NORTH WEBSTER — With only two more weeks until the S.H.O.E.S. drive is completed, the North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce hopes to make its goal. The project was discussed at the chamber’s regular monthly meeting Monday, March 14.

Ben Ashpole was asked to post a notice on the chamber’s website shoes are still needed to make the chamber’s goal. The deadline to turn shoes in is March 31. Ace Hardware is a collection point for the S.H.O.E.S drive.

George Robertson from Kosciusko Economic Development Corp. came and explained how KEDCo could help the chamber by hosting a listening meeting with the chamber. KEDco would explain the services it can provide to the chamber and local business owners, as well as try to get a sense of what small businesses face in the community. KEDco can then bring in a speaker who can discuss how to address those challenges.

The chamber would just have to determine a time and place and KEDco would do the rest, including issuing invitations to local business owners.

Board member Terry Frederick also recommended contacting Seth Bingham, a student at Grace College who recently presented a Power Point on how the lakes impact local business at a conference. Frederick said Bingham’s information showcased how important the lakes in the county are to area businesses.

Applications for artisans is already online for this year’s Dixie Days. The application for the 5K run is in the works and will be available online in a few weeks. Dixie Days is set for Saturday, July 30. Ashpole suggested finding another organization or service club to partner with the chamber for the event.

There was a discussion about how Dixie Days draws people to town to see what North Webster has to offer. Ashpole explained he wanted to see businesses other than retail assisted by the event. He suggested offering free booth space to businesses that haven’t participated in Dixie Days or hosting a job fair during the event. Chamber President Sue Ward said partnering with another organization is a good idea and suggested it be discussed more in a committee.

North Webster Community Public Library was selected as the “Business of the Month” for April since April is also National Library Month.

The community guide book is being worked on. Right now a cover and theme are being determined and the calendar is also being updated.

Dave Colquitt and Susan Stump received compliments for co-chairing the chamber’s annual banquet March 7. The silent auction brought in more than $700 for the chamber.

Ward also pointed out there are changes to the chamber’s scholarship offerings. There is a $500 scholarship for signage and a $1,000 for office help and ambassador. Applications for the scholarships are available at the high school.