The Greater Ortonville Chamber of Commerce luncheon meeting for June 2003 was held at noon on June 3 at the Brandon Township Library. The minutes are as follows:

The meeting was called to order by President Robert Renchik.
JoAnn Gavey welcomed the group to the Library and was pleased to note that the Chamber is now a much larger group than when she first joined. The minutes and Treasurer’s report were approved.

Chamber of Commerce By-Laws
Robert Renchik reviewed the updated by-laws of the chamber and requested approval. Kirk Falvay had reviewed them from a legal standpoint. There are a limited number of honorary members allowed (20% of the total membership). Paul Zelenak said there is no priority or classification for these members; honorary membership is at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors. The by-laws were approved.

2003 Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Honorees
The following scholarship recipients were in attendance: Leah Barrager who will attend Oakland University in the field of secondary education, Alicia Bugg who will attend Oakland Community College studying prosthetics and orthotics, and Meghan Wilcox, a junior at Ferris State University in Music Industry Management. Not in attendance was Jacob Seelbach who will study music at NYU.

Chamber of Commerce July Luncheon
The next Chamber of Commerce luncheon meeting will be held at the Brandon Township Library. The date is Tuesday, July 8 at noon; cost is $7. We invite anyone interested in joining the Chamber to attend a luncheon meeting – it is open to the public for one meeting to see what we are all about. MacPhee’s restaurant will be catering food for the July meeting. Members and visitors please call Jill Adair at MacPhee’s 248-627-2891 if you plan to attend. The Chamber is planning a picnic for our August luncheon; however, plans are not yet finalized.

Congratulations from the Chamber of Commerce to Judy Learst on her retirement.

Fireworks
Tracy Dayton of Reliv International requested help soliciting funds and managing collection canisters for the Ortonville fireworks display. A signup sheet was passed for volunteers to collect money at Bueches. Attendees took canisters to their businesses, and volunteers offered to help Tracy with the remainder. Fred Waybrant requested approval for two portajohns – one for MacPhee’s and one at the Church of St. Anne.

Christmas in the Village
Keri Neuciler of Tupperware discussed the Gingerbread House Competition, which will be a new event this year. It should be a huge draw and a nice addition to Christmas in the village. Keri will be offering classes in decorating the houses. There will be one location (to be determined) for all houses to be judged which will be by committee. The houses will then be placed at various locations throughout the community for display. Several cash prizes will be awarded as well as a “Peoples Choice” award. Keri passed a signup sheet and volunteers can call Keri at 248-627-5081.

Skatepark
Fred Waybrant advised that BGO funding for the Skatepark Phase One is complete. The cost was $28,000; however a total of $50,000 will be needed to complete Phase Two. Groveland Township has provided a cash donation; but Fred is soliciting donations from area businesses.

This is an important endeavor which will provide our youth with a fun, recreational outlet and keep them off the \streets. Any business donating at least $50 will be honored with their name on the signage at the park. The hours are 8 a.m. to dusk except in June and July when lights are on from April 15 to November 15. Bikes are not allowed because of liability insurance.Fred requested $1,500 from the Chamber; Connie Brewer of State Farm Insurance suggested donating $2,000 which was approved.

New Chamber Members
Bob Lee of the new member committee has recently approved several new members who will make presentations at the next chamber meetup. The new members offer financial services and credit card processing services. The new chamber small business members include companies like High Risk Guys and ATM Placement for Business . Frank Wayneright requested approval for two new members who will be introduced at the next meeting..

Chamber of Commerce Cookbook
Sally Wilcox of Design Solutions distributed final forms for the chamber cookbook. Sharon Williams of Real Estate One and Sally will be calling any businesses who have not contributed their recipes. Our goal is to have at least one recipe from every business. Recipes from the public are also welcome. Deadline is now. For more information, please call Sally at 248.627.5097 or Sharon at 248.627.5414. Written or typed recipes can be mailed to Chamber Cookbook, P.O. Box 28, Ortonville, 48462 or e-mailed to Sally.

Ortonville Historical Society
Tom Stowall, President of the Ortonville Historical Society made a presentation to the Chamber about the adoption of their three-year strategic plan. This encompasses building a stronger organization, completing necessary structural changes to the Old Mill, and developing new programs and exhibits. In addition, they are working on building financial stability. Several fundraising events are planned such as an antique auction at Oakhaven Farms, raffle for a cash prize, road rally and the Grist Mill Café at the mill which will serve formal luncheons during summer and fall.

Tom made a funding request to help with historical signage. Ron Lapp questioned the priority of our funding signage when structural repair may be more necessary. Russ Govette suggested putting funds aside to match funds raised by the society for signage. No decision was reached regarding a donation.

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