PRESENT: Mark Van Dillen, Larry Shroth, Tammy Miller, Linda Ellis, Kevin Daniels, John Pickering, Sandy Stokes, Tim Hooton, Laura McLane, Nancy Hance, Ken Orf, Jackie Stewart, Jackie King, Carol Powelson, Tim Geraghty, Ray Alexander, Peggy Alexander, Debbie Warren, Charlene Twiehaus, Allen Rone, Cindy Martin, Phil Reid, Michelle Smith, Chris Gaines, Jack Sanford, Barb Mauer

Guests in attendance were Judy Sitze of First State Community Bank, Bill Franklin of Prudential Realtors, Mauro Galati and Sal Galati.

Larry Shroth gave the blessing and lunch was served.

Vice-President Tim Hooton 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 April 6, 2010, meeting had been distributed prior to lunch. Vice-President Tim asked for any additions or corrections to the minutes. Being none, a motion was made by Larry Shroth and seconded by Ken Orf to approve the minutes as presented. Motion carried.

Treasurer's Report:
Treasurer Nancy Hance presented the Treasurer’s Report. The current account balance is $4,482.54. A motion was made by Ken Orf and seconded by Ray Alexander 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 $12 with the Chamber.

City Report:
Sandy Stokes reported that another large manufacturer is looking at the Foristell area and has the potential to create 110-130 jobs. The city has been doing some minor road repair. She said that even though Foristell is known for issuing speeding tickets, there have been 21 arrests for driving with a revoked license, 17 arrests for DWI and 15 pounds of drugs were confiscated on one stop. The Valley Farms farmers market is on track to open June 5th. Alderman, John Pickering, discussed the need to meet with MoDOT in hopes of improving the I-70 overpass at Foristell.

School District Reports:
Chris Gaines, Superintendent of Wright City School District, reported that the April bond issue had passed. With the budget constraints it is still uncertain if summer school will be held. The final Town Hall meeting on May 11th will be Budget Development. The results of the Town Hall Meetings are on the district’s website. Chris shared some interesting data with the members that out of the approximately 41,000 retired teachers, 67 are over 100 years old.

Program:
The first speaker was Richard Lagemann, Principal of the Wright City Academy. The Academy is an alternative school for students who are at-risk for failing academically and provides them a more flexible program of study than a traditional school setting. The Wright City Academy has four primary components, one of which is service learning. Service learning helps make learning real for the students by giving them a sense of responsibility through community based projects. One project that the students have worked on is building a challenge ropes course at a park in Wright City. The students were responsible for all aspects of the project from budgeting, to designing and building the course. They work closely with the city and the parks department to ensure success. Attendance, performance and participation have all increased which in turn reduces the drop-out rate.
The second speaker was Laura McLane of Edward Jones. Laura’s presentation was Demystifying the Deficit. As most people feel the long-term outlook for the national debt and federal budget deficit is troublesome, advisors feel that investment strategy should not be lost. Risks of higher taxes, long-term inflation and higher interest rates are always present but reviewing your own personal options can help reduce these risks and keep financial goals viable.

As part of Laura’s presentation, the members’ lunch expense would be paid for. A short discussion was held and a motion was made by Larry Shroth to donate the money to Our Shepherd’s Food Pantry instead of covering the lunch expense. Motion carried unanimously.

New Business
Larry Shroth gave a brief report from the League of Chambers. Larry discussed a meeting that MoDOT will be holding on May 11th from 4:00 – 8:00 at the Busch Wildlife Conference Center. The open house forum concerns the removal of the west Boone Bridge that links St Charles to Chesterfield. You will be able to view the project drawings and submit any comments. Larry encouraged everyone to attend.

Vice-President Tim read a letter from Mayor Wanda Donnelly thanking the Chamber for the donation to help purchase items for the City of Foristell’s contribution to the auction at the St Charles County Mayors’ Charity Ball.

Barb Mauer from Our Shepherd’s Food Pantry thanked all the members who brought items for the pantry and for the donation of money.

Announcements:
Members were reminded of the production of Annie that will be this coming weekend at the Wentzville Christian Church.

The Wright City Chamber will be holding a Wacky Golf for the Scholarship Fund on June 3rd at Innsbrook. The theme is Gilligan’s Island.

There be no other business, a motion was made to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 1:10 pm.

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 1, 2010.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol Powelson, Secretary