Minutes

Crisfield Chamber Board of Directors Meeting
September 13, 2007
8:00 A. M.

The Crisfield Chamber of Commerce Board of Director’s meeting was held on Thursday, September 13, 2007 at 8:00 a.m. at the Crisfield Fire Hall. The meeting was brought to order by President Steve Marshall. Board members present were: Chris Sterling, Steve Marshall, Virginia Townsend, Sandy Atkins, Terry Pehan, Teri Christensen, Chris Tyler, Pat Carson, Jay Tawes, Tom Shores, David Price, Dan Kuebler, Mike Milbourne, Dennis Smith, Bill Buttrill, Sue Heath, David Mason, Diane McGonigle and Mary Beth Pruitt. Board members absent were: Patti Marshall and George Calamaras, Wade Ward (resigned). Vince Jordan and Jocelyn Quintenahlia were also in attendance for the airport.

Minutes from the previous meeting were read and approved. Motion made by Terry Pehan, seconded by Virginia Townsend. Treasurer’s report was given by Tom Shores. Motion made to accept by Terry Pehan, seconded by Chris Tyler.

Vince Jordan introduced Jocelyn Quintenahlia from the Crisfield Airport. Jocelyn thanked the chamber for their help that they have given the airport over the years. During Crab Derby, over 20 aircraft flew into the Crisfield Airport and their personnel gave free rides to visitors, to and from town.

Valerie Mason gave the office summary. Valerie read thank you notes from Crisfield Police Dept. regarding our help with the “National Night Out” program and also a thank you note from the Women’s Civic Club, for donating toward the grass cutting of the cemetery that they maintain. Valerie also thanked Dan Kuebler for his help with the new lap-top in the office. Wade Ward came to the chamber office and after many, many years, he resigned from the Chamber Board of Directors. He regrets having to do it, but it’s necessary for his health.

Events:
Crab Derby – Virginia Townsend: Virginia stated that this was one of the best, well attended Crab Derby’s in many years. We had some new things, which may have made a difference, such as the new improved carnival, the concerts on Saturday and Sunday evening, the boat docking was larger than ever and the weather definitely contributed to the large crowd. Of special note, was the significant increase in advertising and the coordinated approach to combine all Crab Derby events into the advertising and marketing effort. Steve Marshall also read a letter written by Kim Lawson (and was also in the Crisfield Times) thanking the Crab Derby and the Chamber for such a successful year.

Boat Docking- Dan Kuebler: Dan handed out a financial report on the boat docking.
It made a profit of $21,804 – the largest profit ever made on the boat docking. Steve thanked Dan Kuebler, Terry Pehan, Jay Tawes and the boat docking committee for all their hard work.

Concerts – Dan Kuebler: Skipper Cox chaired the events and said it looks like we can make a profit of $15,000. Steve stated that the concerts were very well attended and he thanked Skipper and all that worked on the concerts for making it such a success.


Committee Reports:
Governmental Affairs – Steve Marshall: Diane was unable to attend the city meetings. Steve stated that the Mayor and Council discussed at the last meeting the 1936 sewer. Bids are accepted till the end of September. There will also be demolition on 3 houses in city limits. Also discussed was the Handy’s rezoning issue.

Finance Committee – Jay Tawes: The Finance Committee met and discussed some requests that have been presented to the chamber. 1.) A request for equipment for the handicap class. Decision was tabled, waiting for further information. 2.) Donation toward the Beach to Bay brochure, which has not been reprinted since 2003. They asked each chamber of commerce involved to donate $150.00. (approved) 3.) Donation for the Glenn Ward Tournament which is sponsored by the Crisfield Lions Club. We did not donate last year, so it was suggested by the finance committee to donate $250.00. All proceeds go to needy families in the Crisfield area. approved) 4.) Donation toward the “Waterman’s Statue” that Paul Emely is organizing. The Statue will go down to the City Dock and will cost approximately $9,600 in total. It was suggested that we table this until we get more information. 5.) Crisfield Airport asked for $1,200 to be donated toward the airport, part of that toward an ad in the Atlantic Flyer Magazine. The committee suggested that we donated $750.00. (approved) Also suggested by the finance committee; fix the three (3) permanent maps that are in the down town section. The maps desperately need updating. Terry Pehan reported that the tourism working group was including making the informational signs current or removing them until upgrades can be made. The finance committee suggested that when signing checks, we do not use rubber stamps for signatures and they also suggested that on the monthly treasurer’s report that we have the “year-to-date” for the Clam Bake account and the Crab Derby account.

McCready Foundation – Jay Tawes: Jay stated that the fundraisers for the new nursing home are going well. They have raised over $500,000 so far, plus they will be receiving $250,000 from the State of Md.

Tourism Committee – Terry Pehan: Terry wanted to remind board members that he sends out emails regarding tourism meetings to the board, just to keep them updated on what’s going on. They do not have to attend the tourism meetings. Next meeting is on Wed., Sept. 19th, 6:30 p.m. at Tawes Museum.

By-Laws – Terry Pehan: A reminder that all board members should have a hard copy of the new by-laws.

Nominating Committee – Steve Marshall: Steve announced that he will soon be starting the process for the Nominating Committee. He will need one (1) past president, two (2) board members not standing for re-election and two (2) general members, totaling 5 members on the committee. Nominating committee will be announced at the next meeting.

Somers Cove Marina – Dennis Smith: Dennis stated that the marina had a very good Crab Derby. They had 135 boats in and revenue was approximately $50,000 for the weekend. He also wanted to note that DNR gave us extra space for the concerts at no charge. We thank the marina for the hospitality. Dennis also announced that DNR is creating a new agency and the marina will be under that new service, “Md. Boating Service”.

Guest Speaker – Diane Johnson, Somerset County Public Schools: Diane is a facilitator for the Board of Education. She is organizing a program called “Real Deal”. It’s a program to get the 9th grade students ready for the real world. It’s a one-day program and they will be teaching the students how to handle money, such as buying homes, cars, etc. She needs volunteers to help put on this one-day program. It will be held at Washington High on Monday, October 29th and Crisfield High on Tues., October 30th. If anyone is interested in helping out for the day, please contact Diane Johnson at the Board of Education at 410-651-1730.

Old Business: None

New Business:
Donations – presented by Jay Tawes, Finance Committee: Bill Buttrill motioned to accept Jay’s proposals earlier in the meeting. Motion read: $250.00 for the Glenn Ward Tournament, $750.00 for the Crisfield Airport and $150.00 for the Beach to Bay brochure. Motion was seconded by Sue Heath, no opposed. Diane McGonigle suggested that at the end of this year and the first of 2008, we look at the projects that we want to donate for the entire year of 2008, so that we don’t go over our budget. Steve suggested that we want to consider the local fire department and ambulance squad.

Logo for Chamber: It’s been suggested by several chamber members that we may want to look at redesigning the chamber logo. Sue Heath suggested that we look at the art students at Crisfield High to help. Teri Christensen will coordinate this project.

Repairs on Bleachers: After Crab Derby, several people said that they felt that part of the bleachers are in need of repair. Dennis Smith said to make sure whoever repairs them is insured. Steve Marshall has someone coming in from the Local Government Insurance Trust. He will be here on Oct. 17th and Steve will have him look at the bleacher first.

Waterman’s Festival – Chris Tyler: The Crisfield Heritage Foundation is hosting the 2nd Annual Waterman’s Festival will be held Friday, October 19th, from 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. in the marina. If anyone is interested in volunteering, please call Valerie at the chamber office. If you would like purchase tickets, please call the museum at 410-968-2501.

Christmas Parade – Mary Beth Pruitt: Mary Beth announced that the Crisfield Christmas parade will be held on Saturday, December 8th, at 6:00 p.m. The parade is sponsored by the chamber.

Meeting adjourned at 9:50 a.m.

Prepared by: Submitted by: Valerie Mason, Office Manager

Terry Pehan, Secretary


 

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