The December meeting was held at the Eureka College Cerf Center with 17 people in attendance. The meeting was called to order at 8:00 a.m. Duane Schroeder had an addition and correction to the November minutes. The minutes will be corrected to read, “Duane Schroeder shared that he felt a city economic development person is needed. Ideas like Eureka Bucks are positive and help retail businesses; however, only two of our retail businesses are represented here today. A city employee who would work toward increasing retail and service business growth and housing development would increase the tax base and would offer a lot to Eureka’s long-term vitality. County funds once used for EDC funding might be better used for cities or a county-wide chamber of commerce.” Laura Siscoe made a motion to approve the minutes as corrected.
Treasurer’s Report: There was no treasurer’s report this month.
Committee Reports:
Christmas Memories with Santa: Vada Schertz said that there was enough help from EBA members. Each year the event gets bigger, but the number of volunteers gets smaller. Vada said she would not chair Christmas Memories next year unless more EBA members committed to help. Duane Schroeder suggested that business owners have employees help if they cannot do it themselves. Rick Robinson suggested a note requesting help for Christmas Memories be put in the mailing a couple of months prior to the event. Katherine Arnold suggested contacting Eureka College for volunteers. Laura Siscoe stated that since it is an EBA event, EBA members should be the ones to volunteer.
City: There was no city report this month.
Old Business: Laura Siscoe shared her opinion that the city would be better served by the creation of a park district instead of an outdoor pool. Rick Robinson wondered if any other business owners had received a letter from Mayor Scott Punke. Larry Whitaker read the letter aloud.
Katherine Arnold shared that the League of Women Voters is going to sponsor a debate between the three Republican candidates seeking the 18th Congressional District seat in January.
New Business: Katherine Arnold shared that Eureka College Associate Dean and Director of Career Services Shari Rich is in charge of internships and mentorship’s. If any business owners are interested in giving a student an opportunity, they can call Shari at 467-6421.
Election of 2008 Officers: Lisa Reinmann said nominations would be taken from the floor. None were offered, and the existing slate of officers was approved. For 2008, Dana Wiegand is President, Emily Reese is Vice President, Eldon LiaBraaten is Treasurer, and Heidi Bowman is Secretary.
Suggestions for New Members to Contact:
Snap Fitness, Nina Jones Jewelers, Knapp Tile and Flooring, and HotPix were all mentioned as businesses to contact.
Rick Robinson and Greg Hollenberg worked with Eldon LiaBraaten on creating a new EBA member dues letter. It was mailed to 206 businesses. Greg Hollenberg said if anyone noticed any inaccuracies to please let them know.
Eureka “Buy Locally” Discussion: Laura Siscoe thanked Larry Whitaker for his efforts in producing the e-mail about locally available gift cards. Larry Whitaker reiterated that the purpose of the “Buy Locally” group is to raise awareness of the benefits of shopping locally. Rick Robinson made a motion to revisit approaching Goodfield and Congerville businesses after the Buy Eureka initiative is successful. Duane Schroeder seconded it. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Ty Meiss then questioned how that decision would be monitored and it was unofficially decided that the board would revisit the issue quarterly. Chad Martin pointed out that Goodfield and Congerville businesses can join the EBA now if they choose to do so.
