Astoria Area Chamber of Commerce

March 13, 2003

Pres. Beck called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. at the town library. There were 11 members present and 2 guests.

The treasurer’s report showed a current balance of $1517.11. Kathleen Behymer made the motion to accept the treasurer’s report with Arletha Dowacter seconding.

A motion to approve the minutes of the February meeting as read was made by Kathleen Behymer and seconded by Beth Price.

The guest speaker for the evening was Chad Murphy. He gave information on the Public Safety Sales Tax Referendum. The County Board has placed a ½ % sales tax referendum on the April 1 ballot. Any money generated from this increase would go directly to the sheriff’s department allowing the county board to use money in the general fund in other departments. Without this sales tax increase many probable cut backs in the sheriff’s department will happen, such as the DARE program, undercover drug investigations and less patrol in smaller towns and rural areas to name a few. Passage would almost guarantee to be able to keep the present services as they are now.

Committee Reports:

Retail and Promotion – The Spring Fling will be held on May 2 and 3. Each business will conduct their own drawings and/or discounts. Every Wednesday has been declared Senior Citizen Discount Day. Merchants participating in this day will offer discounts or other offers. You must be 60 years of age to qualify. The board agreed to pay up to $100 for the advertising and the first Discount Day will be March 26. The "Quilt for Charity" has been started. A raffle will be conducted with this quilt as the prize. All money raised will be donated to the Fire and Rescue unit.

Easter Egg Hunt – This annual event will be held on Saturday, April 19 in the town park.

Nominating Committee – The following names were placed in nomination to the board of directors: Steve Butler, Ryan Baker and Arletha Dowacter. Gary Sheets made a motion to accept this slate of directors and Rosemary Perdew seconded. All voted aye.

Cleanup – It was announced that May 19 will be all town clean-up day and it was decided to have all town yard sales on May 16 and May 17.

President Beck reminded all members that the annual dues are payable by May 1. You may pay your dues to Steve Butler.

Bonnie White made the motion to adjourn the meeting and Arletha Dowacter seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 7:51 p.m.