Yorktown Chamber of Commerce
Monthly Chamber Meeting
May 19, 2015
Mellott Family Center
INTRODUCTION AND WELCOME: Those attending: Al Baker, Marty Ballard, Bonita Ramirez, Carolyn “Buffy” Grieves, Carol Pinckney, Mike Desloover, Marcy Minton, Chris Day, Matt Howell, Maureen Walby, Maggie Walker, Katie Smith, Melissa Bucur, Ed Armantrout, Mary Ann Stroeh, Rick Yencer, Ollie Wirick, Julie Day, Ed Day, Brian Minger, Brian Covel, Steve Wishler.
MOMENT OF SILENCE: Remembering Sheriff Mike Scroggins
TREASURER REPORT: Financial report approved as presented.
TIP OF THE DAY: How can we create more business? The best customers are the ones you already have. You’ve done business with them; they are pleased with the service you provided, and so you give them business cards and say, “Here’s my card, I’m glad you are pleased with the service you received. If you have family or friends who need my service, please give them a card.” This is great advertising.
SECRETARY REPORT: Minutes approved as presented.
QUESTION OF THE DAY: What are you doing at your business to promote Yorktown? Responses included festivals at the church, endowments and grants and promoted on their website, word of mouth, social media, promote town events, participate with the schools, educate others about Yorktown’s location and amenities, volunteer at town activities, provide business items for welcome bags, provide benefits for businesses locating in Yorktown, display posters and banners, provide handouts.
TOWN REPORT: Town meeting held 5-18. Ordnances regarding non-commercial signs explored, 4 for the 4th information included canoe race, pie contest, Yorktown idol, encourage people to be involved and to celebrate Yorktown. Meridian is platinum sponsor, looking to use funds received from the event for trail expansion. People were encouraged to spread the word about the 4 for the 4th event.
PROGRAM: Susie Ripley from Indiana Main Street presented the program. Indiana Main Street is a program to encourage economic development and improvement of the downtown areas of Indiana cities and towns. Ripley stated that the program began with the creation of shopping malls that encouraged businesses to relocate to the mall areas leaving downtowns in many cities and towns with empty buildings. Main Street is founded on four major points: organization, partnerships, plans and perseverance. The program helps towns and communities better tell their stories and to move forward. Ripley believes that Yorktown is doing a great job of creating an environment that is conducive to growth. Currently there are 130 Main Street participants in Indiana.
Indiana Main Street membership puts towns in contact with other groups in other communities to see what works well for that community and what points might be adaptable. Ripley suggested visiting the Main Street web site at www.dcra.in.gov for more information about the program. Included in the membership is workforce development to help businesses find suitable employees to fill their vacancies.
MISCELLANEOUS NEWS AND ANNOUCEMENTS: Office launch of 4 for the 4th, Senior Health and Fitness Fair will be held at Morrison Woods, Wednesday May 27, 1-3 p.m., Dining to donate at Applebees on May 26 to benefit the Masonic Lodge and Murpah Shrine Club, Kids in the Meadow program to begin Mondays – June and July, 5:45- 8 p.m. – Morrows Meadow – Food, games, crafts and Bible study for children 4 yrs. – 5th grade, LifeStream Legends golf outing, May 20 at the Players Club in Yorktown.
MEETING ADJOURNED: 9 a.m.
NEXT MEETING: June 16, 2015 – Bring a guest!