Mindy Scaggs, chamber president, suggested finding ways to thank North Webster chamber members for going above and beyond and include the community. Pictured is Emily Shipley, Scaggs and Tammy Waliczek as Scaggs shows a photo of the flower arrangement done by Sue’s Creations for Mitch Price’s funeral. The individual who ordered the arrangement was elated with the unique addition of firemen’s boots and wanted to share her gratitude with the chamber and community. InkFreeNews photo by Nicholette Carlson.

By Nicholette Carlson
InkFreeNews

NORTH WEBSTER — Member packets and shout outs were two hot items on the agenda at the August North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce meeting.

Following up from discussions last month, Emily Shipley, vice president, mentioned she had ordered 5×7 picture frames for members of the month. While the board had discussed an 8×10 frame at last month’s meeting, that would have nearly tripled the cost so it was decided to go with the 5×7 option.

While discussing items that could be placed in a new member packet and discussing pricing options for chamber member window clings, window clings were found in the meeting room to be used for upcoming packets. The board discussed including board member names and contact information, calendar events, a brochure, a card and the window clings. Other potential items were discussed but none decided upon.

Board members decided to put together these packets for all members beginning 2021 — new and returning — and plan to have them ready and pass them out at the March banquet dinner. After 2021, only new members will receive the packets. A motion to create and develop these packets was passed.

Beginning a fund for member items, such as brochure printing, was also talked about. It was determined the board would discuss a good amount to put toward such items in the budget at a future date.

After hearing of two experiences in which North Webster Chamber businesses went above and beyond for customers, Mindy Scaggs, president, talked about a way to share an official shout out from the chamber. “How can we help share these stories to the world?” she asked her fellow board members. In one instance, Tangibles Resale and Consignment was able to do an excellent reupholstering job in half the time expected. In the second instance, Sue’s Creations put together a unique flower arrangement for Mitch Price’s funeral involving firemen boots.

The board invites community members to share their positive experiences of local chamber businesses going above and beyond with board members. The board will then post an official shout out and the story and photo on their Facebook page and Instagram. Using the hashtags #WebsterUnited and #chambercheers was also mentioned.

The November member of the month was chosen and passed via a vote.

Plans for the annual tree lighting ceremony Saturday, Nov. 21, are starting to be discussed. Tammy Waliczek, secretary, will be heading the committee. She asked for volunteers to be on the committee. Sue Ward and Elise Guy volunteered to assist. They will be starting meetings and reaching out to others for volunteers.

Annual lawn decorations were also mentioned. The board chose to table whether they will do the three smaller trees along with the large tree this year and talk with Clayton Garden Center about pricing and availability. They plan to return to the topic at next month’s meeting.

Fall banners are planned to be put up after Labor Day. Snowflakes will be put up after Nov. 1 in time for the tree lighting.

The North Webster board plans to promote an event suggested by Marilyn Cassell called United We Stand. Everyone is invited to line the streets of North Webster from 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, in order to give a thank you to local servants such as police, fire and EMS.

The board ended this month’s meeting with suggestions of members to get on the ballot for the open board seats. There are currently two open board seats and four board members’ terms will be up at the end of 2020. They hope to have a ballot prepared for the September meeting.

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