Location: Sports Cabin
Attendees:
Board: Guy Johnson, Laurie Bennett, Megan Rollag, Luke Dreckman, Macie Coburn, LeRoy Austin, Rob Meyer
Other members: John Brinkman, Susan Haygood, Dan Haygood, Carrie Moritz, Sam Williamson
The Garretson Commercial Club met in regular session at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 9 at the Sports Cabin. As the secretary was not available, no report was given and approval for prior month’s minutes was tabled. August minutes were being taken by Carrie at request of Laurie. Treasurer was not available but finance report was passed around. Megan motioned to approve and Luke seconded. All voted in favor.
First item under old business was a report on the EIN/filing for non-profit status from Macie. She stated an initial estimate was received on cost for anywhere between $500-$2000 depending on type of non-profit, and asked if that was in the budget. She stated other options may be received from secretary, Leslie Black, but had not received them yet. Laurie motioned to table filing until the September meeting to allow the other options to come in. Megan seconded, all in favor.
John Brinkman gave an update on the 19th annual Commercial Club Golf Tournament, which was held last Friday, August 4. Despite the high humidity, it was a successful day with 17 teams (out of a max 20 teams) and an estimated net fundraising profit of $1590. Overall winners were the team consisting of Bryce Kindt, Cherie Kindt, Dylan Kindt, and Cooper Long with a score of 57. One expense was still in process but was accounted for in net number given.
A ribbon cutting will be held on Wednesday, August 16 at 2:30 p.m. for Garbage N More, as it is under new ownership. Megan is confirmed to be there; all CC members are invited to witness the event. Newspaper to cover for photos. Emails to be sent alerting and inviting members.
Discussion then ensued on the Murder Mystery event proposed last month by Luke Dreckman. He was hoping for an early October date with an overall cost of $3500, and would include dinner and dessert by GFC with entertainment by a group out of Sioux Falls. He estimated the Club would need to shoot for 79 tickets sold at $50/each, with 70 tickets as a break-even. Discussion was had around the table of involving the businesses more, whether as a part of the event or as sponsors. Members were reticent to ask for paid sponsorships but wanted to come up with more ideas to get businesses involved. Luke asserted initial idea was just to get community members out and downtown. Members felt October was too soon of a date for proper planning, suggested winter date with an alternate planned in case of snow. Final decision was to have Luke contact entertainment group to reserve February 10 with February 17 as alternate, and members continue to generate ideas to involve businesses in more ways than paid sponsorships for event.
The Commercial Club is responsible for the flags to be hung around town on Labor Day September 4. Humble Hill (Rob Meyer and Joan Meyer) and Palisades Art Gallery (Susan Haygood and Dan Haygood), along with John Brinkman, will take point for putting them up and taking them down. Other volunteers are welcome. Meet at the Legion at 7:00 a.m. and/or 7:30 p.m.
In new business, the Trunk or Treat is being organized by the Parks Board this year instead of the Commercial Club. However, the Club had agreed to have someone out there to hand out treats. John will look for a Commercial Club sign to put up but at least one volunteer will be needed to hand out treats. All businesses are encouraged to participate in the event, which will be held on October 28. There is also a Fall Festival on October 14 that is being organized by community members.
Final on the agenda was Hometown Christmas, which is scheduled for December 9. Luke presented a draft schedule and proposed ideas to move activities to later in the day. Carrie agreed to keep the schedule again this year and send the final version to Performance Press for flyers, and draft versions to Luke for silent auction donations.
Luke suggested different ways of bringing in non-profits and businesses’ participation in Hometown Christmas, such as a chili feed from the fire department and hot cocoa or smores sales from the Scouts. Instead of a community appreciation breakfast, he suggested 10% off meals at restaurants that would be reimbursed by the Club up to $150. Laurie countered that part of the draw for the breakfast was its price (free), but all members present liked the idea of a chili feed. Suggestions were given for possibility of involving businesses by having sampling stations, contest, or other ideas. Megan will contact Kris J to talk with fire dept. No decisions were made on status of meal. Guy reported that the commons area at the school will be available this year for the Arts & Crafts stations, Santa visits, and book reading activities. However, the school will not be available in 2024 due to a doubleheader that will occur every other year.
Luke will reserve the Legion for December 9.
The proposed schedule as presented by Luke was as follows (None of these events is confirmed, other ideas welcome):
10am-5pm Vendor Fair w/ silent auction @ Legion
2:30pm-4:30pm Crafts @ School
3:00pm-5:00pm Bake Sale, Santa, & Book Reading (School? Library? Legion?)
3:00pm-5:00pm Horse drawn carriage rides @ Fire hall
5:30pm Parade of Lights
6:00pm-7:00pm Smores and Hot Chocolate @4th & Main
6:30pm Treasure key winner
7:30pm-10:00pm Pub crawl w/ Ugly Sweater contest
No other business was brought to the table, so Megan motioned to adjourn. Guy seconded and all approved. The next meeting will be on September 13 at The Gulch. 11:30 meal/social; 12:00 p.m. meeting. All members are invited to attend.
