The first order of business at the November 11 Chamber of Commerce social was election of new officers. Chamber President Greg Simione stepped down this month. He has been a dynamic leader for the Chamber and members are grateful for all he’s done.
John Cottingham and Diane Caughlin were elected to serve as co-presidents. Julie Leslie will serve as vice-president. New member Jon Jauregui stepped up to cover secretarial duties. Vicky Buford will maintain the treasury. Lee Sells and Blake Oseen, not being at the meeting to balk, were elected again to serve as members-at-large.
The Holiday Social, on December 9, will be held at The Longhorn Restaurant, at 6:00 p.m. Diane will talk to Deb and make arrangements for the food, which will be hors d’oeuvres; drinks will be cash bar. The door is anticipated to be $10 per person and paid guests are welcome. Please RSVP: (208) 462-5003 or info@gvchamber.org
Marlene Robison Cloud will be moving the Chamber bulletin board to the area by the Red Rooster. It will again be moved to the new Merc, when it is finished.
FYI: The Chamber phone is at Diane Caughlin’s office. (208-462-5003)
Caughlin gave a little historical information on the GV Chamber of Commerce: A long time ago, it was called the West Boise County Chamber. After it became defunct, 15 years passed before it was reborn as the GV Chamber of Commerce, organized by Beth Shuman. There are now over 80 members, with an average of 20 attending the social each month.
Over the years, Chamber members have put on many events and learned a lot—mostly, that there is not much profit in them. The Chamber has retained sponsorship and organization of Spring Fling, 4th of July and Trunk or Treat. Caughlin says the Christmas Tree Lighting was an idea she brought back with her, from a small German town where she and Jeff lived during Desert Storm. The Longhorn has taken over this tradition for the town. Members may be asked to participate in the decoration.
Member/Business Updates:
John Cottingham-- Economic Development Council: We have a major asset in the old school site and it could be leased from GV School, to develop a job-creation incubator; this plan could help bring jobs to Garden Valley and the rest of Boise County. John’s intent is to apply for a $500K grant from the Economic Development Agency. He would like to use in-kind labor, as a match for the grant. This will be an on-going project for John, who says he’s driven by the desire to make the Valley work.
Angel—GV Senior Center: The Center is desperate for a new stove, so Marcie Pyorre and Darla Knights are selling Avon, in case you see them coming (open your wallets). Granny’s Closet will supplement, to help out. Volunteers are needed for small maintenance jobs, the list of which keeps getting longer. Seniors have signed an agreement with the County to be an emergency center for disasters. Any ideas for a solution to the icy parking lot are welcome.
Carol Smith--Syringa Club: Community Birthday Calendars are ready and for sale, for $5; they will be sold by members, at the Senior Center and at the December 4 Bazaar at the GV School. The funds made on this go back into the community, including the Horizon Project.
*In January, John Cottingham would like to hold a two-hour session with anyone interested in discussing strengths and weaknesses for Garden Valley, to be used for the grant application and to build a foundation for the Economic Development Council. It was suggested that we have the regular meeting, with this meeting afterwards.
Happy Thanksgiving to All. Be sure to join your Chamber peers for a joyous holiday celebration at The Longhorn! Next business social is Thursday, January 13, 2011, at Crouch Community Hall.
To contact the Chamber, mail to: info@gvchamber.org or call 208-462-5003.
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