Present: Debbie Bruns, Lynn DeGrio, Sherry Frick, Bonnie Henriksen, Karen Lindgren, David Marty, Ron Oleheiser, Derek Rolle, Luanne Gislason, Sue Mattson, Marla Beaty, Shannon Mann,

Absent: Steve Kovala, Marty Licke,

Chamber Staff: Bud Stone, Shannon Benolken

Guest: Sandra Peterson

Bonnie Henriksen called the meeting to order.

The minutes of the June 11^th meeting were approved as submitted.

Sandra Peterson of Weekenders Fashions approached the committee with a fundraising idea. She indicated that she would like to have a fashion show on behalf of the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. She would be willing to donate 20% of the sales generated to be earmarked for the Ambassador parade float. Sandra indicated that the new fall line of fashions would be out on August 23^rd. She is open to any date and time.

Further discussion was tabled until the August meeting.

Karen and Shannon provided the committee with an updated list of prize donors.

Derek, Steve, Bud and Shannon visited with the staff at Wendigo. They were assured that everything would be ready on time for the event.

Due to not having a sponsor, there will not be an oasis tent this year.

The committee had many questions regarding the forum of the evening event such as what the sponsor would be responsible for paying, "What's in it for me?" if the sponsor can't speak at the event, etc.

The committee is also concerned that the event will run into the same pitfalls as the Business After Hours.

Sherry indicated that in Wisconsin, the sponsor did everything. The Chamber provided the mailing labels and the Ambassadors.

Bud, Sherry, Shannon and Marla will meet and present the committee with a proposal for the next meeting.

The committee discussed the upcoming programs. Bonnie indicated that she would have a report on the Mesabi Trail for the next meeting.

David passed around a sheet with suggestions for entertainment for the Annual Dinner. He will provide the committee with samples for the next meeting.

The Annual Dinner is scheduled for Saturday, January 18^th. (Please note that after the meeting, the Annual Dinner date was changed to Saturday, January 25^th.)

The next meeting will be held on August 13^th at 8:30 a.m. Please be prepared to discuss program ideas for 2003 at the next meeting.

Meeting adjourned.