Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce

Membership Services Committee Meeting

Friday, Aug. 6, 2010 at Wilber Main, 8:45am

Present:  Ken Meifert, Mike Otis, Jim Donley, Janice Eichler, Willis Monie Sr., Susan O’Handley           

Absent: Becky Davidson-Nielsen, Dion Wade, Margaret Savoie

Welcome to new Committee Member, Willis Monie!  Thank you for joining us.

New Members - (for recommendation)

Will send list via e-mail for online recommendations of all to date – 3 in July – approx 5 in Aug so far.

August and September enrollments are applied to the 2010-11 Membership Year

Quick Reviews/Updates

Village Town Hall Meeting Review re: Main Street

Issues: Restaurant complaint follow up – has been addressed and resolved to best of abilities.

Business After Hours

Hyde Hall on 7/20 - Very well attended again – approximately 77 attendees representing 34 businesses

Bieritz Ins BAH on 8/12 - On schedule – RSVPs underway, but coming in very slowly.

PumpkinFest

Sponsor invitations out –received first contribution on 8/5.  Food Contest Committee has progress for 2010 and great idea for 2011.  Children’s Activities Committee is strong and already have commitments and details.  Ad program being developed with fee quotes to implement 9/1 based on income.  Press releases being prepared. – will be dedicating one release to the History Channel who will be filming on site for both days.  Grower accommodations have been secured and dinner to be set up – tickets available for others who would like to attend.  Still seeking dvd of Lords of the Gourds to have viewable through website.  Still need physical labor crew for the weekend.

Golf Tournament

Next committee meeting on Monday eve next week; Looks to have full slate of teams; Further updates pending.

Organizational Report (Sue)

No new progress on this.

Membership Renewal for 2010 with special committee to analyze for 2011

2011 Revisions – Ken and Mike to help work on this beginning in Fall 2010.

Current year recommendation to hold dues rate again for the 2010-2011 year. 

Banner ad opp – recommend to offer free as per 2009-10 if dues received by 10/1, but avail for $100 if in October, $200 if in November, etc.

End of Season Party - October 1

Susan has been in touch with Ins. Co.'s  - sending written requests for $500-$1000 range for each.  2/3 have indicated that it can come through either administration or marketing – not unlikely to happen.   Written requests sent 8/6 – will notify of responses. 

Calls have been made to area venues to determine availability, capacity and willingness to work with us on menu – planning for appetizers, cash bar and light supper fare to keep per person costs low.  Have identified about 6 possible sites – Margaret to review with Susan and help to move forward – Aug 15 Deadline for information. 

Determined that the Coopy Awards will be detailed by end of August for sending out with election ballots, invitations, etc. – Jim and Dion to collaborate on Awards details;  Process – Members nominate, Committee selects finalists in each category, Board votes to select winners.  Becky – can you investigate award format and cost? Plaque? Certificate?  I believe there will be 5 or 6 categories total.  Drafts due via email by Aug 25 so they can be finalized for mail at end of month.

Janice and Becky to craft invitation language based on information on venue from Margaret – Draft due via email by Aug 25 so they can be finalized for mail at end of month.

Susan to administer and coordinate all the information and mailings, as well as the budget. 

Holiday Shopping Program

Possibly will make this a “Cooperstown Area Specials” card with offers identified by members (opt-in) and cards sold by Chamber (Cards good from 11/1 through 3/31) – same concept as golf cards - $500 value card for $20 through Chamber – if member non-profit would like to sell, will do 50/50 split on revenues.

USC Seminar Series – 16 respondees to date for input.  Evaluating on Monday and selecting best dates, times, locations.

Energy Programs Seminars for Public – approaches from members for unrelated businesses at seminar etc. - denied – competes with Chamber program; no obligation to promote non-member business.

Next Meeting will be on Friday, September 3, 8:45am at Wilber Main.

 Susan M. O'Handley, Executive Director

Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce

31 Chestnut Street

Cooperstown, NY  13326

(607) 547-9983 Ext. 5