PRESENT: Mark Van Dillen, Larry Shroth, Kevin Daniels, John Pickering, Sandy Stokes, Marvin Rodenbaugh, Laura McLane, Nancy Hance, Ken Orf, Jackie Stewart, Jackie King, Carol Powelson, Matt Vehige, Ray Alexander, Peggy Alexander, Sara Nielsen, Stephanie Miller, Robert Barclay, Charlene Twiehaus, Allen Rone, James Booth, Kari Monsees, Phil Reid, Chris Gaines

Guests: Charlie Denn, former Editor of the Warren County Record Bonita Loness, Jungermann Realty

Kevin Daniels 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 January 5, 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 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 $3,658.90. A motion was made by Larry Shroth and seconded by Laura McLane to accept the Treasurer’s report as presented. Motion carried. The winner of the 50/50 drawing was Carol Powelson. Carol split a pot of $14 with the Chamber. Ray Alexander won the drawing for Business of the Month to be featured on the Chamber website.

City Report:
In lieu of the city report, Sandy Stokes is our guest speaker today.

School District Reports:
Kari Monsees, Wentzville School District C.F.O, reported that approximately 400 members of the district attended a GPS meeting for future planning. The meeting was designed to address such issues as the continued growth in the district along with the addition of new schools. The Wentzville School District now has full time kindergarten.

Chris Gaines, Superintendent of Wright City School District, said the weather is slowing down work on the athletic complex at the High School. The district will be hosting a series of Town Hall Meetings to discuss items such as budgets, revenue and expenses and staffing. A 1.4 million dollar bond issue will be on the ballot in April to buy 85 acres on the south side of town for a new high school.

Program:
President Marvin introduced our guest speaker, Sandy Stokes. Sandy is the Administrator and Clerk for the City of Foristell. Over the past several years the city has been able to stabilize and increase the financial condition of the city. In 2006 the city operated without a penny to spare and at the beginning of this year they were able to give their employees an increase and not make any cuts to their budget. 2009 was an overall successful year as they were able to purchase and remodel the old firehouse building. The city did lose a couple of businesses, however several new businesses did open up. The city continues to move forward in their economic development by trying to attract bigger companies. In 2009, they proposed a site for a Harley Davidson plant. Although it was not successful, it was an opportunity to open a new market for the city. The Board of Alderman has taken a proactive approach with developers and has set new standards for building development. For 2010 the city will continue their approach for attracting new businesses, focus on annexations and areas of the city that need improvement. The city has taken an active style for giving personal service and Sandy feels that is a must in order to be successful. Sandy was recently appointed to the St Charles County Economic Development committee.

New Business:
Marvin Rodenbaugh gave a brief report from the League of Chambers meeting in January. They are planning a day at the capital and he hopes to have more information at a later date.

Announcements:
Jackie King, Massage Therapy by Jackie King, invited everyone to check out her website and the specials she is offering.

Laura McLane of Edward Jones invited everyone to a seminar about taxes and retirement on February 23, 2010, at her office in Troy.

There be no other business, a motion was made by Allen Rone and seconded by Mark Van Dillen to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 12:45 pm.

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 2, 2010.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol Powelson, Secretary