Yorktown Chamber of Commerce

Monthly Chamber Meeting

January 19, 2016

Mellott Family Center

 

INTRODUCTION AND WELCOME: Barbara Baker, Al Baker, Bonita Ramirez, Carolyn “Buffy” Grieves, Chris Day, Michelle Deaton, Maureen Walby, David Riggs, Ed Armantrout, Starr Manning, Steve Perry, Cathy Swift, Kayla Hall, Pete Olson, Keith Gary, Eric Peerson, Lela Boucher, Patrick O’Connor, Mark Goodpaster, Rick Yencer, Bradley Bookout, Steve Wickliffe

 

QUESTION OF THE DAY: What is your favorite family Valentine’s Day tradition? Decorating inside the house, going out to dinner, exchanging cards, nothing special, consuming copious amounts of Lowrey’s chocolate.

 

BREAKFAST SPONSOR: Morrison Woods Health Campus – Presented video about the upcoming fundraiser with proceeds going to the Second Harvest Food Bank. Event to feature comedian Kay Frances. Provided information about the new villas that soon will be under construction.

 

SECRETARY REPORT:       Approved as submitted.

 

TREASURER REPORT:      Approved as submitted.

 

LUMINARY REPORT: The committee conducted a wrap-up meeting with event being deemed a great success. Had a great turnout for the 2015 event due to the weather. The event featured 61 vendors with nice variety of merchandise. The next event is scheduled for December 10, 2016. The committee requested more empty water jug contributions for the 2016 festival.

 

TOWN REPORT: Council meeting to be held 1-19-16 with election of officers. Will be discussing the municipal budget.

 

PROGRAM: Bradley Bookout, Augusta Consulting – Delaware County Economic Development. Augusta Consulting does work for municipalities in different areas of the state of Indiana including Gary, New Castle, Portland, and Selma and serves as director of redevelopment for Delaware County.

 

A video was presented to the Chamber members featuring events in Delaware County. The staff consists of Bill Walters and Bruce Baldwin. In June 2015, a retention and extension program was initiated which contacted more than 150 companies to encourage and provide information and assistance. There were 26 local projects completed with the focus on local business expansion. Projects included Midwest Metals, Merit Tool, Delaware Glass, Arnolds Professional Law Care, McCrocklin Ford, Real America Living, Artisan Tool and Die, David Spaugh’s project in downtown Yorktown, Park One Rail Spur, the Town of Gaston, and Bridgestone-Bandag.

 

Economic Development has been working to revise the tax abatement system which would be a sliding scale for businesses for a five year period, with 100% the first year, 80% the second year, 60% third year, 40% the fourth year and 20% the fifth year.

 

There are three shell buildings that have been erected with plans to finish to accommodate the needs of each prospective business. There are also three major bond projects underway which include crosswalks and sidewalks on Clara Lane and Morrison Road. Redevelopment work is underway in Daleville, as well. Numerous paving projects will soon begin near the Industria Center. Bookout then responded to questions from Chamber members.

 

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS:  Discussion regarding recycling locations, Tickets available for fundraising event at Morrison Woods, Walk-A-Mile in Her Shoes scheduled for February. The roaming library bag was offered to Chamber members, The Wedge is offering a Valentine’s Day meal special event.

 

TIP OF THE MONTH: Presented by Pete Olson. Social media awareness about posting items that the public can see. Be sure posts are appropriate in content. Also suggested awareness about twitter accounts and the need for frequent examination of content and responses.

 

MEETING ADJOURNED

 

NEXT MEETING:   February 16, 2016 – Bring a guest!