The Montpelier Area Chamber of Commerce opened the June 14th meeting with the approval of the minutes of the last meeting, and approval of the financial report before hearing from their guest, Megan Shilling. Megan is an intern at the Northwestern Electric Cooperative and explained the Touchstone program. This is a program that has been in place since 2007, and Northwestern Electric Cooperative customers can receive a discount at selected area businesses when they join the Touchstone program. This is free to all members, of which 3 million are a part. Those who are customers may call their office for more information and to join.
In old business, the Chamber continues to work on the July 19-20, 2013, Bean Days plans for their theme “Our Heritage, Our History – Remember When…?” The band Dysfunkshun will perform after the parade. They are also hoping to bring back the wrestlers who were a big hit last year when they wrestled in the ring on Empire Street. Their next planning meeting will be June 20 and 5:00 p.m.
Montpelier resident Roy Rozell presented his concerns about Pocket Park at the corner of West Main Street and North Jonesville. He lived in an apartment adjacent to the park many years ago, and planted several trees which were removed during a sewer project. The Chamber board noted that although they own the park, the village is in charge of the maintenance. He also expressed concern about the condition of the downtown area and village; however, several years ago the downtown area was the beneficiary of a grant which brought improvements in the form of vintage street lights, picturesque bump-outs featuring lovely plants and benches, and a transformation of three alleys into restful areas for the residents with benches and murals.
Susie Osburn responded that there were several business owners represented at the Chamber Board, and that their desire is to move forward and work on positive changes that will attract people to Montpelier.
Chamber members voted to send $100 to the Bryan Fireworks Fund, as they were struggling to meet their goal. Though located in Bryan, this is an event that residents in the entire county attend and enjoy on a regular basis.
The Chamber will be getting estimates, and are researching sources for loans for the purpose of roof and building repairs, and are looking at all options. All bids from interested contractors and proposals from banks will need to be in before the end of the month.
With no further business to discuss, the board adjourned.