Call to order
Meeting was called to order by President Mary Lou Kriner at 12:02 followed by the flag salute.
Minutes
The minutes from June were read and approved.
Treasurer’s Report
None.
Membership
Dues are coming up. If paid by 11/1, members will be included in the info-book. A campaign for new members was brought up, and two methods were discussed: Going door to door, and mailing invitations to new businesses.
Guest speakers
Attorney Dale Crandall announced his expansion project, with law offices in Okanogan and Twisp in development. With the addition of a new attorney, Robert Schiesser, the practice will be expanding and able to take on a greater variety of cases.
Shayla Wiggins announced her plans to host a one day Art & craft market sometime in spring/summer 2020. The market would give under-represented and unique medium artists (such as sculptors) a chance to sell their work. At the first sale, artists will not have to pay a fee for having a booth. The event may also include live music, as a way to feature local musicians. The Chamber seems to be interested in providing sponsorship for the event, once the plans are finalized and we are closer to the date of said event.
TVBRC
Nothing new to report. Will close for winter by the beginning of October.
RV Park
Law enforcement has been called to address issues with travelers sleeping on the park tables. This year, the park has earned: 8,292.00 for camp spaces
1,046.00 for water use
1,032.00 for garbage service
Current Total= 10,370.00
The budget was made for 12,000 originally, so we are currently 1,568.00 (1,630.00) short of that goal.
There have been many public comments to the effect that the park has improved greatly over the years.
The ideas of adding a shower and laundromat to the park were brought up.
Old business
The Chamber’s web presence was discussed. It was suggested that the chamber attach more photos to the google listing for the RV Park to attract more travelers.
Regarding the art installments from Beyond the Frame:To be Native; It was brought to the attention of the Chamber that the artwork received was much smaller than anticipated, and that it had been suggested by Amanda Jackson that we might blow up the images and make them into vinyl posters for shop windows. Possibilities for the project will continue to be investigated.
New business
With Winterfest coming up (December 6 & 7), members were asked to keep a lookout for candidates for this year’s Santa.
The business of the month for the following months were decided:
August: The Old Creamery
September: Crandall Law (Tentatively, might switch months)
October: The Okanogan Family Faire
November: The American Legion
December: to be decided at the next meeting
It was suggested that the Chamber could go Facebook Live with some of the local businesses, possibly partnering with the High School leadership class for interviewers.
The Garlic Festival is August 23 (12:00-8:00), and August 24 (11:00-8:00). There will be locally grown garlic for sale.
Tickets for 2019 Okanogan Family Faire are available for purchase online. The event has been bringing in many well known music acts in recent years, and has seen an increase in attendees attracted to the faire because of the bands.
The Okanogan County Economic Alliance has trainings and resources available to local businesses.
The American Legion is hosting a pig roast on September 14. It will be open to the public, with a cost of 12.00 per plate.
The CCC will be holding a reception for the art walk artists at 4pm on September 15th.
The Chamber discussed having a free community BBQ on September 15th, from 2:00-4:00, just before the CCC’s reception.
.
Meeting adjourned 1:31pm.