VILONIA AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

MINUTES – APRIL 28, 2008

 

The Vilonia Area Chamber of Commerce held its monthly meeting on April 28, 2008.  The meeting was held at Vilonia City Hall.

 

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Jackie Fowlkes, President.   Jackie welcomed everyone and had each introduce themselves.

 

Laura McNeel gave the Treasurer’s Report.

 

Kathlyn Arnett reported that the Scholarship Committee made up of Kathlyn, Sharon Messer, and Jeannie Mayha has received eighteen applications from Vilonia High School seniors.  After reviewing the applications and letters of recommendation, the committee selected two seniors to each receive a $500 scholarship toward their continuing education.  Kathlyn announced that the committee presented the names of the recipients to the Chamber board and were approved.  Kathlyn also announced that the board approved that in the event a recipient is unable to utilize the scholarship, the money be reserved for the following year to be given in addition to the two that are given annually.

 

Jackie Fowlkes announced that the Chamber will have a booth set up at Vilonia Fest.  Vilonia Fest will be June 5, 6 & 7 and will be held in the Vilonia High School Parking Lot.  The Chamber is asking for members to donate a gift item, gift bag or gift card with a minimum value of $25 to be given away during Vilonia Fest.  To donate, contact Debbie Townsend at 501-327-7683 (w), 501-336-4853 (c), or dtownsend@metbank.com.

 

Jackie Fowlkes announced that the Chamber will participate in Bargains Galore on 64 again this year.  Bargains Galore on 64 will be August 7, 8 & 9.  The Chamber will be renting booth spaces that will be located at First Assembly of God church on Hwy 64.  Further details and more information will be sent out at a later date.

 

Jackie Fowlkes informed all that Al Canelli, Canelli Production Services, will soon have the second draft copy of the new Chamber directory ready.

 

Jackie Fowlkes informed all that the Chamber board will have a Strategic Planning Meeting with the staff of the Conway Chamber of Commerce in May.

 

Love Hines, Executive Director, and Sammy Hartwick, President, of the Greenbrier Chamber of Commerce were our guest speakers.  They offered useful information and helpful tips on ways to move our Chamber forward.  The Greenbrier Chamber is growing and has seen many positive changes this year.  They also each offered their support, and Sammy Hartwick complimented us on having Vilonia City Mayor, Ken Belote, in attendance as well as Linda Hicks, Free-Lance Reporter for the Log Cabin Democrat.

 

There will be no May Chamber meeting as it falls on Memorial Day.  Our next meeting will be Monday, June 23 at 7:00 pm.

 

The meeting adjourned at 7:45 pm.