Odessa chamber holds first meeting since March

ODESSA – The Odessa Chamber of Commerce met this week Tuesday in the public library at noon for the first time since last March.

President Zach Schafer, having served five years in that position, longer than any previous Odessa Chamber president, told members he could no longer continue in that role, although he said he would continue to attend meetings and contribute to the organization. He also called for nominations for the Chamber’s officers, something that takes place each November. Several current officers were also unwilling or unable to continue, so the members at Tuesday’s meeting agreed to begin soliciting for new members and for people willing to serve as officers. At Monday night’s Chamber board meeting, the officers also decided to create two new board positions, a community kitchen committee chair and a public relations/promotions/webmaster chair, so the need for members to step up to fill those roles is vital.

The board also voted to make changes to the Chamber dues letter this year with an eye to the economic damage done to businesses by the Covid pandemic by requesting the normal amount but not cancelling any memberships if the business/individual cannot pay or can only pay a reduced amount.

A good turnout is essential for the next meeting of the Chamber December 8, Schafer said, so that the organization can move forward into 2021. It will also be the meeting at which the awards for Business and Volunteer of the Year for 2019 are to be awarded (postponed from the canceled Chamber banquet scheduled for last March).

Matters of discussion:

What to do about the scholarships to the Odessa royalty, who, through no fault of their own, were unable to fulfill their duties?

Desert 100 for 2021 still undecided but unlikely to occur.

Suggestions from membership of a suitable memorial to Kelly Korpinen.

All of the above were to tabled until the next meeting.

The kitchen committee’s Laura Estes reported the commercial kitchen has been booked by the Wilbur group that makes cheesecakes as a fundraiser. It was also used during the summer wildfire episode north of town by Wagner Meats.

Estes also reported that the Odessa Quilt Club is currently planning for its 2021 events.

Other members reported that the Lions Club Turkey Carnival will not take place and that Christmas Fest, normally held the first Wed. in December, has also been canceled, although the EMTs are still planning to have a Tree of Sharing.