The March meeting was held at the Eureka College Cerf Center with 13 people in attendance. The meeting was called to order at 8:00 a.m. The February minutes were approved.
Treasurer’s Report:
President Nancy Scott presented the treasurer’s report. The balance was $6,415.87.
Committee Reports:
Reagan Fest: Kat Arnold reported that the committee is moving forward. The festival is scheduled for Saturday, August 23. Committee festival members will call EBA members for help as needed. The children’s activities are booked and the committee is lining up the entertainment, sound system, and vendors. The committee will continue to report updates to EBA.
Ambassador Committee: Rick Robinson, Kat Arnold, and Chuck Staley have contacted the businesses who had not renewed membership. Most businesses responded positively, but two did not renew. Rick has hired, at his own expense, a data entry person to start entering business information. An EBA directory should be completed soon and will be for members only. Discussion ensued about how EBA can keep current members and non-members informed about EBA endeavors. The ambassador committee will look into EBA decals and welcome information. Rick asked if anyone knew local dissertation typist who is knowledgeable on producing informational tables. Please contact him at Main Street Technologies at 467-6246.
City:
Jim Meares distributed a list of City projects that include: resurfacing and sealing streets (approx. 20); replacing some playground equipment in Eureka Park; lighting upgrade on Main Street (fixture replacement can be viewed at City building); census report discussion on requirement changes due to 5000+ residents; electrical upgrade at City Hall; approval of $3,668,357. City budget for fiscal year 2008-2009; City received a state compliance certificate for fluoridation; and Police Chief Misener completed mandatory ILEAS training in Springfield. Discussion on IDOT $20,000 sidewalk repair grant (along Rt. 24 starting at E. Major St. to Presbyterian Church) will soon be underway.
Old Business:
Eureka Conference on Economic Development: Eureka College President Dave Arnold reported that on Friday, Mat 9, from 11am-2pm, Dr. David Hamilton of Roosevelt University will speak and host a discussion about the development of local businesses and economy in the community. A $5 fee is requested; contact Kat Arnold at kaac@speednet.com or (816) 351-1879 by April 17 to make your reservation. Opportunities will be available for local restaurants to promote their business by featuring a specialty dish for conference attendees. Kat Arnold will be contacting local restaurants and food vendors.
New Business:
Laura Siscoe asked the EBA and/or local businesses to consider sponsoring a concert in Eureka Park to help promote the upcoming Sesquicentennial celebration in August 2009. The Sesquicentennial committee is considering 2008-09 Sunday afternoons through June, July, and August, with possibly a church-based ice cream social following the concerts. Discussion regarding cost and other details ensued. Brandon Bressner of the Woodford County News Bulletin will contact Metamora for information about its events. It was mentioned that Scott Baldwin is a big band member who should be contacted. Everyone is encouraged to attend Sesquicentennial meetings. The next one is Tuesday, April 1, at 7 pm in the County Board room. They usually last one hour.
Brief Business Update:
Liz Knapp of Knapp Tile and Flooring said they will be opening soon. Currently they are open by appointment. Their store is located in downtown Eureka on the corner of 117 and 24.
Cynthia Baer of Woodford County Extension shared information about upcoming workshops in their office: Tele-Institutes Myth of Free Money will be held March 27 from 3-5pm, and Pond Construction and Management will be held on March 26 from 1:30-3 pm or 6:30-8pm. Call the extension office at 467-3789 or visit www.extension.uiuc.edu/woodford for more details.
Nancy Scott spoke about the Eureka Library’s involvement in grant proposals and Alliance workshops. The library is working toward the creation of a business resource center, complete with laptop, 2-way video capability, and an LCD power point projector. The library plans to call EBA members to see how the library could better meet their business needs. The business resource center will help sustain and provide development in Eureka.
Eureka “Buy Locally” Discussion:
Larry Whitaker explained some unforeseen difficulties with the internship position. It is no reflection on either party, but the committee would like the opportunity to move forward next year. Pete Fandel of the Woodford County Extension stated an economic analysis of the area is being completed. He talked about moving forward on a bigger in-depth, county-wide economic analysis. Interest should be directed to Pete Fandel or Cynthia Baer at the extension office at 467-3789.
