President Smetana called the meeting to order at 1:02 PM.

President’s Topics

Library Foundation Presentation:  Librarian, Christy Koch, and Mayor Jane Robbins presented information on the current fundraising drive for the Pine City Library.  Having received a $200,000 gift from a library patron, the Library Board has been tasked with raising matching funds in order to complete a proposed renovation project for the Library.  The group has successfully raising $125,000 to date and has just $75,000 left to meet their goals.  Sketches of the new plan were available for the group to view as well.  The space will include new shelving for the books – donated by a Barnes & Noble location that recently closed, a room in which books for sale will be offered whenever a volunteer is available to staff, and a meeting room space for non-profit organizations in Pine City.  Christy also shared information about how the library is funded and staffed.   The library hours are currently Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 10-7, Friday 10-6, and Saturday 9-2.

Pine City Lions Presentation:  Sara Helseth and Nathan Johnson recently spoke to the Pine City Lions to share information about the Chamber of Commerce and our event schedule for 2010. Sara was able to share information about the Parade and Freedom Fest events, and Nathan shared information on the Downtown Leadership Group and the historical walking tour guide that the group has developed. 

S.H.I.P (Statewide Health Improvement Project):  Lara was recently asked to be a part of a taskforce developed cooperatively between Kanabec and Pine Counties.  The counties recently received a grant that will work on ways to improve the overall health of the community.  One such effort that the group will be looking at is ways to promote smoke-free parks in our community and throughout the counties.  Lara will provide more information on this initiative in the coming months.

Executive Director Report:  (Becky Schueller)

Membership Update: We are currently at a membership level of 148 members for 2010.  There are still 24 members from 2009 that have yet to submit their renewal dues.  A final reminder invoice was mailed out last week.  These numbers include four new members:  Immaculate Conception Catholic Church & St. Mary’s School; Wag More Bark Less; Mitchell’s Landing; and Pine City Arts Council.

Coupon Books:  The Pine Dragons PTO is currently finishing up the sales of the coupon books.  There were only 150 books picked up by the group and 300 were printed.  If anyone has ideas for other ways to promote the sales, or another group that wishes to sell the, please let Becky know. 

2010 Map Project:  The ad sales have begun for the 2010 map project.  Having only used the e-newsletter and one mailing to past participants to get interest in the map, we are doing quite well with over half of the ad spots already sold.   We will begin visiting businesses later this week if our mailings haven’t generated more interest by Wednesday. Bonnie Menigo mentioned that she has been receiving calls regarding another company working on a map for our community.  This map is not being developed by the Chamber.  It was suggested that we alert our members that the ads for the Pine City maps are all being done by the Chamber Directors or Becky personally. We are not outsourcing this map to another ad sales group.

Treasurer’s Report:  Treasurer’s Report was given.  Expenses incurred by the general fund included payroll, Chamber Bucks reimbursements, annual liability insurance, new computer for Chamber office and other regularly budgeted items. These general fund expenses total $4,861.23. 

A motion was made by Schifferdecker to approve the Treasurer’s Report as submitted, second by Smyser.  Motion carried.

Committee Reports 

Freedom Fest:  Rick Herzog reported on the status of the planning for the June 25 – 27 event.  Wristbands have come in and are currently on sale at the Pizza Pub and Voyageur Bottle Shop.  The Chamber committee will need to visit the fairgrounds to evaluate the layout for band, possible show by the Heritage Players and ventriloquist as well.

Golf Tournament:  The committee met last week and have confirmed June 4^th as the date of the tournament.  “Save the Date” postcards will be mailed this week to past participants as well as new members to be sure that we reach all potential team or hole sponsors.

Business and Community Development (Mayor Jane Robbins)

        In Frank’s absence, Mayor Jane provided the following updates.  A business located in the industrial park will be expanding in the next six months.  The expansion will include additional square footage for the business as well as additional jobs in the community.  Discussions with the Dinner Train project are still happening with the EDA and City officials.  The EDA continues to follow the progress of a possible business relocation from Blaine to Pine City as well as the Kanabec Hospital property at which a future clinic is planned

Downtown Leadership Group Report (Becky Schueller)

        The DLG continues to work on a “Do Downtown” effort scheduled for Saturday, May 29^th that will be the launch of the historical walking tour.  The group would like to work on more ideas for ways to get other Downtown businesses to participate in the event.  

Ambassador Committee Report (Cindy Bostrom-Dahlin)

        There will be no visits in April.

Miss Pine City Report (LeTeshia Hedtke)

        The next planned event for the ambassadors will be the Memorial Day Parade. 

 Pine City High School Report (Christine Kraft)

        Christine reported on happenings for the Pine City Schools.  School was back in session today after the Spring Break and Easter holiday, and fourth quarter began.  The seniors returned from their class trip safely and without incidents.  Spring sports are beginning practices and games will begin soon. The Senior High Speech team has taken first place in the Great River Conference tournament for the second consecutive year.

Pine Technical College Report (Amy Smyser)

        Amy reported on happenings for Pine Technical College.  April is Earth Month, and the student organizations at PTC are planning a number of events.  On April 13^th the annual Poetry Reading will begin at 7PM in the auditorium.  The evening includes a great selection of cheesecake.  On April 22^nd the annual Earth & Health fair will be held at the campus.  Also, on April 23^rd the Ever Green Club will be hosting their clean-up day for the adopt-a-highway section of Hwy 35.  They will begin at 10am and lunch is provided after the clean-up is finished.

Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 4th at the Northwest Company Fur Post at 1:00 PM. 

Motion to adjourn at 1:51 PM by Schifferdecker and seconded by Menigo.  Motion approved.