By Gary Perkins
Fort Gibson Chamber of Commerce Board of Director’s Meeting
Nov. 17, 2009
Attendees: Cheryl Hill, Al Stevens, Gabe Mosteller, Carol Corley, Kathy Carson, Jerry Long, Linda Clinkenbeard, Pat Green, and Gary Perkins.
Absent: Steve Clinkenbeard, Jack Armstrong, Kathy Perkins, and Denise Bain.
Meeting was called to order by board president Cheryl Hill at 11:35. The first order of business was a review of the chamber’s financial records. Total assets are currently at $20,042, as compared to $13,089 at this time last year. The big boost was mainly due to the success of the recently completed “Smokin’ the Fort-BBQ and Bluegrass Festival,” which contributed $6,571 to the chamber funds. Additionally, sales of the 2009 Historic Fort Gibson Christmas ornament have been very good, bringing in $1,265, as compared to $690 at this time last year. Of the 25 dual sets we were able to obtain, which contained the 2009 ornament, along with the 2008 ornament, we have sold all but two, at a price of $25 for the set. We have sold 69 of the 2009 ornament, leaving us just over 100 left for sale. A decision on whether to order more will be made in early December.
In other financial business, Gary explained that the chamber computer was in dire need of replacement. Along with voting on acceptance of the chamber financials, Cheryl Hill made the motion to dedicate up to $750 for the purchase of a new computer and printer. Pat Green seconded the motion. Approval was unanimous.
Gary will shop for the computer and printer, and solicit Dustin Morgan’s help in getting it set up with the necessary existing programs.
The next order of business, was a brief discussion on the upcoming Starlight Christmas Parade, scheduled for the evening of Dec. 7. The theme of this year’s parade is “Family Traditions,”, and our grand marshall is Dick Faurot, weatherman on TV channel 6, along with Tara Vreeland, from TV 6.
The biggest change in this year’s parade, is the fact that lineup will take place at the parking lot of the Church of Christ on South Lee Street, instead of the school parking area.
This should eliminate a lot of the congestion that was experienced with the parade and school activities.
Additionally this year, there will be a special “tree lighting” ceremony at Centennial Park, at 6:30 p.m., prior to the parade.
Bleachers will be set up, as with years past, for you to watch the lighting ceremony and view the parade. Of course, you can watch the parade at any point along the parade route … from the Church of Christ, North on Lee Street, then East on Poplar, at the light, and terminate at the Spencer’s Corner parking lot, as in the past.
Entry forms are available at various locations in town.
Late entries can also just show up on parade night, and fill out an entry form. There is no charge for entering the parade.
The final order of business, was a discussion on the possibility of having a new event in spring that revolves around fishing and fish fries. Many ideas were shared, including catfish fries for the public, catch and release fish tanks for the kids, casting competitions, fishing equipment displays, boats and accessories, outdoor themed arts and crafts, etc.
The chamber will discuss this more at our next meeting, and possibly set a date to move forward with the planning of this new event for Fort Gibson. Any outside ideas would be appreciated, and can be shared with any board member.
Meeting was adjourned at 12:10 PM.
