North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce President Jim Smith, left, presented Sue Ward a gift of an engraved cut glass jar at the May 14 meeting. She has served as chamber president for five years and on the board for many more, providing invaluable contributions to the organization.

NORTH WEBSTER — North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce President Jim Smith presented Sue Ward with a gift reflecting the chamber’s gratitude for her five years of volunteer service as president. This was done during the monthly chamber meeting held Monday, May 14, at the chamber office inside the Tippecanoe Township Building.

Under her presidential leadership, membership has grown, services to members have expanded and the Dixie Day Festival has increased in size and activities. Ward was elected to a new three-year term on the board of directors in 2017.

North Webster Community Guides were on hand from The Papers for delivery to various member businesses and other locations. The issue is from May 2018 through April 2019. It is free to the public. It is a combination of a chamber directory and a piece of tourist and resident information. Jen Ducey, board member, is in charge of delivery.

Secretary Susan Stump brought up moving the date for selling ads and putting together the directory to an earlier date. There was no objection.

The executive board discussed an issue it then brought to the entire board. Smith explained, “It has been suggested that the chamber send out a billing renewal to previous members instead of new applications. Changes, if any, can be made, and returned with the membership dues in one handy operation.” It was approved.

The board of directors voted to donate $500 to the Webster Lake Conservation Association fireworks show. The chamber has supported it for many years. The show will be held about 10 p.m. Saturday, July 7, and is shot off Kline Island in Webster Lake.

The Dixie sternwheel paddle tour boat will have a special fireworks cruise that evening. Board member Karilyn Metcalf noted, “Information on the Dixie cruises, which start the Friday of Memorial Day weekend, are online www.ridethedixie.com. There is information about the fireworks cruise there too.”

Clarification was made that if for profit chamber members want to have an event posted on the chamber’s information board they will be charged $25 a week. “That has been a standing rule for many years,” said Linda Land, board member in charge.

Smith requested copies of all paperwork be filed at the chamber office including vendor applications for the Dixie Day Festival.

The board approved Martha Stoelting remaining in charge of all chamber advertising including Dixie Day Festival. She commented the Dixie Day advertising budget included all the sponsorship monies as well as the $500 grant from the Kosciusko County Convention, Recreation & Visitor Commission, if awarded. It will be applied for again.

Board member Terry Frederick presented two bids for additional Dixie Day signage from two member companies. One bid was awarded to Maverick Promotions and bids for membership stickers will be solicited from both.

Sock’s Marina’s Dino Coverstone announced three more dealers will join the 2018 boat show. It will be held noon to 6 p.m. Friday, July 27, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 28, during the Dixie Day Festival. It will be located at the Lions Club Memaid Festival Grounds.

Metcalf will continue to look at new Christmas decorations for the chamber while Treasurer Brenda Peterson will research a new QuickBook program. Donations were given to the chamber in memory of Susie Ward.