Chamber recycles officers

The Chamber of Commerce voted to retain all current officers and elected board members January 24, after they all said they were willing to continue.

Officers who will be effective as of the March 17 Chamber banquet are: President Marlon Schafer, Vice President Lindsy Starkel, Secretary Michelle Melgren and Treasurer Larissa Zeiler. Elected board members are Victoria Iverson and Justin Parr. The final board position is non-elected, and is filled by the current Deutschesfest Biergarten Chairman, and remains unfilled as of yet.

In other business, members heard the latest report from Starkel about the community kitchen project. Starkel told those present that she had presented the preliminary plan at Monday night's town council meeting.

Starkel also said that a grant application was being filed for funding from Northwest Farm Service for $1,500.

Starkel reported to the group that the Valentine's dinner scheduled for February 10 at the community center would be a good opportunity for town residents to see what the proposed changes would look like and to provide feedback. She emphasized that until she feels that the community has had ample opportunity to respond, she will not sign off the plans.

Tickets for the Valentine's dinner are $20 with a choice of steak or salmon. The dinner will be followed by "non-gambling" and a dessert auction.

The annual Chamber banquet has been scheduled for March 17 at the community center, said Michelle Melgren. The banquet usually includes the introduction of officers, themed decorations and entertainment. Awards will also be given for individual and business of the year. Melgren reminded members that nomination forms will be available at Wheatland Bank or The Odessa Record.

Melgren also reported that Chamber membership letters are being mailed now, and encourages business owners, non-profit organizations and individuals are all welcome. She added that paid members have the only valid votes at Chamber meetings.