The Mankato Chamber of Commerce held their annual meeting Monday, Jan. 6, at Bob’s of Mankato. Those in attendance were Jason Ortman, Emily Pierce, Brian Shulda, Jessica Shulda, Pamela Wirth, Brenden Wirth, Steve Christie, Justin Schoonover, Shelby Dennard, Jennifer Urbaniak, Sherry Partridge and James Berry.
There was a meal at 6 p.m. provided by George Hennion of Bob’s of Mankato.
Jason thanked Bob’s of Mankato (George and Cheryl) for providing the location and meal for the annual meeting.
The 2024 End of Year Recap was passed out with a list of activities that happened each month.
Brian Shulda gave a treasurer’s report. He reported the account was $300 up which amounts to the new business dues acquired last year, otherwise the account is basically a washout. He gave an update on the chamber bucks account. There is a large outstanding balance right now, mainly because a lot of people buy them at Christmas time and haven’t used them yet.The treasurer’s report was approved.
In new business, Jason Ortman and Brian Shulda’s terms are both ending and up for re-election. Ortman and Shulda were nominated for another three year term each and approved unanimously.
In old business, there are still extra calendars for sale at Hair & More for $5 each.
The new owners of Sweden Creme want to get past the holidays before having a ribbon cutting.
The membership drive for 2025 is underway.New forms have been updated, distributed and posted on Facebook.
A tailgate meal will be held at the home basketball game from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14. Volunteers are needed to work shifts serving and volunteers to make desserts (Valentine’s theme-colors). A large crowd is expected. It is Spirit Sparkler night and Sweetheart. Please contact Haley to sign-up.
There was a discussion on chamber bucks expansion to be county wide. The chamber bucks are used like a check so they can potentially be accepted by any business that wants to participate. It was discussed about charging those other businesses a minimal fee to participate in using our chamber bucks. It was approved to expand the chamber bucks program county wide with a $25 annual fee if they wish to participate.
A big Thank You was expressed to the Christmas in Mankato Committee, especially Jason, Haley, and Emily, on all the work they put in to make the event successful this year. There was a great turn-out.
It was decided to have the budget meeting for board members at noon on Wednesday, Jan. 15, at the Mankato Community Building meeting room. The City of Mankato would provide the meal for the meeting.
Jessica Shulda and Jen Urbaniak gave an update on the Santa’s Workshop event that was held on Dec. 7. This is the 9th year for Santa’s Workshop. There were 127 youngsters that shopped for gifts and 967 gifts given out. Over the past 9 years, they have given out 9,949 gifts to families in the community. It’s a great program run solely on volunteer hours and their own fundraising.
Brian Shulda reported the Jewell County Community Foundation is sponsoring a Plan to Giving at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday Jan.15, in Jewell.
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