Greater Ossipee Area Chamber of Commerce
Minutes of June 6, 2007 meeting

Members present: Carol Gartland, Kathryn Amaral, John Szewczyk, Ron Plante, Lee Spencer, Steve Sousa, Ann Ward, Bill Grover

Steve S. called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m.

Treasurer's report (see attached)
Bill presented the totals for each account, which are attached. He said that a check that was written to Scrub Oak Scramblers should have been written to the Ossipee Valley Snowmobile Club because it was their groomer. He said the check to the fire department for services at the snocross event will have to be $3,000. There will have to be a contract for next year's event because the amount was too arbitrary; there was no way to plan for expenses. The amount is not negotiable this year.
The total expenses for the winter carnival were $11,582.36. The net earnings from the guidebook was $8,552 with 2 outstanding invoices. Steve said that one account will not pay, and they are now no longer a member. The other will send a check.

Executive Director's report
Lori asked the board if it would think about buying a non-profit permit from the post office for any non-profit member to use. It costs about $200/year to have it.
She said she enrolled the chamber as a member of the Staples Business Advantage program and is trying to encourage members to participate (for free).
She said the chamber needs a new printer at the office because the current one prints poorly. Bill suggested buying an HP1600 for about $199 (with the rebate). The board approved the expenditure of $299 for a printer.

Committee reports
· Some board members met with Charlie Smith regarding using his property for the winter carnival. The property extends through Ossipee into Effingham. Steve or Bill said the event cannot be held in Effingham due to their event ordinance, but it can be held on the Ossipee side of the property. There was some discussion about the use of land in current use. Someone suggested the Davis farm in Tamworth, off Old Route 25. It is open and flat and near the river, but will the town let us have it there?
· John S. talked about what he has done so far with putting together advertising through Resort Sports Network (RSN), a cable TV company. He said it would cost $240/month or $2,880/year. He brought in a DVD about cooperative advertising if anyone wants to watch it. He was thinking the board would want to use it during the months of December, January, and February. The ads would show up on the Adelphia Cable systems.
· There are about 160 members currently.
· Bill G. said the town of Ossipee has assessed the information booth, which the chamber now owns, and charged us $200/year, which has already been paid. He said he would like to look into something that would give us a discount as a non-profit organization.
· Steve S. said the plans need to be put in place to advertise with WOKQ radio as they will hold a 50% off sale at some point in the future without notice. Last year, the board missed advertising the snocross by one day.
· Bill G. said that if the snocross were to take place on Charlie's land, it would have to take place on lot #2 (lots #1 and 2 are in Ossipee).
· Steve S. said the board will have to vote on the revised by-laws at the July meeting so that the members can get copies for August. Any input should go to Bill G. in the next two weeks.
· Bill G. brought up the lease agreement for the office in Center Ossipee for the chamber. He said he would like a three-year lease starting July 1, 2007, with one-year extended term at $625/month or $6,600/year. The rent includes gas heat, utilities, water, sewer, use of the photo copier, and a two-yard dumpster. Toiletries and paper supplies for the bathroom will be provided by the landlord. Amendments made to the agreement included making it "three one-year options," the square footage of the office space (288 or 292 sq. feet), and "any new equipment required by state or federal law for the building." Also, upon approval by the landlord, equipment (ie. air conditioner) may be added. Additional charges (for electricity) will be prorated. Liability insurance will be needed. There are 2-4 parking spaces on Main St. in front of the building and more space across the street to be shared with Mountain View Station restaurant. The goal is to have the office space ready by July 1. Steve would like to have right of first refusal on the office space behind the chamber's space.
· Motion was made to approve the lease for 86 Main St. pending modifications. Bill recused himself from the vote. Motion passed.
· There will be a ribbon cutting for Century 21 next to the West Ossipee post office at 2 p.m.
· June after hours will be held at Stone House Country on June 12. July after hours will be held at Mountain View Station in Center Ossipee Village.
· Kitty A. talked about the progress she has made on the annual dinner preparations. She said there are four businesses to chose from that could physically handle the annual dinner - River's Edge at Indian Mound Golf Course, Sammy's, Province Lake Golf Course, and Whittier House Restaurant. There was no response from the Brass Heart Inn.
· Lee S. told the board that 1-3 acres were needed for space if a camping museum were to be built in the area.
· Ron P. talked about progress the golf tournament committee has made. He said about $8,000 was taken in so far, and Jonathan has been very accomodating. He showed the board a poster that was printed by Underground Press. Carol G. made up thank you cards for those businesses that have sponsored or donated to the event. Miller Auto donated a car for the Hole-in-One prize. 32 teams can register for the event (128 players). There are 22 team spaces available now.

New business
· The Brass Heart Inn is hosting a bridal show; Steve S. wanted to know if the chamber could sponsor it. Don Harte has agreed to let us do that for free as it is a good thing for the chamber to do.

· Steve S. asked the board if it would be willing to extend the bonus to Lori L for an additional $250 (totaling $500) because of the work that she did on the chamber's guidebook.
· Motion was made to pay her an additional $250. Motion passed unanimously.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.