Chamber Minutes - Oct 2nd

Chamber of Commerce Meeting
10/02/2008
Canyon Cafe
Minutes taken by Pam Landell, Bead Mecca

Halloween is Friday October 31st. The Downtown Trick or Treat will end at 6:30 this year. The Chamber will have a Halloween Display Contest, not to be confused with the Pumpkin Festival Display Contest. The winner of the contest will get their name engraved on a Gold Pan that will be added to each year. Mary's Garden is planning a corn maze event.

Serena spoke about the SMART reading program that is offered to Kindergarten and First grade students at the Canyonville elementary school. They are looking for volunteers to read with the kids. Tim Larkin added that this is an opportunity to facilitate a partnership with the community and the school. Susan Morgan and the Oregon Legislature support the program and Susan talked about the benefits and the positive impact the program has made in the lives of the kids and their success in the future. She also commented that for some families this is their only access to age appropriate books. The program runs October through May. To Learn more about the program visit www.getsmartoregon.org or to volunteer contact Canyonville Elementary.

The latest gas card fund raiser raised 543.14 that will be given to the Riddle Band. The winner of the gas card was Jake from Jake's Auto Center.

Tamara will be holding a special meeting for those who have volunteered to help work in the food booth at the Pumpkin Festival. The meeting will be at noon at El Paraiso on Wednesday, October 8th.

Tim Larkin spoke about the Tiger Program at the elementary school. This program partners with the businesse to reward kids that have perfect attendance. This is the 20th year they have offered this program and they needed one spot to be filled. Judy Coleman asked to have the flower shop at Ray's fill the spot. The cards will be issued Nov. 12th, Feb. 4th, April 15th and June 9th. The kids must follow rules of conduct while requesting their reward and if they are disrespectful the business has the right to confiscate the card and turn it over to the principal.
The Parent reading night is on the 23rd. The 6th grade made over $200 on their car wash, thanks to the Canyon Market for use of their parking lot.

Lily Brislen from the Umpqua Community Development Center spoke about the Amiba program. This is the American Independant Business Alliance. They will be holding a workshop on the 13th and 14th. For information about AMIBA visit their website, www.amiba.net to sign up for the workshop at a greatly reduced rate contact Lily at lbrislen@umpquacdc.org or call her with questions at 541-673-4909.

The Pumpkin Festival was seeking the a sponsor for the business display contest. Hometown Insurance agreed to sposor the contest. Posters are available and have been distributed throughout the area. If you need a poster contact Pam (839-6688) or Patti (580-6083)

Pam Landell from Bead Mecca has the Christmas Light donation cans ready for distribution. If anyone has a high traffic site they can place a can let her know and she will drop it off. 839-6688

Jim Siegal spoke about the Canyonvill Schools Comittee progress and the exciting possibility of Canyonville partnering with Days Creek to offer a better educational experience to the K-8 kids. There will be a fund raising booth at the Pumpkin Festival featuring Cookie Lee Jewelry.

Judy mentioned the spaghetti dinner raised over $600 towards the Canyonville 150 celebration.