9/30/15
Greater Franklin Chamber of Commerce
Franklin Railroad & Community Museum
Present: Brian Brock, Bill Gruber, Ellen Curtis, Betty Fischer, Jan Mulroy, Gary Heimbauer, Rich Costello, Rebecca Costello, Tom Briggs
Reviewed minutes from 8/26/15 meeting. Correction noted: the Harvest Fest was to be planned for 11/7/15, not 11/11/15. Bill moved to accept the minutes with correction, Brian seconded, motion carried.
Business Updates
– new membership received from Windhill Woodwork, Jan and Tim Mulroy
-Wise Guys Pizza opened 9/22/15, and have also become new members
– Gregg Kujawski is opening up a medical practice in Franklin soon
-The Watershed Agricultural Council is going ahead with moving to the (new) Kellogg School in Treadwell, bringing approximately 30-60 employees and potential customers
-Two articles in the Fall issue of the Kaatskill Life Magazine, featuring Franklin businesses: the Tulip and the Rose, and Handsome Brook Farm Eggs
-Rumored that an event venue off County Rte 21 is awaiting approval from the planning board to begin building.
-Towns of Margaretville, Delhi and Hobart will be getting free electronic car charging stations.
Franklin Day
A total of $31 in donations was turned in by Trish, with $29 from face painting and $2 from raffle (as donation). A 360 virtual tour will be available on the website soon. People seemed to like the name “New-Old Franklin Day” alright. 250 event maps were printed and handed out. Discussed that the time listed on the flyer may have been misleading, and a more specific itinerary should be included in the future (possibly day/night blocks). We need to get more vendors. Rebecca had a long list of vendors from events past to contact for next year. Discussed the old signs at the ends of town advertising the event, and that we should reinstate something similar. We need more restrooms. The Chamber booth needs a Chamber banner for more visibility. We need more kid and family activities. Discussed beginning vendor search by November, RSVP by January, so that vendors are secured well in advance. We could create a structure to encourage membership, by charging non-members and not charging members and not-for-profits. Tom suggested obtaining the list of members from the Delaware County Chamber. Ellen moved for Rebecca and Trish to chair Franklin Day and report at the next meeting of progress, Rich seconded, motion carried. Outstanding expenses remain for advertising: $130 for Daily Star ads (X2), $60 Walton Reporter, $67 Delaware County Times, and $167 for the County Shopper. Expected income includes $250 fro National Bank of Delaware County, smaller donations from Library and Church, and a donated ad from Rich’s Auto Body in the amount of $132.75. Additional donations will be sought from businesses who profited from the event.
Discussed the need to make a calendar of annual events and activities, and to plan a budget around this. Ellen will draft a budget after the information is compiled.
Fall Fundraiser
Rebecca reported that the band, Country Express, is available on 11/7. The Fire Department is willing to do food and provide the space. Rich’s Auto Body is willing to donate the printing cost of $43.51 for 300 admission tickets, and $32.19 for 50 11X17 poster flyers, the both tickets and flyers are created and ready to go to printing. Radio advertising on 7 stations can be obtained for free through Rich’s Auto Body. Tickets can be sold in person, at the door, and on-line. Discussed ticket prices. Tom motioned for tickets to be $5 in advance and $6 at the door, Rich seconded, motion carried. Additional income will be obtained through raffles and donations. Rich and Marc will seek donated/borrowed decorations. Rebecca will begin seeking donations from businesses. A special planning meeting is planned for 10/14/15 at 7pm at Rich’s Auto Body office.
Christmas/Holiday Activities:
-The Franklin Improvement Society (FIS) is seeking organizations to take over two of their annual activities including the Christmas House Stroll and Village Christmas Trees. Trees cost $500 for 40 trees, plus one large one for the village park. FIS has $430 in reserve that can be used towards this expense if needed. The chamber has annually contributed $100 for this for many years. Trish motioned for the Chamber to continue the village tree tradition, Rebecca seconded, motion carried. Betty added that the Garden Club may be able to contribute money, as well. It was agreed that it would be too difficult for the Chamber to take on the Christmas House Stroll, but also acknowledged the importance of the activity to local commerce and visitor traffic.
-Jan and Betty are coordinating the annual Holiday Market, scheduled for 12/12/15.
Finances
On 10/1/15, Brian, Ellen and Rich will go to the bank and sign signature sheets for account access.
Bylaws
Bylaws are drastically needed. A TIN# will be inquired about at the bank tomorrow.
Next Meeting
Special Planning Meeting, 10/14/15, 7pm, Rich’s Auto Body
Regular Business Meeting, 10/28/15, 7pm, Franklin Railroad & Community Museum