The April meeting was held at Maple Lawn with 19 members in attendance. The meeting was called to order at 8:00 a.m. The minutes of the last meeting were accepted for filing as presented.
Treasurer’s Report:
Eldon LiaBraaten said there were no March transactions and the balance was $8527.40 as of February 28.
Committee Reports:
EBA Member Postcard Promotion: The cost for the cards has gone up slightly, but the response has been positive. A motion was made and approved for the EBA to continue paying half of the cost of 12 postcards per year. Eldon LiaBraaten and Heidi Bowman abstained from the vote.
Brighten Our Business: Vada Schertz reported that some businesses need to send in money. The plan is to pick up pots May 1. Volunteers will be needed.
4th of July: Bryant Ruder said the parade plans were going well, and Heartland Bank has offered to serve as the parade marshal in the celebration of their 125 years. He said he was interested in collecting e-mail addresses for EBA members.
City:
Jim Meares said that everyone is invited to a reception for the alderman leaving office on May 7 at 6:30 pm at the city building. The city is protesting the IDOT position that Eureka needs to pay for any turn lanes that may need to be built in the next 20 years. There is a copy of the letter at City Hall for individual EBA members or the association as a whole to sign. The city would appreciate any help.
Economic Development Council:
Vicki Clark from the Economic Development Council for Central Illinois spoke about how the council strives to foster the economic growth of central Illinois. The Council and the EBA plan to keep in touch about strategies to improve the region.
Old Business:
Ty Meiss passed around a sign-up sheet for city council meeting attendance.
Business Spotlight:
Dana Wiegand, Senior VP and Lending Officer, and Kathy Hughes, Assist. VP and Fin. Service Mgr, spoke about Goodfield State Bank, a full service bank that strives for excellent customer service. The bank is 87 years old. In 2001, the current location in Goodfield was built. In March, the new Eureka branch celebrated its grand opening. Everyone is invited to Eureka Plaza’s open house on May 11. The bank offers a Dinosavers kid’s club, which is a fun way for kid’s to learn to be savers. The EBA members were surprised by a guest appearance of Sammy Save-O-Saurus, the club’s mascot.
New Business:
Boy Scout flags: A motion was made and approved to sponsor 5 Boy Scout flags as in years past.
Suggestions for New Members to Contact:
Brief Business Update:
