Hosts: Mt. Shasta Chamber of Commerce
Wonderful Lunch provided by the Mt. Shasta Chamber at Lalo’s Restaurant, Mt. Shasta

Present: Bonnie Kubowitz, Larry Montgomery, Judy Silva (Mt. Shasta) Pat Zugg, Nancy Barnes, (Weaverville, Trinity) Sherri Quinlan, (Burney) Bonnie Hurlhey, Terry Steele, Richard VanWyhe, (City of Shasta Lake) Debe Hopkins, Linda Austin (Anderson)

Facilitators: Tom Cowles, Inez Bays

Meeting was opened with a warm welcome from Mt. Shasta Chamber hosts Larry Montgomery & Bonnie Kubowitz. Larry assured us that he went beyond a chamber president’s function in providing the beautiful clear day…However stressed that this authority was only good until 3:30pm…So on with the agenda.

Everyone introduced himself/ herself, their chamber affiliation and the business they represent.

First on the agenda was an open discussion on the advantages/disadvantages of changing an event date.

• With so many community events facing the chamber, changing dates can be confusing and conflicting.

• Usually events have their own following, so competition is not a factor.

• Sometimes an individual or small group can make a major issue regarding changes. It is up to the chamber as a whole to determine needs and consequences.

Annual Awards Events

• Reviews of each chambers award functions were given. Suggestions included "mystery shoppers", silent auctions, determining the criteria for each award. [I.e. What does it take to be nominated Citizen of the Year? New Business of the Year? etc.] Everyone presented a good consensus of what works and what doesn’t.

Burney: Sherri posed a question regarding how the Burney Chamber members could compete with a new Pit River Casino with a 100-room hotel? Suggestions included having current motels/hotels have something special to offer. (Coupons worth $$ at the casino, baby sitting facilities for children so parents can go to the casino.)

Burney chamber volunteers also decorate empty storefronts with whatever theme that they have in materials. That way Burney always looks busy and dressed-up.

City of Shasta Lake: Bonnie, Terry & Richard talked about how they too have started decorating empty storefronts. Reviewed the yard sale fundraiser & selling a map at the Sr. Center. The Shasta Lake Chamber is also looking for a permanent location and hopes to partner with the Shasta Lake Rail Preservation, Historical Society, & Garden Project group to find a suitable space for all.

Trintiy/Weaverville: Pat & Nancy talked about hopefully bringing the 2 chambers into one. Their Mountain Magic Christmas will be held November 26, Weaverville, 11/27 in Lewiston with fireworks and 12/4 & 12/5 Weaverville with a Xmas Bazaar. Pat said that there is always a very good turnout to this event.

Anderson: Debe & Linda shared the $17,660 disbursements to charities from their successful first Chamber Thunder Rolls event. This will be on the calendar again next year. A review of the Anderson Chamber sponsored State of the City Luncheon was also given. [Debe also noted the importance and rewards of an excellent relationship with the city]

Mt. Shasta: Larry & Bonnie stressed the importance of co-existing with city to be successful. With a city population of 3630 the Mt. Shasta Chamber has grown to 335 members. They have 12 community partner sponsors that add over $80,000 in income to the chamber. During a 5-year program, the budget has grown to $106,000.

Larry told us about the importance and positive results from calling on businesses, members or not. The purpose is to listen to the business concerns and needs. What would they like the chamber do for them? This is an excellent way to develop relationships and integrity.

Everyone is interested in a vendor list, to be accessed via email or handed out at the next meeting. Larry also suggested looking at Craftmaster News for information.

The next meeting is scheduled for Spring 2005 (late March or early April) City of Shasta Lake tentative host.

Meeting adjourned 3:15pm... Thank you Bonnie & Larry for hosting an excellent meeting AND the beautiful fall weather.