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February 1, 2010
President Lisa Ojanen called the meeting to order at 6:09 at the Cook VFW
Members Present: Ojanen, Musech, Gilley, Hollanitsch, Haxton
Minutes: Motion by Gilley, seconded by Haxton to approve with the correction of misspelled names, Motioned carried.
Treasurer's Report: Savings $1306.81, Checking $3354.11, Money Market $15,391.94. Invoices to be paid: Steve Fogelberg for storage $200.00 and Art Limited. 38 paid members. Motion by Hollanitsch, seconded by Gilley to approve. Motion carried.
Old Business:
Next Meeting is March 1, 2010, 6 P.M. at the VFW.
Respectfully,
Verdella Musech
December 7, 2009
President Ellie B. called the meeting to order at 6:05 at the Cook VFW
Members Present: Brunner, Crettol, Musech, Tom & Lisa Ojanen, Pajari, Jill Gilley, Anna Anderson
Minutes: Motion by Crettol, seconded by Ojanen to approve, Motioned carried.
Treasurer's Report: Savings $1306.81, Checking $442.68, Money Market $15,391.94, bills to be paid: banners $1204.48, state food license $90.00 will be paid in May. Motion by Ojanen, seconded by Anderson to approve. Motion carried.
Director's Report: Cook Chamber of Commerce filing cabinets and pertinent papers are being stored in the basement of the Brown Building for easy access. Brunner will compile a list of chamber events throughout the year. New winter street banners do not fit the street light poles. Top standard will be replaced.
Old Business:
Respectfully,
Verdella Musech
8.17.09
President Ellie B. called the meeting to order at 6:05.
Members Present: Ellie B., Rich C., Verdella M., Tom & Lisa O., Diane Brunner, Sharon Hill, Lois P., Karen H., Darrell L., Tim Johnson, and Dave Grecinger.
Minutes: Motioned by Tom, seconded by Rich to approve, motion carried.
Treasurer's Report: Savings $1304.34, Checking $1,052.17, Money Market $15,287.08, there are 56 paid members, Rich reviewed profit and loss statements and gave a detailed Timber Days 2009 summary of income, expenses and net profit of each event, moved by Lisa and seconded by Diane to approve, motion carried.
Director's Report: Ellie gave detailed report on events of Timber Days 2009. Comments and suggestions were made by members present and a thank you to all who worked to make Timber Days a success. Verdella was asked to send thank you notes to some key volunteers.
Old Business:
Dear Chamber members:
There will be a Walk/Run on September 19, 2009. There are 30 people registered, and expecting at least 20 more to register before the event. Folks can also register that morning, so a head-count of 50 is probably conservative. There could be as many as 100. If Chamber members would like to provide items for a bag, such as brochures, coupons, information, or any kind of donations,please get them to Brian or Carrie in the Rehab Dept. at the hospital. Karen has requested use of the Chamber tent for the event. Lee Phillips has offered to help them set it up for the event.
Thank you,
Karen Hollanitsch, UR Coordinator
If you have any question, please contact Brian or Carrie at 216-666-6225 in the Rehab. Department.
Respectfully,
Verdella Musech
5.4.09
Cook Chamber of Commerce Meeting May 4, 2009
President Ellie B. called the meeting to order at 6:13 p.m.
embers Present: Ellie B., Rich C., Verdella M., Scott and Michelle E., and Lois P.
Minutes: Motioned by Lois, seconded by Rich to approve, motion carried.
Treasurers Report: Savings $1301.90, Checking $690.61, Money Market $12,204.40, there are 53 paid members, Rich reviewed profit and loss statements, motioned by Michelle and seconded by Lois to approve, motion carried.
Directors Report: Timber Days report- there are 5 queen candidates, Lois is in charge of candidates. The Queen Coronation will be Sunday at 12 noon, and the parade will follow at 1:00 p.m. New street banners are up and they will be taken down in the fall. No by-laws found will try to get a sample copy from another Chamber of Commerce.
Old Business:
Respectfully,
Verdella Musech
2.2.09
Cook Chamber of Commerce Meeting February 2, 2009
President Ellie Brunner called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m.
Members present: Ellie B., Rich C., Karen H., Lois P., Gary A., Brian M., Verdella M., Roberta Y.
Minutes read- Motioned by Rich and seconded by Karen to approve.
Treasurer report: Checking account is $5442.68, savings is $1299.49, and Money Market is $5156.65. Rich alluded to the fact that the Chamber is spending more money than it takes in. Motion by Karen and seconded by Gary to accept the report.
Guest: Brian McCarthy, Director of Cook Hospital Rehab, reported that the Cook Hospital will be celebrating its 50 year anniversary on September 19, 2009. One of the plans is to have a 5K unique run. He is asking the Cook Chamber of Businesses to participate with a gift of some sort to be given towards the race. He also stated that this is in the planning states and more information will be given later.
Old Business:
Motion to adjourn by Lois and seconded by B.K.
Next meeting: March 2, 2009 at 6:00 at the V.F.W.
On the agenda: Easter Egg Hunt
1.5.09
Cook Chamber of Commerce Meeting January 5, 2009
President Ellie Brunner called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m.
Members present: Verdella, Lisa and Tom Ojanen, Karen Hollanitsch, Lee Phillips, Dan Manick
Minutes read and motion to approve by Tom and seconded by Lisa.
Treasurer Report: Checking account $1763.46, savings account, $1299.49, money market $5146.81. Ellie reported that Rich Crettrol, new treasurer, has taken care of trasferring the Cook Chamber of Commerce banking to the Cook Area Credit Union.
Old Business:
The next meeting will be on February 2nd, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. at the V.F.W.
Respectfully submitted,
Verdella Musech
12.1.08
Minutes of Cook Chamber of Commerce's Meeting 12-1-08
President Lee Phillps called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. December 1, 2008 at the V.F.W.
Present: Lee Phillips, Ellie Brunner, Rich Crettol, Verdella Musech, Gary Albertson, Roberta Young, Scott & Michelle Ehrnriter, Darrell Lindgren and Edna Albertson.
The minutes from the November 10, 2008 meeting were read and stand as presented.
Old Business:
Cooks Country Christmas:
Gary and Darrell have been collecting donations for Cook's Country Christmas.
Tom Chapman will donate wood for the bonfire.
Ellie and Verdella will collect the boxes from the businesses.
Cooks Country Christmas was a great turn out. The kids received a goodie bag from Santa with a treat, a juice box and a coloring book. It was a little chilly but fun was had by all.
Thank you so very much to all of the businesses for donating prizes for the drawings.
News Business:
Darrell Lindgren will check into flags for next year. Some of them need to be replaced.
Rich will order checks from the Cook Area Credit Union for the new checking account. Ellie will close out the Money Market account and open a new one at the C.A.C.U. When the checks have cleared the First National Bank, Ellie will then close out the checking account and transfer the funds.
Treasurers Report:
Checking account: $2373.63
Savings account: $1297.04
Money Market: $5130.71
Terms of office were discussed. The decision was unanimous to run the terms of office for President, Treasurer and Secretary for 1 year. Nominations will be held at the October 2009 meeting. Elections will be held in November 2009. Gary motions to have an annual banquet for Elections. Verdella seconds. Details will be determined during the year. Motion carried unanimously.
Motion to adjourn and enjoy cake for Lee's retirement party was at 7:00 p.m. Thank you to everyone who showed up.
We will miss Lee, but I am sure he will still be around to lend a hand.
The next meeting will be on January 5, 2008 at 6:00 at the V.F.W.
Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. And here's to a Happy New Year.
Ellie Brunner
President
11.10.08
Minutes of Cook Chamber of Commerce's Meeting 11-10-08
President Lee Phillips called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m., October 10, 2008 at the V.F.W.
Present: President Lee Phillips, Secretary/Treasurer Ellie Brunner, Tom Chapman, Karen Hollanitsch, Lois Pajari, Verdella Musech, Rich Cettrol, Edna & Gary Albertson, Laura Pajari and Darrell Lindgren.
The minutes of the Cook Chamber meeting held on September 20, 2008 were read and stand as presented.
Correspondence:
Savings: $1297.04
Money Market $5130.71
---------------
$8858.18
Claims: 4793 Ellie Brunner $200.00
Motion made by Gary Albertson, seconded by Rich Cottrol to approve the treasurer's report. Motion carried unanimously.
Old Business:
We received a letter from Russ Hyppa explaining that we would not be able to get our money back from the IRS that we had to pay for filing late. In the letter they stated they would not reverse the money back to us. The 501C needs to be filed by the end of May. Lee will put together all correspondence that he has and forward it on to Oberstar, Coleman and Klobechar to see if we can get some help on what to do and what the next step should be.
Some of the discussions were:
The possibilities of having auxiliaries.
Do we have bi-laws? Lee wasn't aware of any. Verdella was going to see about contacting other Chambers and seeing if any of them had something we could take a look at.
Discussion was held on how to get more chamber members involved. Tom Chapman stated one of the reasons people become members is for exposure. One way of getting members involved would be to give them their own banner on the website rather than just a name and address. Maybe some perks. Art Unlimited has offered to help with the website to keep it up to date.
We have tried to have guest speakers, after business hours parties. It just doesn't seem to bring the people.
New Business:
The Light's of Love and Cook's Country Christmas will be on December 5, 2008 at 5:30 in the Montana Cafe parking lot. There will be a small fire. Santa will arrive at 6:00 with bags of stuff for the kids. The drawings will be at 6:30.
Gary Albertson will ask some local businesses for donations for the drawings. Individuals will need to be present to win. Gary will bring boxes to the local businesses for people to put there names in. Edna will make the boxes. Verdella will go to the businesses and ask them to decorate their windows/front of their buildings for the holiday festivities. Tom and Pat Chapman will make the hot chocolate. Hadersbeck's Hometown Hardware will borrow us the large coffee pot. Lee will bring in a 55 gallon drum and cardboard to burn. We will purchase 70 coloring books from the Cook Dollar Barn. We have 20 left over from last year.
Karen Hollanitsch discussed Christmas decorations for downtown Cook. She would be willing to donate 1/2 of her City Council wages to help pay for the expenses. The decision was made to hold off on any large purchases until after we get the "Welcome to Cook" banners up next spring.
Rich Cettrol and Lois Pajari will hang garland and strings of lights up on the poles on the main street some time in the beginning of December. Lois has garland at the Dollar Barn. We will have to try and find lights.
Karen will check with Theresa at City Hall and make sure it is okay to plug in the lights into the new poles.
Verdella requested that dues statements be sent out in December.
Election of officers were held. Gary Albertson nominated Rich Cettrol for president. Rich stated he would have to decline the position of president, but that he would be willing to be the treasurer as he has experience in that certain field. Gary then made a motion to appoint Rich as the Treasurer. Rich accepted. Motion carried unanimously.
Verdella would be willing to take notes at the meetings. She will then give them to Ellie to get them sent out to the Chamber members.
Rich nominated Ellie for President. Lee made a motion that Ellie keep her responsibilities, less the Treasurers responsibilities and taking notes at the meetings and still be paid $200 per month for her duties. Motion carried unanimously.
Art Unlimited will take responsibilities for the website. Ellie will work with Rich and get him familiar with the Quick Books program.
Verdella would like to see Ellie provide a Director's report. So the Chamber can see how many hours she puts in a month.
Darrell Lindgren discussed the flags that are hung around town. 30 flags are needing replacement. There are approximately 60 flags between Hwy 24, the main street and Hwy 53.
Darrell will see if he can get funding for the flags that need to be replaced.
Gary motioned to transfer all monies to the Cook Area Credit Union from the First National Bank. The checking account and money market will need to be closed at the First National bank. Rich will then be able to view all funds and make transfers accordingly. All monies will be given to Rich for him to make the deposits. Lee seconds. Motion carried unanimously.
Lois, Verdella and Lisa will meet with Ellie and do a final audit for 2008 in December before Rich takes over.
Ellie, Verdella and Rich will take over on January 1, 2008.
Motion to adjourn the meeting made by Darrell, seconded by Gary. Meeting adjourned 8:45 p.m.
The next meeting will be on December 1, 2008 at 6:00 at the V.F.W.
On behalf of the Cook Chamber of Commerce and the Community of Cook we all extend a sincere Thank You to Lee for his wonderful years of service.
Ellie Brunner
10.20.08
Cook Area Chamber of Commerce October 20, 2008
The meeting was called to order at 6:35 p.m.
Present: Lee Phillips, Ellie Brunner, Roberta Young and Lois Pajari.
Lee read the minutes from the May 5, 2008 meeting.
Lois approved the minutes. Seconded by Roberta Young. Motion carried.
Treasurer's report:
Savings account $1297.04
Checking account $2655.43
Money Market $5119.60
---------------
$9,072.07
Roberta approved the treasurers report. Seconded by Lois. Motion carried.
Old business:
The banners that will be put on the new street poles on the main street came in. We received them in June. The company sent the wrong size. New ones were ordered and delivered in July. They will be put up in the spring and hang for the spring, summer and fall 2009. An ad will be put in the Cook News Herald looking for help when it comes time to hang them.
The banners are being stored at the Cook Dollar Barn.
New Business:
Cook’s Country Christmas is scheduled for Dec. 5, 2008. Provided there is enough help. If there is any ideas on what to do, please let me know. If we don’t have enough help, there will not be anything done by the Cook Chamber of Commerce. The expenses need to be cut down, so this year we will not be having sleigh rides.
Lee will be retiring from the Cook Chamber of Commerce as President. I have decided to keep working for the Chamber if I am voted back in.
We will be holding elections at the meeting on November 10, 2008.
Meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.
The next meeting will be on November 10, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. at the V.F.W.
President Lisa Ojanen called the meeting to order at 6:09 at the Cook VFW
Members Present: Ojanen, Musech, Gilley, Hollanitsch, Haxton
Minutes: Motion by Gilley, seconded by Haxton to approve with the correction of misspelled names, Motioned carried.
Treasurer's Report: Savings $1306.81, Checking $3354.11, Money Market $15,391.94. Invoices to be paid: Steve Fogelberg for storage $200.00 and Art Limited. 38 paid members. Motion by Hollanitsch, seconded by Gilley to approve. Motion carried.
Old Business:
- Chamber phone-Pajari will be in contact with Qwest to add a phone for the Chamber soon.
- Sled Dog Race-Holanitsch reported the Racers have been offered a place to rest at the City Hall. The Timberwolves Snowmobile Club will be helping on the trail.
- Bylaws –Special meeting-Ojanen, Crettol, Gilley, & Musech met on January 27 to draw up a draft of the bylaws. They will be readey to review at the next meeting.
- Chamber Bucks-will be reprinted to read that they will be redeemed at Chamber Member Businesses only. The Chamber website will be printed on the bucks so recipients can check who Chamber Members are.
- Checks-Motion by Hollanitsch, seconded by Haxton, that all funds be expended only on the signed authority of the Treasurer and one other designated board member.
- Directors-The new by-laws suggests we have nine Directors inclusive of a President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer plus five other members. If any Chamber Members would like to volunteer to be a Director, please call Verdella at 666-5383.
- Timberdays Meeting - Tuesday, February 17, at 6:30 p.m. at the Old Mumi. Volunteers are needed, please come & help plan this big event.
- Easter egg Hunt-April 3 at the VFW.
- Thank you letter from Destiny Husk for her scholarship award. Note and check sent to her congratulating her perseverance and GPA of 3.67.
- Minnesota Judicial Branch has appellate and district court judges available to speak to our organization on topics of local interest. Consensus was to send this letter to Jennie Taylor for a Comnmunity Education Topic.
- Boise Cascade-terms and condition for purchase orders (we do not purchase from them).
- Travel and Recreation Directory-Verdella will call to find out more information to advertise in their directory.
Next Meeting is March 1, 2010, 6 P.M. at the VFW.
Respectfully,
Verdella Musech
December 7, 2009
President Ellie B. called the meeting to order at 6:05 at the Cook VFW
Members Present: Brunner, Crettol, Musech, Tom & Lisa Ojanen, Pajari, Jill Gilley, Anna Anderson
Minutes: Motion by Crettol, seconded by Ojanen to approve, Motioned carried.
Treasurer's Report: Savings $1306.81, Checking $442.68, Money Market $15,391.94, bills to be paid: banners $1204.48, state food license $90.00 will be paid in May. Motion by Ojanen, seconded by Anderson to approve. Motion carried.
Director's Report: Cook Chamber of Commerce filing cabinets and pertinent papers are being stored in the basement of the Brown Building for easy access. Brunner will compile a list of chamber events throughout the year. New winter street banners do not fit the street light poles. Top standard will be replaced.
Old Business:
- Chamber phone & address – no information on the add on phone at City Hall
- Sled Dog Race – 30 teams will spend Sunday night, March 7, in Cook. Representative met with Tom Musech regarding use of the snowmobile trails. Arrangements will be made for clean up.
- Cook Country Christmas – 54 children visited Santa at City Hall. New ideas discussed for next year was the drawing, time, sleigh rides, and how to encourage more businesses to get involved.
- 59 membership letters sent. Ojanen motioned that new Chamber Members who paid their membership the last quarter of the previous year will not have to pay the following year. Anderson seconded. Motion carried.
- Bylaws – Pajari handed out copies, members will review and discuss at the next meeting.
- E-mail address – moved by Tom Ojanen, seconded by Anderson that the Cook Chamber of Commerce list of e-mail addresses will not be given our or sold. Second by Anderson, motion carried.
- Art Limited website management – Anderson's suggestions were more updates, pictures, Google Map, & Calendar.
- Welcome to Cook Sign – motion by Tom Ojanen, seconded by Anderson that no other signs be placed on that property. Motion carried.
Respectfully,
Verdella Musech
8.17.09
President Ellie B. called the meeting to order at 6:05.
Members Present: Ellie B., Rich C., Verdella M., Tom & Lisa O., Diane Brunner, Sharon Hill, Lois P., Karen H., Darrell L., Tim Johnson, and Dave Grecinger.
Minutes: Motioned by Tom, seconded by Rich to approve, motion carried.
Treasurer's Report: Savings $1304.34, Checking $1,052.17, Money Market $15,287.08, there are 56 paid members, Rich reviewed profit and loss statements and gave a detailed Timber Days 2009 summary of income, expenses and net profit of each event, moved by Lisa and seconded by Diane to approve, motion carried.
Director's Report: Ellie gave detailed report on events of Timber Days 2009. Comments and suggestions were made by members present and a thank you to all who worked to make Timber Days a success. Verdella was asked to send thank you notes to some key volunteers.
Old Business:
- Flags: Darrell reported the flags are ripping due to the points at the top of the light poles. Some were repaired. An article will be put in the Cook paper asking persons to donate a flag in honor or memory of someone. Cost of the flags is approximately $35.
- Police protection-provided by the City of Timber Days.
- Scholarship-Ellie presented the Scholarship to Destiny Husk at the awards banquet.
- June meeting-cancelled because of Timber Days meeting.
- By-laws-working on getting a copy.
- Chamber phone and address-We do not have either. Verdella will talk to the City Administrator about having this service at the City Hall.
- Border to Border-Apparently successful race to downtown Cook. Chamber provided fruit, snacks, and water. Organizers of the race asked to have the street closed from the comet tot he Congregational Church building, due to cars traveling on the street when the runners were coming to the finish line. Need suggestions to make this event more welcoming to cook.
- Membership into the State Chamber of Commerce-Tom Ojanen will research.
- Cook Hospital 50th Anniversary-Ellie will send an e-mail to Chamber members requesting a donation to the 5K race.
Dear Chamber members:
There will be a Walk/Run on September 19, 2009. There are 30 people registered, and expecting at least 20 more to register before the event. Folks can also register that morning, so a head-count of 50 is probably conservative. There could be as many as 100. If Chamber members would like to provide items for a bag, such as brochures, coupons, information, or any kind of donations,please get them to Brian or Carrie in the Rehab Dept. at the hospital. Karen has requested use of the Chamber tent for the event. Lee Phillips has offered to help them set it up for the event.
Thank you,
Karen Hollanitsch, UR Coordinator
If you have any question, please contact Brian or Carrie at 216-666-6225 in the Rehab. Department.
Respectfully,
Verdella Musech
5.4.09
Cook Chamber of Commerce Meeting May 4, 2009
President Ellie B. called the meeting to order at 6:13 p.m.
embers Present: Ellie B., Rich C., Verdella M., Scott and Michelle E., and Lois P.
Minutes: Motioned by Lois, seconded by Rich to approve, motion carried.
Treasurers Report: Savings $1301.90, Checking $690.61, Money Market $12,204.40, there are 53 paid members, Rich reviewed profit and loss statements, motioned by Michelle and seconded by Lois to approve, motion carried.
Directors Report: Timber Days report- there are 5 queen candidates, Lois is in charge of candidates. The Queen Coronation will be Sunday at 12 noon, and the parade will follow at 1:00 p.m. New street banners are up and they will be taken down in the fall. No by-laws found will try to get a sample copy from another Chamber of Commerce.
Old Business:
- Flags: for now Darrel will check to see which ones are usable and at least put them on the main street.
- Director jobs description: tabled at a later date.
- Art Unlimited: Pay-Pal consensus not to consider at this time.
- Bills: Motioned by Verdella, seconded by Rich to pay, motion carried.
- Scholarship: Lois, Michelle, Rich reviewed the scholarship applications. Winner is Destiny Husk. Alternate is Misti Aune. Ellie will present the scholarship at the Cook School May 18.
- Police Protection: City of Cook will provide a policeman for Timber Days.
- June meeting: No meeting in June due to the busy time. Timber Days meeting will be Wednesday May 13, Tuesday May 19, May 26, June 2, and June 10 at the Old Muni 6 p.m. Volunteers needed to work. Please call Ellie B.
Respectfully,
Verdella Musech
2.2.09
Cook Chamber of Commerce Meeting February 2, 2009
President Ellie Brunner called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m.
Members present: Ellie B., Rich C., Karen H., Lois P., Gary A., Brian M., Verdella M., Roberta Y.
Minutes read- Motioned by Rich and seconded by Karen to approve.
Treasurer report: Checking account is $5442.68, savings is $1299.49, and Money Market is $5156.65. Rich alluded to the fact that the Chamber is spending more money than it takes in. Motion by Karen and seconded by Gary to accept the report.
Guest: Brian McCarthy, Director of Cook Hospital Rehab, reported that the Cook Hospital will be celebrating its 50 year anniversary on September 19, 2009. One of the plans is to have a 5K unique run. He is asking the Cook Chamber of Businesses to participate with a gift of some sort to be given towards the race. He also stated that this is in the planning states and more information will be given later.
Old Business:
- Membership: 36 members paid their dues.
- Police Department cut: Director Ellie did not send an e mail to the downtown businesses because of the lack of information.
- Highway 53 project: Correction from Bob Anderson that 95 % of the grading and 60% of bituminnous sufacing is done. Project completed 2009.
- Timber Days: Meeting February 3rd, more crafters are interested.
- Lion's Club Coupon Books: consensus of the members not to purchase the books.
- Lake Vermilion Resort Association: phone usage. Lois will check the price of an 800 number for the Chamber and will report at the next meeting.
- Storage: Motion made by B.K. and seconded by Lois to pay $200 for yearly storage fee to Steve Fogelberg. Motion carried.
- Iron Range Resources Application: Karen reported on a Community Business Partnership Grant Program that needed support immediately. Director Ellie wrote a letter of support on behalf of the Chamber Members and gave it to the city. The City of Cook would have a fund that the businesses could get a 3.5% loan from. The grant Program would match the loan 2 to 1. More information will be passed on to the businesses so that they can send letters of support.
- Audit: will be completed and reported at the next meeting.
Motion to adjourn by Lois and seconded by B.K.
Next meeting: March 2, 2009 at 6:00 at the V.F.W.
On the agenda: Easter Egg Hunt
1.5.09
Cook Chamber of Commerce Meeting January 5, 2009
President Ellie Brunner called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m.
Members present: Verdella, Lisa and Tom Ojanen, Karen Hollanitsch, Lee Phillips, Dan Manick
Minutes read and motion to approve by Tom and seconded by Lisa.
Treasurer Report: Checking account $1763.46, savings account, $1299.49, money market $5146.81. Ellie reported that Rich Crettrol, new treasurer, has taken care of trasferring the Cook Chamber of Commerce banking to the Cook Area Credit Union.
Old Business:
- Cook's Country Christmas: Positive remarks regarding gifts from area business and Lights of Love. 46 children received Christmas gifts from the Chamber. Discussion to have Santa somewhere inside because of the cold weather next year. Karen or Dan will ask the City Council if Santa could be at the City Hall.
- Flags: Darrell Lindgren was not present to report.
- Membership: 26 paid members. New businesses in Cook to be contacted are Davis Veterinarian, Damar Taxidermy, Furniture Plus, The Crescent, and Cook's Corner Closet, and State Farm. They will be given a framed welcome certificate. Mayor Edblom or a council member will be asked to welcome new businesses also.
- Police Department cut: Dan asked the Chamber to e-mail the downtown businesses if they would be willing to pay an extra assessment for the downtown streetscape in order to preserve local law enforcement in Cook. Please respond before the next council meeting on January 9, 2009.
- Highway 53 Project: Lee reported the four lane to Cook is 60% paved and 5% graded. To complete the four lane to Cook will cost 47 million dollars. Passing lanes will be conducted between Cook and Int'l Falls. Input on this matter is needed from the public.
- Timber Days: The first meeting will be on February 3, 2009 at the Old Muni at 6:30 p.m.
The next meeting will be on February 2nd, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. at the V.F.W.
Respectfully submitted,
Verdella Musech
12.1.08
Minutes of Cook Chamber of Commerce's Meeting 12-1-08
President Lee Phillps called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. December 1, 2008 at the V.F.W.
Present: Lee Phillips, Ellie Brunner, Rich Crettol, Verdella Musech, Gary Albertson, Roberta Young, Scott & Michelle Ehrnriter, Darrell Lindgren and Edna Albertson.
The minutes from the November 10, 2008 meeting were read and stand as presented.
Old Business:
Cooks Country Christmas:
Gary and Darrell have been collecting donations for Cook's Country Christmas.
Tom Chapman will donate wood for the bonfire.
Ellie and Verdella will collect the boxes from the businesses.
Cooks Country Christmas was a great turn out. The kids received a goodie bag from Santa with a treat, a juice box and a coloring book. It was a little chilly but fun was had by all.
Thank you so very much to all of the businesses for donating prizes for the drawings.
News Business:
Darrell Lindgren will check into flags for next year. Some of them need to be replaced.
Rich will order checks from the Cook Area Credit Union for the new checking account. Ellie will close out the Money Market account and open a new one at the C.A.C.U. When the checks have cleared the First National Bank, Ellie will then close out the checking account and transfer the funds.
Treasurers Report:
Checking account: $2373.63
Savings account: $1297.04
Money Market: $5130.71
Terms of office were discussed. The decision was unanimous to run the terms of office for President, Treasurer and Secretary for 1 year. Nominations will be held at the October 2009 meeting. Elections will be held in November 2009. Gary motions to have an annual banquet for Elections. Verdella seconds. Details will be determined during the year. Motion carried unanimously.
Motion to adjourn and enjoy cake for Lee's retirement party was at 7:00 p.m. Thank you to everyone who showed up.
We will miss Lee, but I am sure he will still be around to lend a hand.
The next meeting will be on January 5, 2008 at 6:00 at the V.F.W.
Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. And here's to a Happy New Year.
Ellie Brunner
President
11.10.08
Minutes of Cook Chamber of Commerce's Meeting 11-10-08
President Lee Phillips called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m., October 10, 2008 at the V.F.W.
Present: President Lee Phillips, Secretary/Treasurer Ellie Brunner, Tom Chapman, Karen Hollanitsch, Lois Pajari, Verdella Musech, Rich Cettrol, Edna & Gary Albertson, Laura Pajari and Darrell Lindgren.
The minutes of the Cook Chamber meeting held on September 20, 2008 were read and stand as presented.
Correspondence:
- Triathlon - Thank you letter
- Letter from Ben Franklin - Business is for sale.
- Application for employment - Resume forwarded to Steve Hill.
- 2007 Income Tax letter from Russ Hyppa
Savings: $1297.04
Money Market $5130.71
---------------
$8858.18
Claims: 4793 Ellie Brunner $200.00
Motion made by Gary Albertson, seconded by Rich Cottrol to approve the treasurer's report. Motion carried unanimously.
Old Business:
We received a letter from Russ Hyppa explaining that we would not be able to get our money back from the IRS that we had to pay for filing late. In the letter they stated they would not reverse the money back to us. The 501C needs to be filed by the end of May. Lee will put together all correspondence that he has and forward it on to Oberstar, Coleman and Klobechar to see if we can get some help on what to do and what the next step should be.
Some of the discussions were:
The possibilities of having auxiliaries.
Do we have bi-laws? Lee wasn't aware of any. Verdella was going to see about contacting other Chambers and seeing if any of them had something we could take a look at.
Discussion was held on how to get more chamber members involved. Tom Chapman stated one of the reasons people become members is for exposure. One way of getting members involved would be to give them their own banner on the website rather than just a name and address. Maybe some perks. Art Unlimited has offered to help with the website to keep it up to date.
We have tried to have guest speakers, after business hours parties. It just doesn't seem to bring the people.
New Business:
The Light's of Love and Cook's Country Christmas will be on December 5, 2008 at 5:30 in the Montana Cafe parking lot. There will be a small fire. Santa will arrive at 6:00 with bags of stuff for the kids. The drawings will be at 6:30.
Gary Albertson will ask some local businesses for donations for the drawings. Individuals will need to be present to win. Gary will bring boxes to the local businesses for people to put there names in. Edna will make the boxes. Verdella will go to the businesses and ask them to decorate their windows/front of their buildings for the holiday festivities. Tom and Pat Chapman will make the hot chocolate. Hadersbeck's Hometown Hardware will borrow us the large coffee pot. Lee will bring in a 55 gallon drum and cardboard to burn. We will purchase 70 coloring books from the Cook Dollar Barn. We have 20 left over from last year.
Karen Hollanitsch discussed Christmas decorations for downtown Cook. She would be willing to donate 1/2 of her City Council wages to help pay for the expenses. The decision was made to hold off on any large purchases until after we get the "Welcome to Cook" banners up next spring.
Rich Cettrol and Lois Pajari will hang garland and strings of lights up on the poles on the main street some time in the beginning of December. Lois has garland at the Dollar Barn. We will have to try and find lights.
Karen will check with Theresa at City Hall and make sure it is okay to plug in the lights into the new poles.
Verdella requested that dues statements be sent out in December.
Election of officers were held. Gary Albertson nominated Rich Cettrol for president. Rich stated he would have to decline the position of president, but that he would be willing to be the treasurer as he has experience in that certain field. Gary then made a motion to appoint Rich as the Treasurer. Rich accepted. Motion carried unanimously.
Verdella would be willing to take notes at the meetings. She will then give them to Ellie to get them sent out to the Chamber members.
Rich nominated Ellie for President. Lee made a motion that Ellie keep her responsibilities, less the Treasurers responsibilities and taking notes at the meetings and still be paid $200 per month for her duties. Motion carried unanimously.
Art Unlimited will take responsibilities for the website. Ellie will work with Rich and get him familiar with the Quick Books program.
Verdella would like to see Ellie provide a Director's report. So the Chamber can see how many hours she puts in a month.
Darrell Lindgren discussed the flags that are hung around town. 30 flags are needing replacement. There are approximately 60 flags between Hwy 24, the main street and Hwy 53.
Darrell will see if he can get funding for the flags that need to be replaced.
Gary motioned to transfer all monies to the Cook Area Credit Union from the First National Bank. The checking account and money market will need to be closed at the First National bank. Rich will then be able to view all funds and make transfers accordingly. All monies will be given to Rich for him to make the deposits. Lee seconds. Motion carried unanimously.
Lois, Verdella and Lisa will meet with Ellie and do a final audit for 2008 in December before Rich takes over.
Ellie, Verdella and Rich will take over on January 1, 2008.
Motion to adjourn the meeting made by Darrell, seconded by Gary. Meeting adjourned 8:45 p.m.
The next meeting will be on December 1, 2008 at 6:00 at the V.F.W.
On behalf of the Cook Chamber of Commerce and the Community of Cook we all extend a sincere Thank You to Lee for his wonderful years of service.
Ellie Brunner
10.20.08
Cook Area Chamber of Commerce October 20, 2008
The meeting was called to order at 6:35 p.m.
Present: Lee Phillips, Ellie Brunner, Roberta Young and Lois Pajari.
Lee read the minutes from the May 5, 2008 meeting.
Lois approved the minutes. Seconded by Roberta Young. Motion carried.
Treasurer's report:
Savings account $1297.04
Checking account $2655.43
Money Market $5119.60
---------------
$9,072.07
Roberta approved the treasurers report. Seconded by Lois. Motion carried.
Old business:
The banners that will be put on the new street poles on the main street came in. We received them in June. The company sent the wrong size. New ones were ordered and delivered in July. They will be put up in the spring and hang for the spring, summer and fall 2009. An ad will be put in the Cook News Herald looking for help when it comes time to hang them.
The banners are being stored at the Cook Dollar Barn.
New Business:
Cook’s Country Christmas is scheduled for Dec. 5, 2008. Provided there is enough help. If there is any ideas on what to do, please let me know. If we don’t have enough help, there will not be anything done by the Cook Chamber of Commerce. The expenses need to be cut down, so this year we will not be having sleigh rides.
Lee will be retiring from the Cook Chamber of Commerce as President. I have decided to keep working for the Chamber if I am voted back in.
We will be holding elections at the meeting on November 10, 2008.
Meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.
The next meeting will be on November 10, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. at the V.F.W.