Present: Marla Beaty, Sherry Frick, Bonnie Henriksen, Karen Lindgren, David Marty, Ron Oleheiser, Deb Page, and Derek Rolle

Absent: Ken Ericson, Marty Licke, Barbara Mason, Sue Mattson

Guests: Steve Downing

Chamber Staff: Bud Stone, Jennifer Gooch

Bonnie Henriksen, Chair, called the meeting to order.

Ron Oleheiser made a motion to approve the minutes from the September 11, 2001 meeting, Sherry Frick seconded; motion carried.

Steve Downing of MacRostie Art Center presented to the committee two prints of paintings done by Mitch Mickelson, a local artisan, which may be available for donation for the Annual Dinner’s silent auction. Deb Page believes she would be able to have the prints framed for approximately $95 each. Bud Stone commented that Tony Serratore had acquired a commitment from a business to donate a bronzed carving for the auction. Mr. Serratore also volunteered to donate his time and products for a wine tasting for the auction.

Committee members discussed the need for a task force or chairperson for the silent auction. Bonnie Henriksen commented that Sue Mattson and Marty Licke have experience with silent auctions. Marla Beaty volunteered to help, but would be unable to solicit. Karen Lindgren offered to help with solicitation of donations, but asked that she be given direction as to what businesses/persons to contact. Derek Rolle inquired as to how many items the committee believed would be solicited for auction. Upon discussion, committee members decided "about" 10 items.

The speaker for the Annual Dinner was discussed. The details of the grant that is being requested from the Blandin Foundation to facilitate the speaker’s fees will be known within the week.

Committee members reviewed the budget, invitation design, and existing schedule of events for the dinner. The festivities would begin with a cocktail hour and the opening of the silent auction. The dinner would take place with the silent auction continuing throughout. The presentation of the awards of recognition would take place, followed by the speaker. The evening would come to a close with the big band music and dance.

Table and corporate sponsorships were discussed. It was agreed that corporate sponsorships would not be successful and the table sponsorships should be aggressively sought. Committee members discussed a solicitation letter being sent to select entities, with an in-person follow up visit being made to "close the deal".

The date of the dinner was discussed. Some possible changes for next year were discussed, such as moving the dinner to the weekend, featuring entertainment rather than a speaker, and plugging the exclusivity of the event, as well as semi-formal dress.

The shirts available for embroidery and intended for presentation to chamber volunteers were considered. The "fuzzy" fleece jacket in the khaki color was selected. Sherry Frick commented that a certificate of recognition should accompany the gifts and that simple frames would be economically priced at $3 to $5 each.

Sherry Frick commented that she found the October law enforcement topic interesting and believed others did as well.

Committee members discussed the importance of forestry issues and the upcoming forestry related programs. Bud Stone shared his views and experiences with regards to current forestry issues. The possibility of grouping forestry related business table sponsors together at the Annual Dinner was considered.

Committee members discussed and confirmed the upcoming programs:

December 3, John McCoy – Blandin Paper Co. Forestry; January 7, Wells Fargo Economist; February 4, Mark Johnson – Mt. Itasca; March 4, Itasca Development Corporation; April 1, State Forester; May 6 – Guthrie Theater

David Marty shared with committee members that the possibility exists that storyteller Kevin Kling, representing the Guthrie Theater, may be performing at the May luncheon. Mr. Marty could not confirm the performance, but is sure that an entertainer will be the feature of the Guthrie’s program.

Meeting adjourned.

The next meeting will be held at the Depot Conference Room on Tuesday, November 13, 2001 at 8:30am.

Submitted by: Jennifer Gooch