Listening to discussion at the Monday, Jan. 14, North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce meeting are, from the left, board members Brenda Peterson, outgoing treasurer, Vice President Amanda Meerzo, President Jim Smith and Secretary Susan Stump. Kim Bolt, Mutual Bank, was elected treasurer.

NORTH WEBSTER — The new year brought some changes to the North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce at the Tuesday, Jan. 15, meeting. A new treasurer and board member were selected, plans for the annual chamber awards dinner finalized, Dixie Day Festival and new ideas for chamber events were discussed along with information on Business After Hours get-togethers and ribbon cuttings, dues being paid to be in the community guide and a possible fundraiser.

At the start of the meeting President Jim Smith, Loose Moose Motorsports, announced the yearly chamber office rent had been reduced from $700 to $1 by the township trustee and board.

Election for treasurer was held. Kim Bolt, Mutual Bank was elected by acclamation. Outgoing treasurer Brenda Peterson, Lake City Bank, remains on the board.

A resignation from board membership was received by Smith. Stacey Cox, Pletcher Insurance, will continue to assist in any way possible. Jerry Parsons, Med Stat-Syracuse and a North Webster resident, was elected to fill her position.

The annual chamber awards dinner will be held Monday, March 11, at the Owl’s Nest, North Webster. Invitations will be sent shortly and all members and employees of members are invited. Hours are from 5 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 p.m. A short program will also be presented on the town video and the community guide.

Nominations for Small and Large Business of the Year and Person of the Year are being accepted by the chamber to be awarded at the dinner. Download the form from www.northwebster.com for all the rules and requirements.

The businesses of the year must be five year or more chamber members. Stars are beside members names in the 2018-19 North Webster Community Guide, still available at local businesses. Person of the Year does not have to be a chamber member but is to have rendered outstanding community service. The new member of the month sign is ready and the next recipient will receive it in February. Vice President Amanda Meerzo, Mohaw Pier & Lift, is gathering a list for board selection. The chamber voted to give the February award to North Webster Church of God. Due to a new sign being made, no one was chosen for January.

Emily Shipley, Todd Realty, discussed the Dixie Day Festival 5K Race and some new ideas for it. She is the chairman of the race. Mindy Scaggs, Re/Max Lakes Realtors, is in charge of Business After Hours and ribbon cuttings as the chamber ambassador. She has scheduled both for April but is looking to hold other events sooner.

Some new ideas for town events were brought to the chamber’s attention by Kelly Thompson, The River Coffeehouse, while Smith was authorized to further explore a possible fundraiser with another non-profit.

Members will be reminded to get in their dues as soon as possible to be included in the North Webster Community Guide. Martha Stoelting, The Papers, commented, “The book will be out almost a month earlier than previously, on April 15. Everyone should be thinking about advertising and making sure their listings are correct. Susan Stump, The Papers and board secretary, is selling the ads. The chamber will receive a $500 rebate from the ad sales.”

The next meeting will be noon Monday, Feb. 11, chamber office, Tippecanoe Township Building.