Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce

Minutes of January 9, 2008

Meeting was called to order by President Matt Perkins at 7:32AM

Minutes of the December meeting were read and approved

Treasurer’s report was read and approved.

Under Old Business:

a. The Slate of Officers for 2008 was approved: 

President - - - Matt Perkins, Vice President – Rob Hall

Secretary - - - Bruce Van Wieren, Treasurer - - Marie Hartley

b. Eagle Funeral won the $50 prize for having the best decorated business.

c. Kim Murphy and Joanne Crater of the 175^th Celebration Committee gave a report on activities planned for the year. The main event week end will be Sept 12,13,and 14 with a parade on Saturday afternoon. Several fundraisers are in progress and/or planned for the year to help defray expenses for the celebration. Rides and fireworks are scheduled along with a Historical Home tour, Tractor Pull, Rib Cook-off, Art Show, Car shows, a dedication of the Patriot Memorial, and other events.

d. Dave Sheely handed out dues renewals and applications.

Under new business

a. Banners for the downtown to commemorate the 175^th birthday celebration were discussed. New banners will cost $50 each and there are 11 of them. Business’s can sponsor one or more and have there name placed on the banner if they pay the cost. Joanne, Marie, and Dave will serve as a design committee for the banners.

b.  Duane Sanborn has scheduled a meeting for anyone interested in “Sustainability and Self Sufficiency. It will be held at the Community Center on January 31, 2008 at 7PM. Motion by Rob Hall seconded by Jim Bloch to have the Chamber sponsor the meeting at no cost. Approved.

c. Dave reported that Hudson is hosting an invitational floor hockey tournament on Feb 16 and 17 and there will be 50 teams along with parents and others in town for the event. Businesses that want to put together a flyer should get them to Dave or Chris Bloomer prior to Feb 1 to be sent out to all the teams. These flyers may direct visitors to check out businesses in the area.

d. Dave reported that 650 bicyclers and there support teams will spend the night in Hudson on June 25. Businesses may want to do something special for these visitors. More discussion later.

c. The Hudson promotional video was viewed and several suggestions were made to be incorporated.

City Report

a. Frank reported that downtown façade grants have received favorable reviews from the State.

b. Winter sidewalks need to be cleaned after ice and/or snow

c. The City is addressing a problem with grease being introduced into the sewers by some of the local restaurants.

d. There is a problem with some signage in the downtown area and even temporary signs/banners need a permit from the City.

e. He invited Chamber members to the Kiwanis meeting on Tuesday to view the video again.

Local Business News: The old Williams Meats on N. Maple Grove will be opening as a full deli in Feb.

Next scheduled meeting is February 13^th at Karen’s Uptown Cafe at 7:30 AM

Motion by Dave, seconded by Marie to adjourn

Second by Cathy

Meeting adjourned at 8:23AM

Respectfully submitted

Bruce Van Wieren, Secretary