The McGehee Chamber of Commerce met on Thursday, July 22, 2010 at 12:00 noon at McGehee Municipal Complex. Members and guests in attendance were: James N. Smith, Robert M. Smith, Nan Clem – Hot Springs, Cindy Smith, Leon Lloyd, Pat Post, Jack May, Carolyne Blissett, Doc Bilberry, Azzie McGehee, Ruthie Richardson, Vickie Eggleston, Annette Hunnicutt, Bill Conway, Helen Conway, Sherrie Moreau, Kathy Ferguson, Dorissa Kaufman, Lindsay Henry, Jeff Owyoung, Steve Montgomery, Cynthia Montgomery, Charles S. Lloyd, Kathryn Peacock, Corey Throckmorton, DJ Woodson, Jim Daniels, Aldo Cingolani, Bill Bowman, Teresa Allison, Tereze Harris, Alice Banks, Albert Syed, Michelle Shinn, Helen Wesson Mike Smith, Paula Mote, and John Heard.

Leon Lloyd gave the invocation.

President John Heard opened the meeting. He thanked the group for providing lunch. They were Montgomery Firm – Steve & Cynthia Montgomery, Periwinkle Place – Cindy Smith, City of McGehee – Mayor Jack May and Ferguson Law Office – Gibbs & Anne Ferguson.

He asked for introduction of guests. Cindy Smith introduced Nan Clem from Hot Springs. D.J. Woodson introduced Cory Throckmorton, an associate of Harvest Rice.

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

Announcements:
*Kathryn Peacock announced Ding Dong Days to be held throughout the weekend beginning with a BBQ on July 22 to announce Ding Dong Daddy & Momma. She also talked about the play that is being performed – Vinegar Pie. Tickets are $10 to each event.
*Kathy Ferguson announced that there would be a meeting of the Concerned Citizens for Local Contractors on August 21. This will be an information meeting on the Green legislation that is being considered in the State of Arkansas. This will affect plumbers, heating & air, general contractors.
*Pat Post with Delta Area Community Foundation announced their grant cycle of July 10 – August 15. Online applications are available.

Committee Reports:
City Report: Mayor Jack May reported that the city has required the owners of the downtown stations to clean up and paint and the city is painting the dumpsters and fire hydrants. In addition, 10 city lots and the pine thicket at the Industrial Park have been cleared and cleaned off.
Finally, the city has received a grant for $7,200 for EMT training from the tobacco tax and $92,000 for sidewalks at the school from the Safe Routes to School program.

Agriculture: Aldo Cingolani reported that the crops look good and the heat doesn’t seem to be hurting them as of yet.

Beautification: Helen Conway stated that in the heat it is very important to WATER – WATER- WATER. She also talked about the 200 lb stone gray herring that has been placed in the park.

Education: Dorissa Kaufman announced that UAMCOT is finishing their Summer II and prepared for classes in the fall.
Steve Montgomery discussed the SOS – Save Our School Organization. He is very encouraged by the efforts that are being made to educate the community on the need to pass the millage increase.

Festival: Jeff announced that T-shirt orders are being taken now until September 3 for the 6 colors. After that date, we will only be offering 2 colors. He encouraged businesses to purchase shirts for their employees.

Industrial Foundation: Doc Bilberry reported the Greenville Bridge will have a dedication ceremony on Monday, July 26 at 10 a.m. The public is welcome to attend.
He also discussed the Washington trip for Desha County. They also voted not to have the Highway Commission fish fry this year. Additionally, Jeff Owyoung announced that the Museum Committee would meet on August 5, noon at the Country Club. He invited others to join and be a part of this organization effort.

Port: Bill Bowman announced that the port is doing well with the self operation.

Program:
Carolyn Blissett presented a program on health rankings for Desha County. She presented the group with statistics.

Door prizes were given away.
No further business. Meeting adjourned