Chamber To Reexamine Bylaws In 2015
While the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce board did not have a quorum, they members did discuss the need for chamber goals in 2015 during its regular meeting Jan. 7.
Chad Jonsson, who is set to take over as chamber president from Richard Owen, stated for 2015 he would like to have clear goals for the chamber’s task forces. He added, “I’d like to shore up the bylaws in the beginning of the year.”
The chamber board will be going through the bylaws and possibly start from scratch since sections are confusing and in some cases conflict with each other.
Along with the bylaws, Jonsson stated he would like to change how the board has been electing officers by moving to a method similar to the one used by the Kiwanis Club. If the restructure is approved, there would be an appointee to the executive board who would then become vice president before serving as president.
Jonsson said this change will help those getting started on the executive committee. “You will know your role and where you are headed.” It will also help train appointees.
Executive Director Tammy Cotton added the goal would be for the past president to stay on the board for a year after their term as president is finished to help the new president.
This topic will be further discussed at the February meeting when the executive committee will be elected.
WinterFest, which will run in conjunction with the Wawasee Kiwanis Snowmobile Drags, is set for Jan. 31. Sponsors, however, are still needed for the ice sculptures, which may feature some familiar faces from “Frozen.” Sculptures can be sponsored for $225; sculptors are able to apply a company logo to them.
January’s board meeting marked the last one for Tom Tuttle, who has reached his term limit. “I’m excited to see 2015,” Tuttle said, commending board members for all their work. “I feel privileged to be a part of the team.”
Also going off the board are Owen and Dan Buchman, who were both unable to attend the meeting.
In other chamber news:
• The chamber has received a $5,000 Harkless Grant, which will purchase new welcome signs near Wawasee Middle School and at the intersection of US 6 and SR 13.
• The Mistletoe Market was well received and brought in almost $600 for the chamber. Vendors, though not all have reported in, report a revenue of approximately $5,000, which is money staying local. Chamber executive assistant Kristi Martin said the chamber is considering future pop-up shops.
• The chamber’s annual awards banquet will be Jan. 27 at the Syracuse Community Center.
• Chamber members at the fisherman level and above will be receiving a special perk: the ability to post their deals and events to the chamber website. Sailor package members can add this service at a cost.
The next chamber meeting will be at noon Feb. 4 in the chamber office.