Present: Marla Beaty, Lynn DeGrio, Sherry Frick, Bonnie Henriksen, Karen Lindgren, Ron Oleheiser, Derek Rolle

Absent: Marty Licke, David Marty, Barbara Mason, Sue Mattson, Deb Page

Chamber Staff: Bud Stone, Jennifer Gooch

Bonnie Henriksen, Chair, called the meeting to order.

Bud Stone shared with committee members that several new Chamber members have recently volunteered to serve on the Program Committee. These members include: Nanci Hallam of Mike Ives Realty, Debbie Bruns of Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union, and Shannon Mann of Ruttger’s Sugar Lake Lodge.

Bud Stone updated committee members regarding the preparations for the Annual Dinner, including the progress on acquiring table sponsorships and number of reservations received.

Bud Stone also shared with committee members that Ruttger’s Sugar Lake Lodge has kindly offered to donate one night of lodging for the entertainer who will be performing at the Annual Dinner.

Karen Lindgren also updated committee members regarding the progress being made in preparation for the silent auction.

Committee members agreed that the speaker did a very good job at the January luncheon, but was not as entertaining and "animated" as Dr. Sohn has been in the past regarding economic forecasts for the coming year.

Everyone agreed that it was great to hear a question for the economist from the floor from one of the high school students; students have been attending the luncheons accompanied by Steve Wright.

The committee will begin working toward scheduling Dr. Sohn for the January 2003 economic forecast program. A possible partnership between Wells Fargo branches in nearby areas was discussed. Marla Beaty volunteered to further research the possibility of the cost sharing.

Committee members discussed how the length of the luncheons is becoming extended and that measures need to be taken to keep the programs within the hour time frame. Committee members agreed that the announcements being made by Chamber members from the floor and from the podium need to be discontinued. Chamber members will be encouraged to submit their announcements to the Chamber and they will be read by Lynn DeGrio at the end of the program; members will also be able to provide informational material regarding events to the luncheon guests by placing it on a back table near the entrance of the room. Time and table space that is to be available to the luncheon sponsors will then not be compromised. Efforts will also be made to limit the time spent on the President’s update and to ensure the program will begin by 12:15 pm to 12:20 pm, and will end by 1:00 pm. The Sawmill Inn will also be encouraged to have the buffet set up and open to the luncheon guests at 12:00 pm sharp.

Committee members discussed a number of the programs for the coming year:

March, Itasca Development Corporation - recap of the Economic Summit; April, Mike Carroll – State Forester; May, Guthrie Theatre; June, MN Mississippi River Parkway; August, State of the City – Sue Zeige; September – Mesabi Trail; October, biologist from the Ruffed Grouse Society; November, Grand Rapids Clinic; December, Itasca Non-profit Council – Non-profits "Showcase"?.

Committee members discussed the Christmas Lights & Carols program. The Program Committee did not coordinate that event(s) for 2001, but the Grand Rapids Parks & Recreation department is looking for a group to coordinate the event(s) for 2002. Members agreed that as a committee they do not want to take on the project at that time; committee members agreed that Lilah Crowe of the Itasca Historical Society and Central School should be contacted regarding the event.

Meeting adjourned.

The next meeting will be held at the Depot Conference Room on Tuesday, February 12, 2002 at 8:30am.

Submitted by: Jennifer Gooch