The April meeting was held at the Eureka College Cerf Center with 25 people in attendance. The meeting was called to order at 8:00 a.m. The March minutes were approved. Treasurer Eldon LiaBraaten said the balance is $7615.87.
Committee Reports:
Ambassador Committee: Rick Robinson distributed a sample EBA directory that will be for members only.
Brighten Our Business: Eldon LiaBraaten said members should expect something in the mail soon. May 10 is the possible planting date. The EBA is getting a later start this year and will need a quick response.
4th of July Parade: Bryant Ruder said parade plans are in progress. Volunteers will be needed. John Greene offered the use of a vehicle for the EBA.
City: Jim Meares passed around a picture of the new streetlights the city is getting for downtown. He also passed around and enlarged picture of the playground equipment that will be installed at Eureka Park.
Sesquicentennial Update: Laura Siscoe said planning is underway for an event called a Day in the Life of 1858. She requested that the EBA consider forming a committee to discuss sponsoring summer 2009 band concerts in Eureka Park. If anyone is interested, he or she can contact Nancy Scott. The Sesquicentennial committee is applying for two state grants. They will continue to contact businesses for financial support. Volunteers are welcome to help make this a 3-day event (August 20-22, 2009) of which we can all be proud. Bryant Ruder mentioned that there is a 1940 fire truck for sale if anyone would be interested in purchasing it.
New Business: Marilyn Walter talked about the Eureka Area Food Pantry’s plans to move from the Methodist Church’s basement into the former Farm Credit Building. They are selling square feet of the building to pay back the Methodist Church, as the church is buying the building for them. She said the community has always been good to the pantry and she has informational flyers if businesses would like them.
EBA Gift Certificates: Nancy Scott presented information she received from the Washington Chamber of Commerce about its gift check program. Washington has gift checks available that can be used as money at any of the participating merchants. A local bank provides the Chamber with a free checking account. Washington has been able to keep around $20,000 in Washington because of this program. Bryant Ruder, owner of JH Car Wash, says he has no problems with the gift checks. Ty Meiss volunteered to serve on a committee to explore this matter, with the goal of implementing a similar program for the EBA. Nancy Scott and Donna Sweeney offered their assistance.
Brief Business Update: Bryant Ruder introduced Dan Davis, the new general manager of So-Brite Technologies. Davis spoke on innovative ways they are using new technology in the industry and agriculture. Heidi Bowman of the Woodford County Journal shared that the 2008 Eureka Community Guides are available and to contact her at 467-3314 if you would like any for your business. Liz Knapp of Knap Tile and Flooring said they are open for business! Pat Reinkensmeyer of the Communities of Maple Lawn said that plans are being made for the new Gathering Place community center. John Greene, formerly of Patient Assistant Services, discussed his new business, Premier Aqua Solutions, which provides mobile water softeners for RV’s and boats. Kat Arnold of Eureka College said that 32 participants had signed up for the first Eureka Conference on Economic Development, which will be held May 9. Cynthia Baer of Woodford County Extension said that 50% of their funding is threatened. She encouraged EBA members to contact government officials to let them know what the Extension service means to Woodford County. Bryant Ruder suggested she use the EBA member e-mail list to request letters of support. Nancy Scott of the Eureka Public Library said they are building a business library, receiving trial data bases, and applying for another grant that would enable the library to offer business equipment for check-out.
Eureka “Buy Locally” Discussion: A packet on secondary economic data for Eureka was distributed. Kat Arnold said the committee is continuing to work with college students and their Eureka presentations had provided interesting ideas and perspectives.
