CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF FRONT ROYAL-WARREN COUNTY, INC. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, P.M. AT THE CHAMBER

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1 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF FRONT ROYAL-WARREN COUNTY, INC. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, P.M. AT THE CHAMBER Present: Chairman Allen Taylor, Southern States Front Royal Coop 1 st Vice Chair Ray Bramble, Aire Serv 2 nd Vice Chair Brent Jackson, Holiday Inn & Blue Ridge Shadows Treasurer Herb Melrath, Optimum Business Services Past Chair Katie Tewell, The Apple House & Fork d Sherri Yoder, Optimum Impact Richard Runyon, Shenandoah Valley Golf Club Jeff Hinson, Rappahannock Electric Coop Mike Shotton, Shotton Designs Beth Waller, What Matters Floyd Heater, Warren Memorial Hospital Brandy Rosser, County of Warren Joe Waltz, Town of Front Royal Greg Drescher, Warren County Public Schools Niki Foster, President Pam Riffle, Director of Finance & Operations The meeting was called to order by Mr. Taylor Member Input: N/A Warren County Administrator s Report: Ms. Rosser gave the report in the absence of County Administrator Doug Stanley. Report attached. Town Manager s Report: Attached Warren County Public School s Report: Attached. Discussion followed regarding staff salaries. Economic Development Authority: N/A Minutes: N/A Financial Report: Mr. Taylor thanked Mr. Melrath for stepping up to fill the treasurer s position left vacant by Jan Kidd. Mr. Melrath reviewed the financial report. A motion by Mr. Heater, seconded by Ms. Tewell, to approve the financial report. Motion carried. President s Report: Ms. Foster reported that our Chamber has joined the I-81 Coalition of Chambers made up of several regional Chambers. This coalition will work together to support legislation that addresses safety concerns along I-81. She distributed copies of responses received by elected officials to the first letter sent by the coalition. Ms. Foster stated that there is a group of members that are forming an organization called Vows in the Valley. This organization will bring wedding professionals from Front Royal and Warren County together to market the community as a wedding destination. This group is like ones that exist in Winchester and Luray. The groups first event will be a bridal showcase held at Holiday Inn on April 8 th. The Chamber will partner with this group to help get the first event off the ground. Ms. Foster stated that the Community Block Grant committee will be meeting tomorrow night. They will be selecting a final logo and reviewing the budget. Ms. Foster reported that all Chamber sponsors have been secured and that Jean s Jewelers has come on as a new sponsor for She stated that things are busier this year and people seem to be very enthusiastic about doing business.

2 Membership Report: Ms. Foster reviewed the membership report. Ms.Waller suggested that we look at the possibility of giving members the option to pay their membership for 2 years with a discount. Annual Dinner: Mr. Bramble reported that the Annual Dinner will be April 26 th at the Shenandoah Valley Golf Club. The theme is Boots & Business. Sponsorships are available. Mr. Bramble distributed the award nomination forms. Bowling Event: The Bowling Event will be held March 29 th. Mr. Bramble reported that teams, prizes and a few sponsors are needed. Education Committee: Mr. Hinson stated that due to several last-minute conflicts the Ethics Workshop is cancelled this year. Mr. Runyon and Ms. Tewell stated that the Apple House and Shenandoah Valley Golf Club will take care of feeding the students next year. Leadership: Ms. Foster stated that she will not be able to attend Public Safety/Law Enforcement Day. Mr. Bramble will fill in for her. This will be first time that a class will be able to visit the regional jail. Small Business: Ms. Yoder reported that the committee is launching a video spot light program on social media. The committee is looking at charging for the Brown Bag Luncheons. The committee would like to begin morning and late afternoon networking events in the spring. Wine & Craft Committee: Ms. Tewell stated that the Virginia Wine & Craft Festival will be held May 19 th. Volunteers are needed. There will be one central ticket location instead of three gates this year. The police department will be blocking entrances with dump trucks for safety reasons. Jack Evans Chevrolet has agreed to be the presenting sponsor. Action Items: Bryon Biggs, Edward Jones Investments was selected to fill Jan Kidd s unexpired term through ballot voting of board members. Mr. Heater updated the board on the new hospital plans. They are hoping to break ground in August or September with a completion date of late There being no further business the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Pam Riffle Director of Finance & Operations

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