Albion Chamber of Commerce Minutes

January 17, 2019

“2018” ANNUAL Meeting

The meeting was held at the Blessed Sacrament Church with President Chris Magnuson welcoming everyone.   The meeting was called to order at 6:05 pm. (53 people present)

Gabe Norris started things off with a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem.

Chris read the Chamber mission statement and introduced the 2018 Board members: Miranda Wilkins, Sandy Petrie, Tammy Luce, Sharon Leitch, Ken Cripe, Carla Fiandt, Phil Lock (not present), and Kay Craig (recently resigned). She also introduced Tony Feichter of Baseline 4x4 Outfitters who has volunteered to join the board.

Chris went over the documents provided to each member.  Members received the 2019 official ballot, door prize ticket, and a 2018 list of Chamber expenditure/balances, the agenda, trivia contest, high impact meeting notes, and Chamber directories either on sign in or found at their table.

Chris recognized New Member and New to Town business: Camelot Ridge Resort, El Mariachi, and Avilla’s Hometown News.  Façade and Improvements: CN signs & banners (including a sign showing pride in our State Champs (girls basketball).  School ADA ramps and sidewalk, Fire Dept. memorial bell pad, the Strand, Pillbox Pharmacy (which will be opening soon!), Chain O’ Lakes sign letting people know what Albion has to offer, Police booth, life size chess and checker set at Hidden Diamonds, bicycle racks at the courthouse and town wayfinding signs.  Stefen Wynn, the Albion town manager elaborated on some of the new signs and the support and grants from many businesses and organizations that made it happen.

Chris displayed the new Albion member plaques that were given to all chamber members. These are updated and look amazing.  We have a five-year supply now.

Tammy Luce then started off introductions by sharing her name and that she was the owner of the Brick Ark Inn Bed and Breakfast.  She then asked for everyone to introduce themselves and their business affiliation with the Chamber.   There were again several new faces this year which is wonderful to see.

Chris asked if anyone had any questions or comments on the 2018 expenditures and ending bank balance provided to all attendees per the by-laws.  She mentioned that Ken had done an amazing job with the flag program bringing in a record number of memorials and honorariums this past year.  Our revenue was more than expected and our expenses were less than expected.  Chris mentioned that the Chamber would need to purchase more wire/lights for the courthouse tree since it has grown significantly and what we need more wire for the Christmas tree lighting.  Chris also mentioned needing another informational sign that sits at the stoplight letting people know Albion upcoming events.

Sandy Petrie introduced the ballot and nominations for write-ins were opened.  No one expressed interest and the nominations were closed.  Sandy asked attendees to vote for 6 of the 7 listed nominees so that the terms for each of the 7 board members could be determined.  Voting occurred during dinner - 2019 Election:  Results were: Tony Feichter, Carla Fiandt, and Miranda Wilkins with two year terms and Sandy Petrie, Tammy Luce, Ken Cripe, and Sharon Leitch with one year terms.  Sandy also encouraged members to complete the Rebus Puzzle challenge during dinner for a chance at a prize.

Tammy thanked the Ladies Sodality for the wonderful meal and venue and then led the group in prayer.  Attendees worked on their ballots and puzzle challenge during dinner.

Towards the end of the meal, Dr Cripe asked for any updates or big news from the floor.  Several individuals took the opportunity to share about updates and happenings with their businesses.  Let’s all help each other prosper by using the services of fellow businesses and organizations found in your Chamber Directory.

Troy Gaff took a few minutes to share new and exciting things about Central Noble.  One of the key things he shared was an upcoming event on March 4th for all of us to attend and provide input on what we need our graduating seniors to look like (what skills are needed to join our workforce and community). 

Miranda Wilkins and Sandy Petrie then took the floor to talk about the high impact meeting on the employment crisis that was held in 2018.  This tied in well with what Troy and others had discussed.  We all need to continue working together and great things will happen. Sandy suggested that for 2019 some ideas for one or two high impact meetings will be put out for a poll through an email blast to members.

Stefen Wynn updated members on the Albion HCI initiative.  Ideas and work are coming together to make the alleyway by Pizza Depot more visually stunning.

Ken shared the Rebus puzzle challenge answers with the group and Janet Mendenhall and Jane Roush tied for the most correct answers.  They each received a centerpiece of vase/flowers etched by the Noble County Public Library.

Carla then honored Kay with another centerpiece for her service on the Chamber Board. Kay has been a wonderful board member helping with so many projects but has had to resign to be able to focus on the many changes within her organization.

John & Brenda Hoover were recognized for their service for so many years as our town Santa and all around helper.  They received a centerpiece and gift card.

Special Recognition: Truelove Brothers (who were unable to attend) were presented a beautiful engraved clock for the business appreciation award for having been a core and important part of our community for over 80 years. 

To finish out the evening, Carla drew door prize tickets for two cutting board sets with wood burned designs by Ken and Sharon Cripe, a cutting board with kitchen utensils, CN t-shirts and bleacher pads, and four different beer mugs etched with cute sayings by the Noble County Public Library. Sam and Jill Boggs surprised the group with an additional prize of a State Park annual pass.

Gabe Norris closed off the evening with God Bless the USA - Gabe has an amazing voice.

Next Chamber meeting:  A high impact meeting will be planned for 2019 with date/topic TBD.

Adjournment at 7:35 pm 

1/18/19 Sandy Petrie – Chamber Secretary (2018)

Did you know?

You can check out Noble County Government on the following webpage: 

Web Site: www.nobleco.org

Board Members

Chris Magnuson, President - Term - 2017-19

Carla Fiandt - Vice President -  Term - 2019-21

Sharon Leitch, Treasurer - Term 2019

Ken Cripe- Term 2019

Tony Feichter - Term - 2019-21

Sandy Petrie - Term - 2019

Miranda Wilkins - Term - 2019-21

Tammy Luce - Term - 2019