North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce sent out ballots to fill the five open positions on the board. The five individuals whose seats were expiring all opted to place their names back on the ballot for re-election. Pictured, from left, are Sue Ward, Chris Trowbridge, Paula Miller and Elise Guy who were all re-elected to their positions on the board. Not pictured is Jerry Parsons, who was also re-elected to his seat on the board. Photo by Nicholette Carlson.

By Nicholette Carlson
InkFreeNews

NORTH WEBSTER — The main item on the agenda at the North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce November meeting was the upcoming tree lighting. The tree lighting will take place Saturday, Nov. 21, beginning at 4 p.m. The tree lighting countdown will begin at 6:15 p.m.

Tammy Waliczek mentioned the various businesses participating and events that will be taking place. Festivities prior to the tree lighting will include cookie decorating, free chili, hot dogs and hot chocolate, face painting, as well as popcorn and cookies. Santa Claus will also make an appearance. Cap’n Bob will sing along with the Lake City mobile unit playing Christmas music over the loud speakers. Matt Murdock will also be strolling the streets with his trumpet. Flyers will be distributed and information is on the chamber’s website.

Everyone who comes to the tree lighting is asked to wear a mask and maintain social distancing. Safety precautions are being taken by participating businesses. Since it is an outdoor event, Waliczek mentioned local health officials do not foresee a problem. Additional parking will also be available at the North Webster Church of God.

The chamber plans to do a shout out blurb highlighting each of the participating businesses through Facebook posts prior to the event. Presently the lights for the tree still needed to be tested. Waliczek thanked everyone on the committee for all the help and great ideas she received as the committee chair.

The chamber unanimously voted to purchase three live trees from Clayton Garden Center, though they will not be ready in time for the tree lighting. Chamber members also unanimously voted to place an ad in The Mail-Journal and ‘the PAPER’ for the tree lighting.

Sue Ward suggested the possibility of purchasing an electric tree or other Christmas decorations, such as those she has seen at Herman’s Christmasland. The discussion for additional decorations was tabled until the January meeting.

Ballots were received and counted regarding the five open board seats. Elise Guy with Guy’s Lawn Care, Paula Miller with Paula Miller Farm, Chris Trowbridge with Maverick Promotions, Sue Ward with Sue’s Creations and Jerry Parsons were all voted back into their positions for another three-year term. The terms will run through December 2023. Chamber President Mindy Scaggs thanked everyone for their hard work and willingness to remain on the board.

A motion was made for Emily Shipley to remain as vice president and it was unanimously accepted.
During the chamber’s continued review of the bylaws, a suggestion was made to include term limits for directors, with the option of rejoining after a set time or if no one stepped up to take his or her spot. The chamber discussed the possibility and plans to see what the Syracuse Chamber of Commerce has in place in regards to term limits.

The bylaws will be revisited again at the December meeting. The chamber also plans to discuss the annual awards banquet next month.

Chamber members also discussed the desire to have the town’s snowflakes put up prior to the tree lighting event.

The secretary report and treasurer’s report were both accepted. Invoices for chamber membership for 2021 are also being sent out.

The next meeting will be at noon, Monday, Dec. 14, at the Tippecanoe Township Building, 102 S. Morton St., North Webster.