Alfa Insurance Grant Shoe Outlet

Dennis Foodland Weeks Construction

Doyle & Jean Jackson Dr. Julian Sparks

Don & Ruby Milligan

February Chamber Board Meeting, February 10 , 2003:

The monthly meeting of the Board of Directors was held at the Chamber office on Monday, February 10, 2003. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by the President, Naomi Barfield. Minutes of the previous meeting were approved. The Treasurer reported a balance of $6,833.53 as of January 31, 2003. This includes one of our $5,000 CD’s which was cashed to pay for signs.

Merchant’s Coordinator - Chairman Russ Hamilton brought an example of the table decoration for our banquet. These arrangements are being donated and will be used as door prizes.

Ambassadors - Jerry Ann Holt gave this report in Cheryl Kennamer’s absence. She reported that two more people have been added to the Ambassador’s list. They are Finie Higgins (who will work with her husband, Tim) and Melissa Hall. Fine has also agreed to be the Assistant Ambassador Coordinator. The Ambassadors will have a business luncheon at MiMi’s Wednesday, February 12, to meet the other ambassadors and to discuss ways in which we can improve the program and build the number of ambassadors.

Economic/Industrial Development - Chairman Don Milligan reported that Joe Powell, Larry Walker & Brenda Barnes have agreed to serve on this committee. He has begun work on pursuing a restaurant (possible Huddle House) for the Grant area. There is also a possibility of locating a wellness center in Grant. Letters will be mailed to the Marshall County Hospital Board regarding the wellness center.

Events - Co-Chairman Jan Rucks reported that Peg Kepner and Dr. Michael Ellis have agreed to serve on this committee. She reported that a table with membership information will be set up at the upcoming Chamber banquet. The next planned event will be the Secretaries Day Luncheon on Wednesday, April 23. Member Early Bird Coffees will also be held quarterly, beginning with the second quarter 2003.

Golf Tournament - In Chairman Joe Powell’s absence, Jerry Ann reported that the tournament will probably be planned for early September prior to football season.

Historian - Chairman Jean Brewer asked that anyone who has pictures or articles about the Chamber to bring them to the next meeting. She wants to update the Chamber Historian’s book. She reported that Jake Loggins and Kelly Casey worked on the recent Marshall County float for the inaugural parade.

Theme - Chairman Jean Brewer reported that the rock theme, which was previously adopted by the Chamber, will be continued. She will work on ensuring that all area merchants continue to work with this theme.

Membership - Chairman Naomi Barfield reported that she had visited previous members and encouraged them to rejoin the Chamber. Two previous members did rejoin. She also reported that she had visited with the new owners of Piccadilly Pizza and that they were very receptive to joining the Chamber.

Student Chamber Association - Chairman Ann Barnes reported that the SCA will serve as greeters at our upcoming banquet. Plans are being made for the choosing of next year’s members.

Short/Long Range Planning - Chairman Kelly Casey reported that she will have a meeting in the near future with her committee and the former Chairman, Stan Mannon, to review progress to date.

Tourism - Jerry Ann reported that our new brochures have been distributed to all Marshall County Chambers.

Old Business – Naomi Barfield reported signs will be erected this week.

Final preparation is being made for our banquet. We will meet at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 14, to decorate for the banquet. Ticket sales will end on Wednesday. We expect about 100 people.

New Business – Stan Mannon reported that the following dates are set for various KDS DAR school activities:

May 23 - Awards Day & Senior Baccalaureate

May 24 - Graduation & alumni banquet

October 19, 20, 21 - Dedication

October 21 - Ribbon Cutting on the Burkey Center

It is expected that the Cavern Welcome Center dedication will be held sometime in March.

Naomi Barfield proposed that we use the proceeds from the banquet to purchase "Thank you" ads for our merchant members. She presented a sample format, along with approximate costs. After discussion, a motion was made by Ann Barnes & seconded by Jean Brewer that we purchase these ads. The motion carried.

Carolyn Dennis reported that grant money had been received by the Town for work on the overlook and a walking trail. Unfortunately, at this time, the Town does not have the matching funds to go forward with these projects. She asked that anyone who is qualified to do archeological work contact her, as the Town needs a small project completed.

Our Focus this month is on Bobby Joe Rice, who was born at Swearengin, the son of the late Robert G. and Lorena Dobbins Rice. He is a graduate of Marshall County High School and attended Livingston University. After working in the garment industry for 22 years, Bobby Joe is currently an associate broker at Hometown Realty, LLC, Guntersville. He is active in the youth programs at Guntersville Recreation Center. He is also a member of the Guntersville Civitans and the Church of Christ. During his time with the Grant Chamber, Bobby Joe has served as First Vice President and is currently on the Board of Directors. His hobbies include golf and basketball.

Business of the Year - Dennis Foodland

Reasons to Attend Chamber Functions

Door prizes don’t just walk themselves home - somebody’s got to win them.

It’s "people-watching" at its best.

You automatically have something in common with everyone else: Chamber membership.

Business cards come in boxes of 500 - how else do you hope to get through them before your next title change, extension change, etc.

With all the demands on your time, isn’t it great to attend something and leave without more work to do?

You’ll never walk into a room full of strangers; you are sure to know someone.

It’s a great excuse for being late to work.

And best of all - the food is free!

Thanks to all who participated in our banquet. I had a great time and I think everyone who attended will agree that it was a delightful evening.

 A Mark Twain Evening

I would also like to thank First Bank of the South, Peoples State Bank, Dennis Foodland, Russ Hamilton, Grant Memorial Chapel, Guntersville Memorial Chapel and Grant Pharmacy for their generous sponsorship of the banquet.

A special thanks also to the DAR Ensemble Choir for the beautiful program.