The McGehee Chamber of Commerce met on Thursday, August 26, 2010 at 12:00 noon at McGehee Municipal Complex. Members and guests in attendance were: Paula Mote, Mike Smith, James N. Smith, Billie J. Seamans, Robert M. Smith, Leon Lloyd, Lemuel Overton, Mollie Sizemore, Rachel Freeze, Thomas Gathen, Anita Montgomery, Bob Swindler, Mildred Swindler, Linda Clary, Jane Lucky, Melissa Gober, Kenny Gober, Jo Wilson, Raymond Frazier, Jackie Walker, DJ Woodson, Corey Throckmorton, Alvis S Newburn, II, Shirley Cain, Helen Conway, Bill Conway, Gene Gregory, Lynn Bliss, Skippy Leek, Ann Cash, Fred Denton, Bobbie Lehman, Gloria Sutton, Michelle Shinn, Helen Wesson, Stephanie Hite, Michael Kellebrew, Mary Seymore, Kent White, Karon White, Heather Grokske, Dorissa Kaufman, Lindsay Henry, Alesia Lucky, Cindy Smith, Bill Bowman, Teresa Allison, Charles E. Lloyd, Bob Lucky, Hazelene McCray, Helen Washington, Alice Banks, Linda Tullos, Mary Griden, JoAnn Moore, Vickie Eggleston, Cynthia Hardy, Barbara Webb, Jim Daniels, Aldo Cingolani, John McCollum, John Robinson, Cynthia Montgomery, Steve Montgomery, James Renfroe, Geraldine Renfroe.

Bill Conway gave the invocation.

Vice President Mike Smith presided over the meeting in the absence of John Heard. He welcomed everyone and thanked Bob Lucky – Lucky Chevrolet and Gaylen Gilbert – Farm Bureau for providing lunch.
He asked for introduction of guests. Paula Mote introduced the new field rep for Entergy, Mr. Donald Hatchett. Thomas Gathen, Superintendent of McGehee schools introduced Linda Tullos, Federal Programs & Curriculum Coordinator.

Minutes and financial reports were distributed to the membership for approval. Kenny Gober made a motion to accept the minutes as written and Bill Conway 2nd the motion. The minutes were approved as written.

Announcements:
*Jim Daniels announced the Touchdown Club would be holding a fundraiser with Kenny Spence as the speaker.
*John McCollum announced that the Boys and Girls Club would be holding their Steak & Burger Dinner on October 5 at the MHS Cafeteria. Anthony Lucas would be the guest speaker
*Alesia Lucky announced a Red Cross Blood Drive from 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. on that day at the Methodist Church.

Committee Reports:
Agriculture: Leon Lloyd announced that due to the weather, the harvest is early and going smooth. Yields are not as good as expected, but they are still good crops.
Beautification: Linda Clary announced that the committee met to discuss projects and long range plans for the parks
Communications: Lynn Bliss announced that the web site has recently been upgraded to Webpress software. This will allow for quicker updates. Paula will be keeping updates on the site. More changes and upgrades will be made in the future as time allows. Members are encouraged to contact the chamber with their events to post to the Community Calendar to keep things from overlapping.
Education: Thomas Gathen announced a great opening of school. He encouraged everyone to support the millage on Tuesday, September 21.
Dorissa Kaufman reported that UAM numbers are good
Festival: Paula reported reported on the T-shirt order. September 3 is the last day to pre-order an Owlfest shirt
Port: Kenny Gober reported that they have an application in for a $750,000 grant for the port. There was discussion of the rail to the port.

Program: Cindy Smith discussed Arkansas Parks & Tourism as well as addressing questions concerning the upcoming millage election.

Door Prizes were given away
VP Mike Smith again thanked Lucky Chevrolet and Desha Farm Bureau for lunch.
Meeting adjourned