President Anderson called the meeting to order at 1:01 PM.

President’s Topics

        Director’s Retreat:  President Anderson provided a brief overview to the Director’s Retreat that was held last week.  The Board of Director’s met to look at Chamber Goals, Events, Staff and Volunteer job descriptions among other items.  The agenda was full; and after a productive two hour meeting, the group had agreed to get together again to finish the last two items on the agenda.

        One of the items under discussion is the future location of the Chamber office.  While we appreciate the hospitality of the college in our current location, it is not an ideal visible location to serve the community.  The Pine Center for the Arts recently took up residence in the former Corner Photo building on 5^th Street and has contacted the Chamber about space sharing options.  No decision was made or presented at the meeting.

        President Anderson further noted that a number of the issues discussed at the retreat will require a closer review by subcommittees of the Chamber.  Membership participation would be appreciated as these issues are reviewed.  Any member interested in participating on the committees that will be reviewing membership benefits or dues schedule should contact Becky at the Chamber office.

Executive Director Report:  (Becky Schueller)

        Membership Update: As of October 1^st we have 166 Chamber Members.  This includes three new members: Country Financial, Chubby’s Bar & Grill and Snake River Bait & Tackle.

        Referral Records:  A copy of our August & September referral records was made available to the group.  The majority of our contact records are coming in by phone or email.  This is likely due to our current location and its difficulty for out of town visitors to find us.    

        PANEL: Schueller also presented a brief explanation of the upcoming launch of the PANEL networking program.  The Chamber is partnering with the Entrepreneurship Advisory Board from Pine Technical College to present a monthly networking and training opportunity for businesses, employees and students considering the possibility of opening a business.  PANEL, an acronym for Pine Area Networking & Entrepreneurship Luncheon, will take place on the Third Wednesday of each month beginning in November. The first topic has not been finalized but will likely center on the topic of “Why Networking is Important”.

Treasurer’s Report:  Treasurer’s Report was given.  The report shows expenses totaling $216.02 for the Miss Pine City program; these expenses are funded by the Foundation.  Expenses incurred by the general fund included payroll, office supplies, marketing expense and event expenses for the Citizen of the Year reception.  These general fund expenses total $2,983.44.

A motion was made by Cummings to approve the Treasurer’s Report as submitted, seconded by Musgrove, motion passed.

 Committee Reports: 

        Citizen of the Year:  Todd Cummings reported that the event was held at the Fur Post on September 28^th , and there were approximately 80 people in attendance.  Todd and Jan have compiled some notes on improvements that could be made in the planning for future years.  The total expenses for the event were $350.26, and a budget of $500 was available. 

        Annual Meeting:  TJ Musgrove reported that the menu for the evening has been set; it includes: roast beef or baked chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, green beans, and side salad.  Mayor Jane Robbins and Mary Kay Brautigan will  speak about the Design Team visit, and the drawings created by the Team will be available for viewing.  Tickets are $20 each or 2/$36; and if tickets are purchased by October 22^nd, attendees will receive a complimentary drink ticket as well. 

        Ambassador Program: Cindy Bostrom-Dahlin was in attendance to speak about the upcoming changes with the Ambassador Program.  She began by thanking the Board of Directors for the opportunity to chair this committee again as well as the co-chairs of the group, Nathan Johnson and Erin Skalicky. The visits will be moved to the Second Wednesday of each month beginning in October.  Other ideas that the group is exploring include: casual dress or polo shirts to identify the Chamber representatives that are attending the visits and ways to honor the long-time members of the Chamber.

Business and Community Development: (Frank Christopherson)

        The Pine City Planning Commission will host its annual Open House on October 28^th.  As part of this annual event, the Planning Commission recognizes a Site Improvements Award and a Citizen Planner Award.  The community is invited to submit nominations for consideration to City Planner, Nathan Johnson.

        The EDA has finalized their application for the Revolving Loan Fund that will be administered through the EDA and the City of Pine City.  The RLF is available for business expansion, property acquisition, and equipment purchases.  Complete details can be provided by contacting Nathan Johnson with the City of Pine City. In addition, Mayor Robbins and Don Howard have been meeting with an existing business in the metro area that is considering a relocation of their business to Pine City.  Also reported at the EDA meeting were two new restaurants that may be opening in the near future, an Asian restaurant and a Mexican restaurant.

 Downtown Leadership Group: (Nathan Johnson)

         The DLG has finalized their Historical Walking Tour brochure.  Currently there are four donors who have committed a $100 contribution toward the printing costs of the brochure.  The group hopes to secure a minimum of four additional donors so that 1000 brochures can be printed.

        The DLG has also set a regular meeting date as the Second Wednesday of each month.  Remaining meetings in 2009 will be on: October 14, November 11 and December 9.

Miss Pine City Report: (LeTeshia Hedtke)

        LeTeshia reported that the ambassadors will be participating in the upcoming PTO Carnival on Saturday, October 10^th from NOON – 3PM.  They will be manning the face painting booth.  Other events in October include the Anoka Halloween parade on October 31^st.

 Pine City High School Report: (Christine Kraft)

        Christine reported that last week was Homecoming Week at PCHS.  Grades 9-12 got the chance to participate in a Mock Crash event that showed students what can happen after people drink and drive.  The Dragon football team played a winning game on Friday night as well. 

 Motion to adjourn at 1:54 PM by Herzog, seconded by Cummings.  Motion approved.