September 23, 2010

The McGehee Chamber of Commerce met on Thursday, September 23, 2010 at 12:00 noon at McGehee Municipal Complex.

Richard Smith gave the invocation.

President John Heard opened the meeting. He welcomed everyone and thanked Griffin Funeral Services for providing lunch.
He introduced Cory Throckmorton, the new Operations Manager for Harvest Rice. Other introduction of guests were:
Steve Montgomery introduced Jimi Evans, new associate of Montgomery Firm. Mike Smith introduced Pat Post and Flora Simon of the Delta Area Community Foundation. Azzie McGehee introduced her pastor.

Minutes and financial reports were distributed to the membership for approval. Rubye Emerson made a motion to accept the minutes as written and Richard Smith 2nd the motion. The minutes were approved as written.

Committee Reports:
Agriculture: Leon Lloyd reported an outstanding crop year. Prices are good; cotton is over $1/lb. Yields for cotton, rice, corn & soybeans are really good as well.
Communications: Lynn Bliss began by reminding everyone that Owlfest will be held on October 8-9. Schedules were passed out to the membership. The annual Awards Banquet will be held on November 4 with David Bazil as keynote speaker. Finally, the website is under revision. New to the website is a museum link giving details of the Japanese American Interment Camp museum. A dedicated site will be developed at a later date as the project progresses.
Port: Bill Bowman announced that the port had a great month last month. Most of their transports are grain so this will slow down after the harvest is complete.
Industrial Foundation Doc Bilberry announced the Think Tank meeting on the 1st Monday at 7 a.m.
Education: Thomas Gathen thanked everyone for their support of the millage on September 21. Thanks to the voters McGehee will be in good financial standing for many years to come. He takes the responsibility of the schools finances very seriously.

City Report:
Mayor Jack May announced that the city is receiving a grant to place concrete pads under the bleachers at the baseball complex. This award comes with Robert Moore’s recommendation.
He then discussed the Military Medical Mission that will be held in McGehee next summer. This has been a process taking over a year to plan. Military medical personnel will set up in the city and do free clinics.
The veteran’s memorial park is well underway. The dedication ceremony will be held on November 6 of this year.
Finally, the Mayor discussed the new events of Owlfest. Schedules were provided to all members. He encouraged everyone to attend at least one scheduled event.

Program: John McCollum with the Boys & Girls Club of McGehee presented the program. He discussed case scnerios

Door Prizes were given away
President John Heard thanked Griffin Funeral Services, Johnny & Keith, for providing the meal.
Meeting adjourned