North Webster Chamber Discusses Promotion, Christmas
NORTH WEBSTER — Though North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce lacked a quorum necessary to take any official action Monday, Nov. 12, the members present discussed a full slate of topics.
Brenda Peterson presented the treasurer’s report, noting the organization has $5,019.06 in its general account and $10,813.34 plus an unrecorded October interest accrual in the money market account. In October the chamber made disbursements for two funeral arrangements.
Sue Ward recapped the changes in a Clear Vision Media bid to perform promotional work for North Webster and the surrounding area. The vendor proposed creating for a $2,500 fee:
• A virtual super tour of North Webster’s downtown and key locations around North Webster, including five to seven super aerial panoramic shots
• Five street views with 360-degree panoramas
• Five to 10 brand images of the North Webster community for Google Maps and Google Images
• Five micro tours of key locations in and around North Webster, with one or two 360-degree panoramas per location
• A two- to three-minute video with on-camera testimonies touting North Webster and the community
Several chamber members met with the vendor last month and “everybody at the special meeting thought it was a good idea,” said Ward. The project “answers the question, ‘What is the chamber doing for our businesses?’” she said.
Discussion ensued about the cost and bid components. It was suggested the chamber could do some of the Google promotion and add street views and images at no cost.
Concerns were also expressed whether the cost would justify the internet traffic that would result and whether the bid included ongoing maintenance of the website.
It was suggested the vendor be invited to speak briefly at the chamber’s annual meeting in March. Ward will continue negotiations with Clear Vision Media and report back to the board.
The annual display of Christmas lights and a Nativity scene were also discussed. Options included lighting the big pine tree in front of Pilcher’s, purchasing ready-made light displays, and purchasing and lighting a trio of Christmas trees at a downtown venue.
Acknowledging time constraints, chamber President Jim Smith invited a motion by email, with action to be decided, also by email.
It was reported the Business After Hours, held Oct. 18 at Barbee Landing, drew about a dozen participants. It was the chamber’s first official Business After Hours event.
Other business:
• Planning for the next Shop Local Saturday will begin in April
• Setup of the organization’s QuickBooks accounting program has been completed
• Business members must submit their requests and information by Dec. 31 to be included in the chamber’s 2019 guidebook
The chamber will next meet at noon Monday, Dec. 10, in the Tippecanoe Township Building in North Webster.