Minutes

Crisfield Chamber Board of Directors Meeting
February 9, 2006

The Crisfield Chamber of Commerce held it’s monthly Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, February 9, 2006, upstairs at the Crisfield Heritage Foundation. The meeting was brought to order by President Steve Marshall at 6:00 p.m. Board of Directors present were: Steve Marshall, Dennis Smith, Tom Shores, Chris Sterling, Wade Ward, Terry Pehan, Billie Jo Chandler, David Price, Sue Heath, Virginia Townsend and John Phoebus. A quorum was present. Chamber members present were: Jay Tawes, Valerie Guetens, Frank Guetens, Chuck Pinkerman, Bob Evans, Greg Cain, Eddie Heath, Terri Milbourne, Andy Haynie, Phillip Goldsborough, Bill Buttrill, Pat Carson and Dan Kuebler.

The previous minutes were reviewed and approved. Motion made by Terry Pehan to accept, seconded by Chris Sterling. No one opposed. The treasurer’s report was given by Tom Shores. Motion made by Wade Ward to accept, seconded by Terry Pehan.

A guest speaker was present from the American Lung Association, Mr. Jim Phillips. He stated that employees that smoke miss 6.5 more days a year than non-smokers. He passed out literature and magnets and offered information to the local businesses.

Valerie Mason gave the office summary. The office is working on renewal memberships. Last year we had 145 members and so far this year, we have had 95 renew, which is good for this time of year. Valerie asked that you check out the Crisfield Chamber web-site. (www.crisfieldchamber.com). We are updating the information and putting on the new members, please make sure your business is there. Also, Crisfield and The National Hard Crab Derby will be in up coming issues of Boating Magazine and Weekend Magazine.
The Crab Derby still needs a place for the fireworks for 4th July weekend and Crab Derby. The shooters have told us in the past that we would no longer be able to hold them because of the new condo’s going up on Jersey Island. However, Dennis is going to check into that to make sure that it’s correct before we look for another place.
Valerie also asked for volunteers to help fold the clam bake flyer for the up coming mailing. Also, she asked that you make sure you sign in at each meeting because the attendance will be in each month’s minutes.

Terry Pehan, chairman of the by-laws committee, has met 3 times with his group. They are making progress, however, much needs to be done. By the time the committee is through, the by-laws will be completely revised and/or rewritten. This task could take approximately another 2 or 3 months, then it will be reviewed by the board of directors.

Dan Kuebler, chairman of public & government affairs, reported that members were present at the city hall meeting. Phil Goldsborough will be the official representative for the chamber at the city meetings. Phil gave a report from the last City Hall meeting. Val Guetens will be the representative for Somerset County Public Schools and Sue Heath will attend the school board meetings. Dan Kuebler will attend the city hall 2:00 p.m. department head meetings.



Dan stated that Somerset County Economic Development meetings are not open to the public and will check on why that is and see if we can attend. The committee also stated that we should be working with the State chamber and county tourism office in Princess Anne. We should invite Julie Widdowson, county tourism director, to our next meeting. We should also be in contact with the Princess Anne Chamber of Commerce and attend each others meetings. Also, tourism needs to make the brochures and literature current; a lot of the information has not been updated. We need to think about getting the right information and getting it out to visitors.

Phil Goldsborough attended yesterday’s (2/8/06) meeting at City Hall. He reported on what was discussed. Also, Mayor Scott stated that the City Hall minutes were available to the public. Steve Marshall added that the comprehensive plan is almost ready. They are making revisions and are in the final stages. The proposed plan is good for 10 years.
They will need public input, so when it’s ready, he ask that you go to City Hall and get a copy. Also, Valerie will get the plan to Greg Cain to do a pdf file and put in on the chambers web site.

Jay Tawes, chairman of finance committee, handed out profit/loss statement for the Clam Bake and the Crab Derby. The finance committee has requested a budget from the chairpersons of the all the events. They also suggest that after each event is over, the balance in that account be transferred to the chambers regular account and bring the event account to a 0 balance. Then the following year, the budgeted money would go back in the events account. Billie Jo Chandler suggested getting a major sponsor for the different events, such as Budweiser. Jay Tawes and Greg Cain also suggested to take a look at raising the membership fees. Val Guetens asked what do members get for their dues? What are the perks? Should we raise the dues until this is answered? Bob Evans suggested that we look at other town our size and average it out.

Pat Carson, chairperson of scholarship committee, stated that there are 32 scholarships available, ranging from $100 to $2,000. It is very possible to get this scholarship done before May so that they could give the scholarship this year. It was also suggested that the scholarship, be rewarded to each recipient by the semester, in case the student were to drop out.

Bill Buttrill, publicity committee, put a small ad in the Crisfield Times for the chamber. The chamber meeting was also in the paper. Bill is to email Jay Tawes or Bob Evans with his projected budget for publicity.

Steve Marshall said that he got a great email from Greg Cain regarding the chamber. He had some excellent ideas for the upcoming year, to get all the businesses involved. Greg also suggested that maybe we should put our goals for the year in writing.

Charles Pinkerman, CEO at McCready Hospital said that the new roof at the hospital and nursing home is almost completed. It’s taken much longer than expected, but should be done next week. They are also looking at the possibility of giving the patient the choice of single or double rooms, because of privacy and also infections.

Old business: Showmobile – Dean had Jimmy Hall look at the showmobile. Since Dean is absent tonight, we will get a report from him at the next meeting.

New business: Charlotte Scott brought up at the last meeting about having a business and/or chamber member make a 5 minute presentation at each meeting. This is so that we may learn more about the businesses in our area.

Suggested for next months meeting under new business is to discuss candidates for upcoming city election, which is June 21st. Also, for next month to discuss Business Improvement grants.

March’s meeting is set for the second Thursday, which will be March 9th, 6:00 p.m.
Motion made to adjourn at 7:45 p.m. by John Phoebus, seconded by Sue Heath.

Respectfully submitted,


Valerie Mason,
Office Manager

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