda Ellis, Kevin Daniels, John Pickering, Sandy Stokes, Marvin Rodenbaugh, Tim Hooton, Laura McLane, Nancy Hance, Ken Orf, Matt Vehige, Angie Maue, Peggy Alexander, Harry Kishpaugh, Robert Barclay, Carol Powelson, Charlene Twiehaus, Allen Rone, Kari Monsees, Phil Reid, Michelle Smith, Chris Gaines, Dave Buck, Jackie Stewart

Guest:
Captain Jesus Trejo, Salvation Army Rosalind Sharp, State Farm

Pastor Harry Kishpaugh gave the blessing and lunch was served.

President Larry Shroth called the meeting to order at 12:05 p.m. and welcomed the members and guests. Those in attendance introduced themselves and who they are representing.

Lunch:
President Larry Shroth opened the meeting at 12:10 p.m. and welcomed members. Each introduced them self and told who they represent.

Minutes:
The minutes of the November 3, 2009, meeting had been distributed prior to lunch. President Larry asked for any additions or corrections to the minutes. Being none, a motion was made by Ken Orf and seconded by Mark Van Dillen to approve the minutes as presented. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report:
Treasurer Nancy Hance presented the Treasurer’s Report. The current account balance is $3,725.65. The winner of the 50/50 drawing was won by Dave Buck. Dave split a pot of $26 with the Chamber. A motion was made by Ken Orf and seconded by Harry Kishpaugh to donate the $13 Chamber pot to the Salvation Army. Motion carried. Allen Rone of Ultimate Fire Safety won the drawing for Business of the Month to be featured on the Chamber website for January. Robert Barclay of Brick Kicker Inspections was the winner of the EDC Seminar. Two calendars were donated by Rosalind Sharp and the winners were Angie Maue and Marvin Rodenbaugh.

City Report:
Sandy Stokes said that everyone should have received the invitation for the City’s Holiday Open House. It will be on Friday, December 11th, at City Hall from 4:00 – 8:00. There will be refreshments and a visit from Santa Claus. Donations of toys and non-perishable food items will be collected during the open house. Those who donate will have their name entered into a drawing for prizes. MFR Tire Services and Cheap Cheap are two new businesses coming to Foristell. Sandy hopes to see both of them open around the first of the year. She said that the City continues to get a lot of inquiries from businesses regarding moving to Foristell.

Program:
President Larry introduced our guest speaker, Captain Jesus Trejo, Officer in Charge for the Salvation Army in O’Fallon. The Salvation Army is known for its compassion, strength and encouragement for people who have no place to go. St. Charles County has had a Salvation Army open for 51 years. This year they expect to help 277 families. One-third of the collection from The Tree of Lights Campaign goes towards the budget. Captain Jesus challenged everyone to step outside of the normal and to give back. There is a constant need not only for money but for volunteers too. More and more of our own neighbors are struggling to feed their children and keep a roof over their heads. The Salvation Army has programs throughout the year and not just at Christmas time.

School District Reports:
Chris Gaines, Wright City Superintendent, said that at this time of year, one eye is always kept towards the weather as the first possibility of snow is in the forecast. Dirt is being moved at the High School for the renovation of the athletic complex and football fields. Christmas break will begin during the week of December 21st.

Kari Monsees, Wentzville School District C.F.O., reported that the district had grown by approximately 500 students. It is possible that the district, for the first time, will go to a full time kindergarten schedule. Two new elementary schools will open, one on Mexico Road and one on Sommers Road. Planning phases for the upcoming year will address the growth along with transportation and security.

New Business:
The following nominations for Officers for 2010 were presented at the November meeting:
President: Tim Hooton
Vice-President:
Secretary: Carol Powelson
Treasurer: Nancy Hance
Board of Directors: Mark Van Dillen Marvin Rodenbaugh
Ken Orf Allen Rone
Laura McLane

Tim Hooton advised the members that he would not be able to fulfill the position of President as he has previous commitments that could create a conflict of his time.

President Larry asked for any further nominations for the office of President and Vice-President. Being none at this time, Sandy Stokes made a motion and Ken Orf seconded that nominations close. Motion approved.

Tim Hooten made a motion and Sandy Stokes seconded that the nominated board members be elected by acclamation. Motion carried.

Announcements:
Phil Reid from Westbound Realty, thanked the Chamber members for their support in the effort to help the Warren County Fine Arts raise $3,000.

Kevin Daniels, B & B Storage, distributed a diary of his mission trip to Central America with other St Charles County business owners. If any members have an interest in this type of trip please contact Kevin.

Laura McLane with Edward Jones announced that all were welcome to her holiday open house on Thursday, December 3rd at her office in Troy.

There be no other business, a motion was made by Ken Orf to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried.

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 5, 2010.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol Powelson for
Ray Alexander, Secretary