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| 7/26/2010 2:07:00 PM | Email this article • Print this article | Chamber contemplates fundraising ideas; internships
By Virginia Bandy
Ada Herald Editor
The Ada Area Chamber of Commerce met last week to receive an update on the Harvest and Herb Festival plans, and to brainstorm fundraising ideas. The Chamber members also discussed the possibility of acquiring an intern or two from Ohio Northern University to help with the new office hours and marketing.
Alisa Armbrecht, vice-president of the Chamber, indicated that over 130 vendors have applied so far to be at the festival, which will take place Saturday, September 18. The cruise-in idea has been scrapped, though, since no additional information had been received by chamber members on how to coordinate it. Ruth Roider mentioned that the Wilson Football garage sale is the same morning as the festival, and is always a popular event.
A representative from the local Schwan's frozen food company was present at the meeting to discuss their fundraising plans. There were several options to choose from including a stand alone truck sale or a gift certificate sale. In either case, sales have to exceed $750 in order for the Chamber to begin receiving a percentage of the sales. As the amount of sales increases, so does the percent for the Chamber. The Schwan's rep told Chamber members that a minimum of two weeks is needed to arrange a fundraiser, and members said they would consider doing one for the Harvest and Herb Festival. More information will be gathered by members before a decision is made.
Roider brought up the suggestion of the Chamber working with the Ada Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) to entice businesses to the Ada area. The idea of a master list was discussed, which would have information on it regarding current businesses and owner information; available commercial properties and realtor information; a map of the village and its zoning; and contact information for the village, banks, insurance companies, and others. This list would then be made available to anyone expressing an interest in bringing a new business to Ada.
The final discussion of the meeting regarded the possibility of ONU's College of Business providing one or two interns for the Chamber to utilize in its new office. The interns could man the office during regular hours as well as perform marketing strategies for the Chamber. Roider and Connie Guyton had been in contact with Matt Lambdin on the matter. Lambdin had been very cooperative and willing to work with the Chamber on the matter, according to Guyton. The Chamber set up a committee which would interview potential interns. Job descriptions would be finalized before ONU begins fall classes. Members were divided on the notion of having two interns, as there isn't an overabundance of duties to assign. Guyton and Roider were asked to meet with Lambdin again to work on the details. The decision on installing a telephone in the Chamber office was tabled again. JoNell Hanratty had only received two phone calls in the last month, and it was questioned whether or not a phone should be in the Depot office.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Ada Area Chamber of Commerce will be Wednesday, August 18 at 5:15 p.m. in the Depot.
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