Yorktown Chamber of Commerce
Monthly Meeting
February 21, 2017
Mellott Family Center
INTRODUCTION AND WELCOME: Tim Williams, Barbara Baker, Al Baker, Bonita Ramirez, Sarah McCord, Kallie Sulanke, Dustin Humm, Leslie Baim, Mellissa Bucur, David Riggs, Terri Mosier, Ed Armantrout, Mary Ann Stroeh, Brendon Comp, Rich Lee, Pete Olson, Patti Decker, Fran Bullock, Keith Gary, David Sturgeon, Carolyn Case, Rachel Tucker, Maureen Walby, Mark Goodpaster, Annette Phillips, Kathy Ray, Todd Blevins
QUESTION OF THE DAY: What did you do for Valentine’s Day? Responses ranged from going out to eat, buying cards and candy, working, giving flowers and gifts to loved ones, and doing nothing.
BREAKFAST SPONSOR: Town of Yorktown
SECRETARY REPORT: Approved as submitted
TREASURER REPORT: Approved as submitted
COMMITTEE REPORTS: Four for the 4th – Group has decided to apply for 501C3 so they will have the capability of applying for additional grants. The group has a large number of registrations already for the event. The Fireworks committee will meet at 1 p.m. this date at the Field Operations Building. Continued opportunities for sponsorships for the event. Please contact Pete Olson if interested in a sponsorship.
SCHOOL REPORT: David Sturgeon introduced Kathy Ray, Principal at Pleasant View Elementary School. Sturgeon indicated that Yorktown schools had many athletic activities to report, including seven wrestlers progressing to State finals, as well as breaking records in swimming State finals. Girls’ basketball has done very well with Jenna Ireland earning more than 1,000 points. School is mid-way through the third quarter of the school year.
TOWN REPORT: Pete Olson – Town Council to meet on 2/21/17. A new police officer has been hired. The Redevelopment Council is moving forward with plans and work. Olson invited Chamber members to attend a March 15 event at Cornerstone Center for the Arts, featuring speaker Peter Kageyama, author of the book “Love Where You Live.” The event is free to the public but reservations must be made. Contact Todd Blevins for more information.
PROGRAM: PathStone – Presenter – Annette Phillips, Community Development Director – Phillips provided information about programs provided by Path Stone which include assistance to first-time home buyers, educating them and assisting them navigate the system; home ownership training; assisting buyers in working with local lenders to partner in the home-buying process; education about loans; dealing with foreclosure counseling and in some cases, renter/tenant issues. The program also provides assistance to migrant workers through Farmworker Housing Assistance to connect growers with resources to repair temporary housing for the workers. The organization is further involved in finding affordable housing and to work with individuals to rehab existing properties and homes. The organization works with individuals whose income is in the middle $40K range. PathStone also assists with individual development accounts which are savings accounts with matched funding that can be used for buying a home, home repairs, or for educational opportunities for those who qualify.
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS: Yorktown Kiwanis Club is providing tax preparation at the Field Operations Building in Yorktown at no cost to individuals whose income is below $54K. Taxes are done by appointment only. Those interested should contact Ed Armantrout for further information or to make an appointment. Melissa Bucur reported that the Morrison Woods Chocolate Festival earned almost $3,600 for Harvest Food Bank. The funds will provide more than 14,300 meals. The Yorktown Arts Council now has a new website thanks to Ekeepers who provided assistance. Movies in the Meadow would like to have sponsors for the upcoming summer event. Community Foundation scholarships applications are now available to high school seniors. Nominations for annual David Sursa Award are welcomed through March 31st. Grants applications are available for downtown Yorktown façade restoration.
WELCOME TO NEW MEMBER: Rachel Tucker of F.C. Tucker Realty
TIP OF THE MONTH: Mark Goodpaster – February is American Heart Month – Good heart health depends on eating a low fat diet, lean meat, decreasing sodium, increasing foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals, regular exercise and regular checkups.
MEETING ADJOURNED
NEXT MEETING: March 21, 2017 – Bring a Guest