PRESENT: Mark Van Dillen, Larry Shroth, John Pickering, Sandy Stokes, Marvin Rodenbaugh, Tim Hooton, Laura McLane, Nancy Hance, Richard Patton, Ken Orf, Jackie Stewart, Jackie King, Carol Powelson, Tim Geraghty, Dave Monahan, Ray Alexander, Peggy Alexander, Harry Kishpaugh, Trevor Rees, Bob Barclay, Charlene Twiehaus, Allen Rone, Phil Reid, Chris Gaines

Guest in attendance was Dr. Larry Dyer, Pastor of Westplex Community Church.

Larry Dyer gave the blessing and lunch was served.

President Marvin Rodenbaugh called the meeting to order at 12:00 p.m. and welcomed the members and guests. Those in attendance introduced themselves and who they are representing.

Minutes:
The minutes of the March 2, 2010, meeting had been distributed prior to lunch. President Marvin asked for any additions or corrections to the minutes. Being none, a motion was made by Ken Orf and seconded by Dave Monahan to approve the minutes as presented. Motion carried.

Treasurer's Report:
Treasurer Nancy Hance presented the Treasurer’s Report. The current account balance is $4,435.54. A motion was made by Ken Orf and seconded by Dave Monahan to accept the Treasurer’s report as presented. Motion carried. The winner of the 50/50 drawing was Laura McClane. Laura split a pot of $17 with the Chamber. Allen Rone, Ultimate Fire Safety, won the drawing for Business of the Month to be featured on the Chamber website.

City Report:
Sandy Stokes reported that Officer Doug Johnson is one of 35 individuals chosen to attend the LEEDS training program which is an FBI executive training and development program. The no-tax bond issue for sewer improvement is on today’s ballot and Sandy encouraged everyone to vote today. Our Shepherd Food Pantry is low on items. They are in need of personal hygiene products and non-perishable food items. Sandy encouraged everyone to help restock the pantry by bringing items to the pantry itself or drop them off at City Hall or to give a cash donation.

School District Reports:
Chris Gaines, Superintendent of Wright City School District, talked about the bond issue on today’s ballot for the purchase of 85 acres. The results of the Town Hall Meetings are on the district’s website. The next meeting on May 11th will be Budget Development. The economic downturn is starting to effect schools. This is likely to continue for another two years causing significant reductions in the district’s budget.

Program:
Larry Shroth introduced our guest Shawn Schukar, VP for Strategic Initiatives of Ameren UE. Shawn talked with the members about the cap and trade climate legislation. The goal of cap and trade is to reduce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions in a cost effective manner. The issuance of emissions permits will set a cap on the amount of greenhouse gas a company can emit. Those companies who emit less than their allowance can then sell their extra permits to those who cannot make the reductions as easily. This should create a system that will set an overall reduction of carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas at the lowest possible cost.

Announcements:
Chris Gaines said there will be several fundraisers for concession stands for Wright City with the first being a spaghetti dinner on April 18th and then a golf tournament on May 8th.

John Pickering said the Foristell Farmers Market will soon be having a meeting to organize.

Jackie King announced the annual Women’s Shopping Extravaganza at the New Melle Sports Complex on May 1st.

Ray Alexander announced Shiloh UMC will have a BBQ fundraiser on April 23rd.

President Marvin asked that the members bring items for Our Shepherd’s food pantry to next month’s meeting.

There be no other business, a motion was made by Dave Monahan to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 1:00 pm.

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 4, 2010.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol Powelson, Secretary