The November 8, 2023 meeting of the Garretson Commercial Club was held at The Gulch beginning at 12:00 p.m. In attendance from the board were Guy Johnson, Laurie Bennett, Luke Dreckman, Megan Rollag, Rob Meyer, and Macie Coburn. Also in attendance were Carrie Moritz, Garrick Moritz, Sam Williamson, Paetyn Dreckman, and John Brinkman. Carrie volunteered to take notes as secretary, Leslie Black, was unavailable that day.
No secretary’s report from October was available and the item was tabled. Next was the Treasurer’s Report. Luke reported that the club had received a grant from Xcel Energy in the amount of $5,074 toward the speaker system. To date, only $12,000 to the system was out of pocket. Later, John showed the report on gift cards and their status for the club. Megan motioned to approve, Laurie seconded, all in favor of approval of treasurers’ report.
Old business began with a check on the Hometown Christmas schedule.
Santa will be at the School Commons from 1-3 on December 9. It was reported that Steve Larson was fully retired from doing Santa, Carrie suggested Terry Johnson. John Brinkman volunteered to be backup if Terry was unable or unwilling. The Santa chair and mailbox will need to be located by city maintenance employees, and the FFA and art classes are making a new backdrop. Sam reported that Alliance will again donate candy canes for Santa to give out.
Horse and carriage rides have been canceled due to lack of participation in the past few years. They will bring it back in future years if participation will increase.
Rob reported that the Legion was moving its monthly breakfast to Hometown Christmas and will be on Saturday, December 9 from 9-1 with a freewill donation accepted. Food options will be pancakes and biscuits and gravy.
The Vendor Fair already has five participants, Laurie is working on acquiring more.
The parade of lights has been moved to 6:00 p.m. as the earlier time won’t conflict with any church schedules. John agreed to head parade registration and set up and will be walking Santa. The Scouts will be selling hot cocoa as a fundraiser before the parade. Luke agreed to pick up cocoa powder and the group is providing cups.
The Fire Department will be doing a community chili feed and fire truck rides at the Legion from 5-7 with Bingo after. Rob will ensure volunteers are available to have the Legion window open for refreshments.
Megan will contact the Springdell 4-H group, who will confirm whether they will be able to help with crafts after their meeting on Sunday.
Businesses need to get their weekend specials to a board member or Carrie ASAP so they can be placed on the mailer and schedule. Luke agreed to follow up with Annie’s. Laurie gave the Sports Cabins’ specials, and Megan volunteered to follow up with The Gulch. A pub crawl was likely canceled but could potentially still go ahead.
Christmas light judging was discussed. Since the past few years have been passed between two local families as winners, Luke and Paetyn volunteered to find a new resident or family who would be willing to judge the best Christmas light display in town.
Advertising for Hometown Christmas was discussed, with the mailer and Facebook boosting at the top of the priority list, along with the Gazette. Kris J. would be contacted to get the actual advertising budget for the event.
Next on the agenda was the Annual Meeting. It will be held Monday, January 15 with social hour starting at 5:00 p.m., Meal at 6:00 p.m., and Meeting at 7:00 p.m. at the Legion dugout. Megan will contact Ron to confirm the meal. Luke and Laurie will work together to get the mailers for membership renewal and phone book ads sent out before Hometown Christmas. Luke presented the benefits for next year, including being featured in the phone book and website; money available towards the first three businesses who held a social; ability to pre-purchase tickets to functions; two free dinner tickets to the annual meeting; and a percentage off advertising. Bringing back the Commercial Club sticker to be placed in windows was agreed upon. A “new member” packet was discussed that would include a thank you card and sticker. Membership cost will be going up for 2024. Per the majority vote at the 2023 annual meeting, base fee will increase to $200, and the Association member cost will be $75 for non-profit organizations. Megan motioned to approve the proposed benefits, Laurie seconded, all in favor.
Garrick and Carrie agreed to take lead on phone book set up and work with Performance Press on design, information, and ad acquisition/follow-up. A new map will need to be designed for 2024 due to the Palisades State Park entrance moving. Two pages instead of one was suggested for the map. Carrie will follow up on cost of adding color pages to the phone book and perhaps include some other types of info in it to add value for residents, since the book is still highly used but the number of published phone numbers has decreased substantially, and to encourage purchase by non-residents. The city has taken up and is slated to complete the visitors guide for 2024 but there was no update on that.
Next on the agenda was the Murder Mystery, slated for February 10, 2024. The down payment has been made. Luke presented posters for the Murder Mystery, designed by Performance Press. Tickets will go for pre-sale first to businesses, who will be offered seats at reduced prices and the ability to advertise at the tables. The letter to be sent to the businesses was presented by Luke and given feedback. He had spoken with Ron at GFC and suggested instead of keeping track of orders, to have two meat options on the plate along with the vegetable and dessert. Volunteer servers will be needed. Luke presented an option from Costco for dishes that were disposable but still high-end in appearance. The board approved the purchase.
In other business, Carrie presented that RASDAK had chosen Garretson to be the launch point for their large bicycle tour. Cyclists and others will be coming into Garretson on June 1, stay overnight, be gone early morning June 2, and will return to Garretson on Friday, June 6. Businesses and organizations will be encouraged to have different events to celebrate and bring in customers from the event that day.
Macie reported that she was still working on the by-laws and was in contact with Leslie.
At 1:00 p.m., Megan motioned to adjourn, seconded by Macie, all in favor.
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 6 at the Sports Cabin, with social time at 11:30 a.m. and the meeting at 12:00 p.m.