By Kay Raypholtz – THE VILLAGE REPORTER
The Board members of the Montpelier Area Chamber of Commerce began their meeting by hearing from Steve Raymond of the Williams County Economic Development Corporation (WEDCO). He said that WEDCO was working on a lot of good things, and that they had success with their Manufacturing Day on October 4, 2013. The event featured a tour of seven businesses. It was was held in conjunction with five area local schools, the Four County Career Center, and Northwest State Community College for the purpose of showing the manufacturing jobs that are available in the county. WEDCO is also trying to raise awareness of the availability of local skilled-trades jobs, and the type of training that employers are seeking from job applicants. This is a nationwide event as manufacturers are trying to fill the gaps in the work force. WEDCO is particularly interested in educating high school students about how they can make a good living by employment in local skilled-trade positions.
Raymond also told about the distinction of Williams County being named the “Fifth Best Place to Work” in the nation. A part of this title is earned due to a much shorter commute on average when compared to state averages.
There will be a Henry County-Williams County Roundtable discussion at CK Technologies on October 17. Board member Jeanette Hull said that this would include a tour of CK for the Roundtable members, and that they would see the new Cascade Enterprise System, and hear a presentation on the system. She said that this system was wonderful for the county as it provides continuous improvements.
Gloria Osburn, representing the Montpelier Library, said that there were a lot of fun events on the schedule. Their annual Friends of the Library Fall Fest is being held on Saturday, October 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the library on 216 East Main Street in Montpelier. There will be vendors and crafters, children’s stories and crafts, live entertainment, and there will be homemade soups and breads available. Admission to the event is free.
On October 24, Tammy Manley will be holding classes at 4:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to learn how to paint an autumn birch. Classes are filling quickly and those interested should call the library at 419-485-3287. There is a fee for this class. The library is also having wreath making classes on Saturday, November 23 at 11:30 a.m., and again on Tuesday, December 3 at 6:30 p.m. This class is sponsored by Montpelier Parks and Recreation. Registration is required, and those interested should call the Recreation Office at 419-485-3496 several days in advance for more information and to reserve a spot. There is a $5 fee, and participants will need to provide a box of cut greens and any other embellishments for this 18” wreath, and bring a pair of hand pruners.
The Chamber and the Montpelier Retail Merchants are sponsoring this year’s Halloween Parade and Treats event, an annual tradition that is sure to delight the youngsters. It is being held on Saturday, October 26th at the Fire Station from 5:15 – 6:00 p.m. Weather permitting, there will be a parade. Pre-schoolers must be accompanied by an adult. Village Trick-or-Treating begins at 6:00 through 7:00 p.m. Retail merchants will be open and handing out goodies, and the Main Street park will be open for those who would like to hand out treats. That same evening, Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church will be offering treat bags and hot dogs. The First Presbyterian Church will hold their Trunk-or-Treat on Thursday, October 31 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Chamber board members continued to discuss repairs that are needed to a building abutting the rear of the office, and will set a date for all board members to meet for further discussions. Estimates have been received for the cost of work and were shared during the regular meeting.
Work continues on plans for the 2014 Bean Days, and there will be a meeting of the planning committee on October 16 at 6:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express in Holiday City. Those who are interested in serving on a committee are still welcome to get involved, and may call the Chamber office for more information. This group will be a Charter Planning Committee, and plan to take over responsibility for the event while still serving under the umbrella of the Chamber. It will be a non-profit group, and will be run like a project committee. The Chamber has always emphasized that Bean Days is a community event, and this will move toward having the annual event run by the community. Permission was granted by the board members to allow the committee its own charter.
The board also voted to donate $25 to the Olde Tyme Holiday Gathering event as they are seeking sponsors.
There are board seats up for election this year. One seat will need to be from the field of professionals, and two persons have expressed interest. There is also a seat up for election for a representative from the industrial field. Ballots will go out to Chamber members the end of October.
The next regular meeting of the Montpelier Chamber of Commerce will be held on Friday, November 8 at 8:00 a.m.
Kay Raypholtz may be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com