Minutes of Menno Area Development Annual Meeting

August 21, 2007

 

The Menno Area Development Corporation held its regular meeting at the Open Door Cafe on August 21 with the following in attendance: Peg Thranum, Kathy Stepanek, Sarah Ebeling, Darlene Mehlhaf, David Bender, Bill Headley, Dorothy Harnisch, Harold & Judi Willemstyn, Dennis & Cindy Aisenbrey, Ken Stepanek, Larry Tolzin, Glenn Kirschenman, Donna Zeeb, Shannon Herrboldt, Brent Haberman, Cindy Nelsen, Brenda Edelman, Nancy Larsen, Connie Knodel, Joan & Jerry Nusz, Doug Christian, Ken Bertsch, Dale Weiss, Teresa Anderson, Calvin Hagge and Morna Anderson.

 

President Dale Weiss called the meeting to order at 12:20 p.m.

 

Darlene Mehlhaf made a motion to approve the agenda with the following additions: Prayer and Community Treasures. Harold Willemstyn seconded, all present in favor.

 

Pastor Willemstyn gave the opening prayer.

 

Teresa Anderson made a motion to approve the minutes of the July 17th meeting and the August finance report. David Bender seconded; all present in favor.

 

SEFP Report: Nancy Larsen presented the SEFP report and the Semi-Annual Report for 2007. One retained, three new and two expanded businesses were featured from rural Menno, Tripp, Centerville, Marion and Parker.

 

New Business: New Era Editor Sarah Ebeling asked to speak to the group concerning a community magazine. She passed around samples of a visitor’s & new resident’s guide from Hartford, Parker and Tea. The magazine is paid for through the advertising. The consensus of the group was to have her see if she could sell enough ads to publish one for Menno.

 

Committee Reports: Grocery Store – Dennis Aisenbrey referred Alvin Jensen to Rural Development for further funding. Aisenbrey stated if he doesn’t hear something soon, they will begin to sell down stock in the store beginning in October and close the business by January 1, 2008.

 

Larry Tolzin made a motion to give authority to the grocery store committee to use their judgment in negotiating terms for the purchase of property from Ray Woehl, not to exceed $20,000. Dale Weiss seconded, all present in favor.   

 

Dale Weiss left the meeting at 1 p.m.; Dave Bender assumed the chair.                         

 

Ad Campaign – Members of the corporation that have paid their dues are to have their ad information to Dave Bender by Monday, August 27 if they wish to be included in the next full page ad. The ad will come out the second week in September.

 

Band Day – “Button Cards” have been placed in the businesses and articles have been run in the P&D, Argus and Mitchell papers. Tolzin is meeting with WNAX Friday regarding promotion of the event. Buttons will be sold at the car show and a space has been purchased at the Power Show. Volunteers are being sought to work the two days of the Power Show.

 

Car Show – Shannon Herrboldt said everything is pretty much set for the car show. Help is needed for judging and registration, which begins at 4 p.m. at the fire hall.

 

Clinic Fund Raiser – No report was given as Marsha Schelske was not present.

 

Other New Business: Harold and Judi Willemstyn are trying to put together a not-for-profit organization that would provide an avenue for folks that are challenged to have a place to work. The concept would be similar to a second hand store, selling donated goods like Goodwill does. Profits from the store would be used to pay the expenses. It would be run by volunteers who would oversee the challenged workers.

 

The next meeting of the group will be held Tuesday, September 18 at the City Hall beginning at 7:30 p.m..

 

Larry Tolzin moved to adjourn at 1:20 p.m. Shannon Herrboldt seconded; all present in favor.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Peggy Thranum, Secretary