Minutes are considered to be a draft until they are approved at the next meeting.
May 25, 2016
Greater Franklin Chamber of Commerce
Franklin Railroad and Community Museum
Present: Brian Brock, Rich Costello, Ellen Curtis, Trish Tyrell, Marc Burgin, Don Hebbard, Tom Briggs
April meeting minutes were reviewed. Marc motioned to accept the minutes, Don seconded, motion married.
Treasurer’s Report:
Ellen presented a Profit & Loss statement, Jan 1-May 25, reflecting a Total Income of $700.00 (memberships), Total Expense of $1,201.19 (flags/insurance/checks), and a Net Income of -$501.19. The checking account currently has $2,641.99.
Insurance:
Our insurance was renewed and the new policy (#5419051427101) has arrived. A copy was given to John Campbell for the museum’s records.
Business Updates:
Both pipelines have been suspended for the foreseeable future. Constitution was denied a permit from the DEC, and NED could not find sufficient demand. Dawn’s Deli is closing in July. The Franklin Farmers’ Market opens this Sunday.
Virtual OFD Tour 2015:
Brian reported that he has seen the 360 Tour of Old Franklin Day that Margaret Bazura had created from last year and felt it was pretty cool. A presentation to members of the Chamber will hopefully be made at the next meeting. Discussed possibly putting onto the website.
Annual Meeting:
Discussed Annual picnic will be held at Babcock’s Blueberry Barn on July 16th, pending approval. Will continue informal pot luck theme as last year, with 5-6pm being social hour and 6-end being dinner and awards. Discussed doing a save-the-date announcement to members and the community. Need to discuss Business and Person of the Year Awards, and Student Scholarship. Marc will receive notification of who the school selects to receive the Student Scholarship. Award ballots will be made available online and, for person of the year, at local businesses. Only current members can vote on business of the year, as well as be recipients. Awardees will be decided by consensus, at June’s regular monthly meeting. More plaques, displayed at the NBDC bank, of past award winners are needed.
Benches & Flags:
Flags have been put up, in advance of Memorial Day – thanks to Taggart Electric. Many benches are in need of repair/painting. Several in good condition have been set out. Discussion held about structure underneath the benches. Blue Stone is $4/sq. ft. It was decided that concrete was not ideal option. Franklin Stage Company has requested 2 benches. Tom suggested possibly applying for an O’Connor Grant to help acquire new benches.
Membership:
Don reported that membership drive is going well. A new spread sheet, reflecting current membership status, including new members, is needed.
E-Advertising:
Rich suggested using YELP to promote business and chamber events, and stressed importance of utilizing social media.
Next meeting:
Wednesday, June 29th, 7pm, Franklin Train Museum.