Present: Lynn DeGrio, Sherry Frick, Bonnie Henriksen, Karen Lindgren, David Marty, Marty Licke,

Absent: Steve Kovala, Debbie Bruns, Ron Oleheiser, Derek Rolle, Luanne Gislason, Sue Mattson, Marla Beaty, Shannon Mann,

Chamber Staff: Bud Stone, Shannon Benolken

Bonnie Henriksen called the meeting to order.

Sherry Frick made a motion to approve the minutes of the July 9^th meeting. Marty Licke seconded the motion: motion passed.

A discussion ensued regarding Sandra Peterson's presentation of a fashion show fundraiser at the last meeting. Committee consensus is that it did not fit the committee's mission statement or the Chamber's mission statement. Committee members also felt that it would be setting precedence for other businesses such as Tupperware, and Home and Garden. Bud will call Sandra to thank her for the suggestion and let her know that the committee is not interested.

The committee received a handout explaining the event. The first event will be held on Thursday, September 26^th at 5:00 p.m. at the Sawmill Inn. Mediacom is the sponsor. Future "After 5:00's" will be held on the third Thursday of the month. Sponsors have a choice of advertising with a flyer in the newsletter ($100.00 plus the printing) or a postcard mailing ($300.00). The event will be publicized via email for free. The sponsor is responsible for appetizers and collecting $2.00 and a business card at the door. A drawing will be held at 6:45 p.m. for half the pot and the winner must be present to win. If the pot is not claimed, it will be added to the pot at the next event. The other half will go to the sponsor to help offset the cost of the food. There will be a cash bar.

The Ambassadors will be asked to greet at the events.

Attendance incentives were discussed. The issue will come up again at a later time.

Sherry Frick made a motion to approve the new networking event, Chamber after 5:00. Karen Lindgren seconded the motion: motion passed.

David Marty presented the committee with five entertainment options for the Annual Dinner ranging in price from $1400.00 to $2500.00+. After reviewing the videotapes, Marty made a motion to hire C. Willie Myles for $1800.00. He is comedian from the south who was recruited to play football at St. Cloud State Karen seconded the motion: motion passed.

Karen volunteered to chair the silent auction again this year. Shannon will have a copy of last year's budget for the next meeting.

A discussion took place regarding the Brave New Workshop, an entertainment company that customizes the performances to the needs of the clients. They also create training programs. David indicated that sometime within the next year the Reif Center would be having them perform something for students during the day, then a comedy club in the evening. Bonnie indicated that she would like to see the Chamber of Commerce and ICC partner with the Reif to provide some type of educational session as well. David will keep the committee informed as to the progress of hiring the group to perform.

Lynn will talk with Steve Arbour to make sure that the Wells Fargo Economist will be available for the January 6^th luncheon. The November luncheon has been changed from the Grand Rapids Clinic to the IMC Partnership.

February, March and April luncheon programs will be discussed at the next meeting.

Bud reported that the Golf Outing and Fun Day's net income would be approximately $7,000.00.

After the primaries, a special luncheon will be held to host a commissioner's forum.

The next Program Committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 10^th at 8:30 a.m.

Meeting adjourned.